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British Indian Ocean TerritoryTravel guide

Explore British Indian Ocean Territory visa rules

The British Indian Ocean Territory, also called the Chagos Islands, lies in the Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives. It is not a tourist destination. Diego Garcia is a military facility with restricted access. Independent sailors may visit some uninhabited outer islands with advance permission.

Why go

  1. Some uninhabited outer islands can be visited by independent sailors with advance permission.

  2. Visitors must bring their own food and sleep on their boats.

  3. Strict rules protect the islands, wildlife and surrounding waters.

Best time to go: June to September is drier and slightly cooler. December to February is the monsoon season. The climate is hot and humid.

Getting there

By air

  • There are no commercial flights.
  • Access to Diego Garcia is limited to people with connections to the military facility.

By sea

  • Permits are issued only to yachts in safe passage. Get permission before travelling.
  • Some uninhabited outer islands may be visited by independent sailors.

Customs

  • Do not bring fresh food ashore. It could carry non-native seeds or small animals.
  • Do not introduce plants or animals from elsewhere. Pets must remain on your boat.
  • Do not bring drugs into the territory.

Getting around

  • Road

    A paved road connects the airport and harbour on Diego Garcia. Driving is on the right.

What to see and do

  • Limited fishing

    You may catch fish for your own consumption within three days, using only a rod or line. Keep a fishing log in case the British government asks to see it.

Food and drink

  • Food from your boat

    Independent sailors must bring all the food they need. Do not take fresh food ashore.

  • Your own catch

    Limited fishing for your own consumption is allowed. Spear fishing is strictly prohibited.

  • Old wells

    Most islands have old freshwater wells, including Ile Boddam, Ile Takamaka and Ile du Coin. The water is not safe to drink untreated; it can be used for washing or filtered and purified.

Money

United States dollar (USD) and pound sterling (GBP)

Staying safe

  • Old buildings on Ile du Coin and Ile Boddam are structurally unsafe. Entering them is at your own risk.
  • Breaking the territory's rules can lead to fines or imprisonment.
  • Stay at least three nautical miles from strict nature reserves and Diego Garcia.
  • Diving is prohibited.

Local customs

Do

  • Keep a log of any permitted fishing.
  • Keep pets on your boat.
  • Take your rubbish away or use designated receptacles.

Don't

  • Do not kill, remove or disturb plants or animals, except for permitted fishing. This includes collecting shells.
  • Do not introduce plants or animals from elsewhere.
  • Do not damage old buildings.
  • Do not stay ashore overnight or build any camp or structure.
  • Do not go spear fishing or diving.

Laws to know

  • Commercial activity of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Staying healthy

  • Bring the food you need, as independent sailors must be self-sufficient.
  • Do not drink untreated well water. Filter and purify it before drinking.
  • There are no medical facilities. Be prepared to arrange a medical evacuation if necessary.

Where to stay

  • Sleep on your boat when visiting the outer islands.
  • You may not remain ashore between sunset and sunrise.
  • Do not set up a camp or any other structure.

Outdoor adventures in British Indian Ocean Territory

The British Indian Ocean Territory, also called the Chagos Islands, has tightly restricted access. Independent sailors may visit some uninhabited outer islands with advance permission, but this is not a tourist destination and diving is forbidden.

  • Sailing to the outer Chagos Islands

    SailingUninhabited outer Chagos Islands

    June–September is drier and slightly cooler. December–February is the monsoon season.

    Travel independently by yacht with advance permission. Only some uninhabited outer islands can be visited. There are no commercial flights, and Diego Garcia is restricted to people with connections to the military facility.

    • Permit: You need a permit, meaning official permission, before travelling. Permits are issued only to yachts making a safe passage through the territory.
    • Stay at least three nautical miles from strict nature reserves and Diego Garcia.
    • There are no medical facilities. Be prepared to arrange medical evacuation.

People and safety in British Indian Ocean Territory

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can marry.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 0 of 100 countries can visit British Indian Ocean Territory easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa required1
  • Entry permit required99

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Africa0 of 54 countries
  • Americas0 of 19 countries
  • Oceania0 of 14 countries
  • Asia0 of 9 countries
  • Europe0 of 4 countries

Questions

Is British Indian Ocean Territory part of United Kingdom?

British Indian Ocean Territory is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.

Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit British Indian Ocean Territory?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover British Indian Ocean Territory. Check the British Indian Ocean Territory visa page for your passport.

Where are the Chagos Islands?

They are in the Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives, about halfway between Madagascar and Indonesia.

Can I take a commercial flight there?

No. There are no commercial flights.

When is the weather drier?

June to September is the drier season, with slightly cooler temperatures. December to February is the monsoon season.

Can I buy supplies on the islands?

Commercial activity of any kind is strictly prohibited. Independent sailors must bring the food they need.

Can I drink water from the wells?

Not untreated. Well water can be used for washing, or filtered and purified.

Can I camp on an outer island?

No. You cannot stay ashore between sunset and sunrise or set up a camp or structure, so you must sleep on your boat.

Can I fish during my visit?

Limited fishing for your own consumption within three days is allowed, using a rod or line only. Keep a fishing log; spear fishing is prohibited.

Is medical care available?

There are no medical facilities. Be prepared for a medical evacuation if you need care.

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