United KingdomWestern Africa
Western AfricaSaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaTravel guide
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is a British overseas territory. Its islands are among the world's most isolated and lie many hundreds of miles apart.
Why go
Saint Helena
Ascension Island
The Tristan da Cunha island group
Getting there
By air
- Saint Helena Airport (HLE) has flights every Saturday from Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Airlink runs a monthly service to Ascension Island from Johannesburg, stopping at Saint Helena.
- The military charter flight from Brize Norton near Oxford in the United Kingdom stopped operating in 2017.
By sea
- The Royal Mail Ship Saint Helena stopped carrying passengers in February 2018.
Customs
- Request entry approval from the Administrator's office in writing before you travel.
- You must have full medical insurance that covers the cost of transport for medical treatment if needed.
Getting around
Driving
Drive on the left.
Money
Saint Helena pound (SHP) and British pound sterling (GBP)
- One Saint Helena pound has the same value as one British pound.
- British pounds, South African rand and euros are accepted throughout the territory.
- People on Tristan da Cunha usually use British coins and banknotes or exchange goods directly. Saint Helena pounds rarely reach these islands.
- Each pound is divided into 100 pence.
Typical costs
- Most costs are about 30% higher than in the United Kingdom.
Language
- English
Staying safe
Staying healthy
- Tap water is safe to drink on all three islands.
- You must have full medical insurance that covers transport for medical treatment if needed.
Airports, metros and trains in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Airports with scheduled flights
- ASIRAF Ascension IslandCat Hill
- HLESaint Helena International AirportJamestown
People and safety in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
LGBT+ travellers
Legal and protected
- Same-sex couples can marry.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 3 of 101 countries can visit Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required3
- eVisa95
- Visa required1
- Admission refused2
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.
- Americas3 of 19 countries
- Africa0 of 54 countries
- Oceania0 of 14 countries
- Asia0 of 10 countries
- Europe0 of 4 countries
Questions
Is Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha part of United Kingdom?
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha 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 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?
Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Check the Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha visa page for your passport.
Are the islands close to each other?
No. They are separated by many hundreds of miles.
What is the capital?
The capital is Jamestown.
How can I fly to Saint Helena or Ascension?
Saint Helena has flights every Saturday from Johannesburg. Airlink also runs a monthly service from Johannesburg to Ascension via Saint Helena.
Can I travel on the Royal Mail Ship Saint Helena?
It stopped carrying passengers in February 2018.
What money can I use?
Saint Helena pounds and British pounds have equal value, and British pounds, South African rand and euros are accepted throughout the territory. People on Tristan da Cunha usually use British cash or exchange goods directly.
How expensive is a visit?
Most costs are about 30% higher than in the United Kingdom.
What language do people speak?
English is the main language.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes. Tap water is safe to drink on all three islands.
Reviewed by @snuck