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Territory of United Kingdom

South America

Falkland IslandsTravel guide

Explore Falkland Islands visa rules

The Falkland Islands are two main islands and several hundred smaller islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, off southern South America. They are a British Overseas Territory, also claimed by Argentina, known for wildlife and rural life.

Why go

  1. Watch penguins and other wild birds.

  2. See elephant seals, sea lions and fur seals.

  3. Stay in rural farmhouses and wildlife lodges.

  4. Explore smaller islands by local plane.

  5. Fish for sea trout and mullet from September to April.

Best time to go: October to March is the main visitor season, with November to March especially popular. Expect cool weather and strong winds.

Getting there

By air

  • All commercial international flights arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport, 56 km from Stanley. Stanley Airport mainly handles flights within the islands.
  • LATAM runs a weekly flight from Santiago through Punta Arenas in Chile. It makes an extra stop in Rio Gallegos in Argentina once a month.
  • AirTanker carries commercial passengers from Royal Air Force Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. Flights normally take 18 hours, including a stop on Ascension Island.

By sea

  • Large cruise ships are a common way to visit the islands. Many make several island landings.
  • Outside Stanley, cruise passengers land in small inflatable boats. You may need to wade from the boat to shore where there is no dock.

Customs

  • All visitors need a passport, including British citizens.
  • Bring proof of a return ticket, accommodation and enough money for your stay. A major credit card is accepted as proof of funds.
  • Travel insurance must include at least US$2,000,000 of medical evacuation cover.

Getting around

  • Local planes

    The Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service, called FIGAS, is the usual way to travel between islands. Its small planes carry up to eight passengers, depending on landing conditions. Book at least 24 hours ahead by calling +500 27219, emailing freservations@figas.gov.fk or visiting the airport. Flights leave from just outside Stanley twice daily. Schedules are announced on Falklands Radio the night before, and most lodges post them. The baggage limit is 20 kg per person, and both you and your bags are weighed. Extra baggage costs £1.40 per kg if space allows. Most landing strips are grass or dirt. Small delays can happen while livestock is moved out of the way. You can pay fares with cash or a credit card.

  • Ferry and charter boats

    A regular passenger ferry links New Haven and Port Howard. New Haven is about two hours from Stanley by car. Book ferry tickets in advance through Workboat Services on 22300. Large groups may be able to charter a boat in advance to reach smaller islands. Contact the island owner before visiting, as many islands charge landing fees. The source reports no regular boat service for small tourist groups to outer islands as of March 2010. It also states that Golden Fleece does not run an island taxi service.

  • Rental vehicle

    Land Rover rental may be available in Stanley through the Falkland Islands Company or Stanley Services. Roads in Stanley are paved. Elsewhere, they range from maintained dirt roads to boggy tracks. A rental vehicle is generally unnecessary unless your plans specifically require one.

What to see and do

  • Penguins and other wildlife

    The islands are known for their wildlife, especially their penguins.

  • Museum on Holdfast Road

    The source lists this museum as a sight to visit.

  • Seal colonies

    Watch elephant seals, sea lions and fur seals from a safe distance.

  • Fishing

    The season runs from September to April, with opportunities to catch sea trout and mullet.

  • Wildlife photography

    Photograph birds and seals while staying at least six metres away. Move slowly, stay low and keep outside colonies.

  • Visit smaller islands

    Local flights reach many island locations. Large groups may also be able to arrange a boat charter to less-visited islands.

Food and drink

  • British-style meals

    Fish and chips, roast beef and mutton are common.

  • Rural lodge meals

    Many lodges outside Stanley serve home-cooked food in generous portions.

  • Milanesa and Casuela

    These dishes reflect Spanish influences on local food.

  • Diddle-dee jam

    A local speciality made from wild red crowberries.

  • Fresh produce and milk

    Fresh fruit and vegetables are difficult to find and expensive. Milk is long-life rather than fresh.

  • Boiled penguin eggs

    The source describes these as a delicacy available in some higher-end hotels.

Money

Falkland Islands pound (FKP), equal in value to the British pound (GBP).

  • British pounds are generally accepted throughout the islands.
  • Stanley's only bank exchanges money and is across from the FIC West store.
  • The source lists a cash machine at Stanley Services on the bypass as the islands' only one in 2021. The bank does not have a cash machine.
  • Credit cards, euros and U.S. dollars are often accepted in Stanley.

Typical costs

  • Departure tax: £40.
  • Mount Pleasant–Stanley airport shuttle: £22 per person each way.
  • April 2025 flight examples: about US$500 return from Punta Arenas, or US$250–300 each way to or from Rio Gallegos.
  • The source gives return flights from the United Kingdom as costing over £2,000 for most travellers.
  • Fresh produce examples in the source include £1 for a banana and about £2.50 for two small tomatoes.
  • International calls using Sure phone cards cost £0.90 per minute.

Language

  • English is the main language.
  • Knowledge of Spanish is fairly widespread, and there is a small Spanish-speaking population.
Camp
Anywhere in the islands outside Stanley; the countryside.

Staying safe

  • Crime is rare, but keep belongings attended and avoid travelling alone late at night.
  • Keep well away from seals, especially when they have young or feel cornered. If an animal notices you, you may be too close.
  • Watch carefully in tall grass on beaches and dunes. Large animals can be hidden there.
  • Stay away from nesting terns and skuas. They may scratch or peck people who approach their nests.

Local customs

Do

  • Ask permission before entering private land.
  • Keep to paths where possible, and leave gates as you found them.
  • Take rubbish and cigarette ends away with you. Be very careful with smoking because fire risk is high.
  • Give wildlife the right of way, especially birds and seals coming ashore.
  • Stay outside wildlife colonies and at least six metres from animals. Move slowly and quietly.

Don't

  • Do not call the islands Argentine; this can cause serious offence among residents.
  • Avoid calling islanders 'Benny' or 'Kelpers', as these names can cause offence.
  • Do not touch, feed, chase, injure or kill wildlife.
  • Do not block animals' routes to their colonies or disturb resting and breeding areas.
  • Do not pick protected plants or damage rocks and buildings.
  • Do not take whalebones, skulls, eggs or similar items out of the islands.
  • Drugs are not tolerated.

Staying healthy

  • There are no special medical requirements for visiting the islands.
  • Stanley has a large hospital, but there are no medical facilities outside the capital.
  • Being flown out for serious medical treatment is very expensive. Your travel insurance must cover medical evacuation.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.

Phone and internet

  • There is a fourth-generation (4G) mobile phone network with decent coverage. Signal can be difficult to find outside settlements.
  • Broadband internet is available across the islands, but the source describes very slow speeds, around 56 kilobits per second or less.
  • Several hotels and the visitor centre have computers that use Sure internet cards. Wireless internet hotspots are also available.
  • Buy phone and internet cards at the Sure office in Stanley, on the hill past the War Memorial, or at some town shops.

Where to stay

  • Stanley has many bed and breakfasts and a handful of hotels. Booking ahead is recommended.
  • Outside Stanley, accommodation ranges from old farmhouses to purpose-built tourist lodges.
  • Book rural accommodation in advance; this is essential.
  • Many places are self-catering. Buy supplies in Stanley or check whether they are available locally.

Outdoor adventures in Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands offer wildlife watching, especially penguins, and fishing for sea trout and mullet. Most visitors come between October and March, but conditions are cool and strong winds are common.

  • Falkland Islands wildlife watching

    Wildlife

    October–March

    Watch penguins and other wildlife on the islands. Check beaches and dunes carefully, as long grass can hide large animals.

    • Keep well away from seals and sea lions, especially those with young. If an animal notices you, you are too close.
    • Stay away from nesting terns and skuas. They may scratch or peck people who approach.

  • Sea trout and mullet fishing

    More to do

    September–April

    Fish for sea trout and mullet during the September–April fishing season.

    • Expect cool conditions and strong winds.
    • Wear sunscreen on sunny days. Wind can make the sun feel less strong than it is.

Airports, metros and trains in Falkland Islands

Airports with scheduled flights

  • MPNMount Pleasant Airport / RAF Mount PleasantMount Pleasant

People and safety in Falkland Islands

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian67%
  • No religion32%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 9 of 101 countries can visit Falkland Islands easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required9
  • Visa required92

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.

  • Asia3 of 10 countries
  • Europe1 of 4 countries
  • Oceania3 of 14 countries
  • Americas2 of 19 countries
  • Africa0 of 54 countries

Questions

Is the Falkland Islands part of United Kingdom?

Falkland Islands 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 the Falkland Islands?

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

When is the best time to visit?

Most visitors come between October and March for wildlife and the southern summer. The weather is still cool and often windy.

How do I book flights if I do not book online?

For flights from the United Kingdom, call the Falkland Islands Government Office in London on +44 20 7222-2542. For local flights, call +500 27219 or visit the airport in person.

Should I allow extra time for flight delays?

Yes. LATAM flights can be several days late, so keep spare time and enough money for an extended stay.

Can I use British pounds and bank cards?

British pounds are generally accepted throughout the islands, and cards are often accepted in Stanley. Ask accommodation owners about payment before visiting outlying islands.

Do I need to reserve accommodation?

Advance reservations are essential outside Stanley. They are also recommended in Stanley.

How close can I get to penguins and seals?

Stay at least six metres away and outside colonies. Move farther away if an animal notices you, and never block its route.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes. Tap water is safe to drink.

Will my phone have a signal?

The islands have a fourth-generation (4G) mobile network with decent coverage. Signal can be hard to find outside settlements.

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