Falkland Islands Travel Safety
British Overseas Territories
| Today in Falkland Islands: Boxing Day (26 Dec) |
Travel Safety in Falkland Islands
General travel safety in Falkland Islands on a scale of 1 to 4 — where 1 is safe and 4 is dangerous. Data compiled on the basis of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs.
Country
Falkland Islands
Updates
Updated: 7 Aug 2024 • Still current at: 13 Oct 2024
Status
LEVEL 1 - Exercise normal safety precautions
Use common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. Monitor the media and other sources for changes to local travelling conditions, safety and security concerns. Laws and social customs could differ significantly. You could face terrorist attacks, civil unrest, violent crime, or unique health threats - but overall, the risks are not great.
Safety and Security Tips
Road safety
Road conditions are good, but many roads outside the capital are not paved. Strong winds pose a risk due to the unpaved roads. To be safe, rent a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Public transportation
There are no public transportation services, but a shuttle bus is available between Stanley and RAF Mount Pleasant Airport. There is a passenger ferry in service between East and West Falkland.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available but do not have meters. Negotiate the taxi fare prior to departure. You can easily rent a car or hire a tour guide or driver.
Women's safety
Falkland Island is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.
Update 1 November 2020Emergency Calls
- Police112 or 999
- Fire112 or 999
- Ambulance112 or 999
Local Law and Culture
LGBT
LGBT people are unlikely to encounter difficulties in the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands Government legalised same sex marriage in April 2017. This followed a public consultation which found high levels of support for same sex marriage from the Falkland Islands community.
Illegal or restricted activities
Photographing of military installations, including RAF Mount Pleasant Airport, is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Exporting natural objects such as whalebones, skulls or eggs may constitute an offence in the Falkland Islands and could result in fines over USD$ 5,000.
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. You can drive with your foreign drivers licence for up to 12 months. You must wear a seatbelt while driving. Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced.
Update 1 November 2020Vaccinations and Medications
A doctor's consultation is required prior to any vaccinations being administered. This section is for informational purposes and does not exhaust all issues related to vaccination. Please contact your doctor for complete information on this subject.
Stay Healthy and Safe
Act in advance of to prevent. Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least 4-8 weeks before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Falkland Islands.
Before each trip, it is worth making sure that we are up to date with the routine vaccinations. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chickenpox, polio and flu.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.
It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.
The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).
Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
We have made every effort to ensure that the information presented reliably reflects the general safety situation in a given place. However, the data is provided for informational purposes only and we do not take responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from incorrect risk assessment. Before each trip, we recommend checking the current situation in the country of destination on the websites of the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
