Heard Island and McDonald Islands visa requirements for American citizens
We don't have the rules for american citizens visiting Heard Island and McDonald Islands yet. Ask the embassy before you travel.
USA
United States
HMD
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
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 Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Tourists need a permit and must stay in approved visitor areas.
Other routeTourist entry permitThis permit lets tourists visit approved areas of the islands.
- Fee
- Free
How to apply
- Contact the Australian Antarctic Division early.
- Fill in the environmental approval form.
- Email it to EIA@aad.gov.au.
- Apply about 150 days before departure.
- Allow about 210 days for complex plans.
Documents required
- Completed environmental approval form
- Public liability insurance, if needed
- Stay in approved visitor areas and bring everything you need.
- Agree not to hold Australia's government responsible for accidents.
Sources (11)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Australian Antarctic Division: HIMI permits
- Australian Government: Permit to enter and carry out a specified activity
- Australian Antarctic Program: Tourism frequently asked questions
- Australian Antarctic Division: Territory and administration
- Australian Antarctic Division: Heard Island and McDonald Islands
- Australian Department of Home Affairs: Immigration and citizenship
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Visas to visit Australia
- Australian ImmiAccount — not a territory permit portal
- Australian Embassy in the United States: Visas and migration
- Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom: Visas and citizenship
- Australian High Commission in India: Visiting Australia
Coming from United States
- Time+17h
- DrivingOn the rightSame as home
- LanguageEnglishSpoken at home too
Planning your Heard Island and McDonald Islands trip
- Big Ben and Mawson PeakHeard Island is dominated by the large mountain mass of Big Ben and the active volcano Mawson Peak. Travel to Heard Island is banned.
- McDonald IslandsThese small, rocky islands are actively volcanic. Landings are allowed only for compelling scientific reasons.
- Seals and birdsThe islands support large numbers of seals and birds. Four types of penguin live on Heard Island.
About Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Heard Island and McDonald Islands are an uninhabited Australian external territory near Antarctica.
- Languages
- English
- Time zone
- UTC+05:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +672
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Heard Island and McDonald Islands with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do american citizens need a visa for Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
We don't have the rules for american citizens visiting Heard Island and McDonald Islands yet. Ask the embassy before you travel.
Which countries near Heard Island and McDonald Islands are easier for american citizens?
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, and 3 more let american citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
Check the destination's official government website before you travel.
What language do people speak in Heard Island and McDonald Islands?
English.
How strong is the United States passport?
It ranks #12 and reaches 150 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck