British Indian Ocean Territory visa requirements for British citizens
We don't have the rules for british citizens visiting British Indian Ocean Territory yet. Ask the embassy before you travel.
GBR
United Kingdom
IOT
British Indian Ocean Territory
No information yet
Ask the embassy before you travel.
- Visa
- Unknown
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Check the destination's official government website before you travel.
Ways into British Indian Ocean Territory
Yacht crews need 2 permits before stopping at approved Outer Islands sites.
Other routeYacht stop permitsThese permits let yacht crews stop at approved sites for safe passage.
- Stay
- 7–28 days
- Valid for
- 28 days
- Fee
- £100
- Processing
- 56 days
How to apply
- Read the yacht guide and sign the application.
- Email documents to BIOTadmin@fcdo.gov.uk; use your yacht's name as subject.
- Keep each email under 10MB.
- Pay as instructed; send the bank transfer receipt after approval.
- Get both permits before travel; apply at least 56 days ahead.
Documents required
- Signed visitor and yacht application
- Passport copies for everyone aboard
- Passports valid for 6 months
- English insurance: 100,000 USD medical evacuation/person
- Insurance: wreck recovery, cleanup and removal
- Marked sections showing required insurance cover
- Travel insurance
- Approval isn't guaranteed; yachts must be self-sufficient. Diego Garcia access isn't included.
- Permits cannot be extended; crew changes aren't allowed after issue.
Sources (8)Last updated 11 November 2026
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Visa requirements
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Applying for a permit
- British Indian Ocean Territory: Guidance for Yachts
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Visiting
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Current travel advice
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Governance and immigration responsibilities
- British Indian Ocean Territory Administration: Contacts
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Entry requirements
Coming from United Kingdom
- MoneyUSD $
- Time+14h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
- Emergency112 or 999 police
Planning your British Indian Ocean Territory trip
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.
Read the full British Indian Ocean Territory guide
About British Indian Ocean Territory
The British Indian Ocean Territory is the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean.
- Capital
- Diego Garcia
- Money
- United States dollar ($)
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- UTC+06:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +246
Other Europe passports
Going to British Indian Ocean Territory
Easier trips nearby
Places close to British Indian Ocean Territory with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do british citizens need a visa for British Indian Ocean Territory?
We don't have the rules for british citizens visiting British Indian Ocean Territory yet. Ask the embassy before you travel.
Do other Europe passports get easier entry to British Indian Ocean Territory?
None of the 4 other Europe passports we compared enter without applying first.
Which countries near British Indian Ocean Territory are easier for british citizens?
Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles Zambia, and 3 more let british citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to British Indian Ocean Territory?
Check the destination's official government website before you travel.
What money is used in British Indian Ocean Territory?
United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in British Indian Ocean Territory?
English.
How strong is the United Kingdom passport?
It ranks #7 and reaches 155 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck