Falkland Islands

Though it's neighbored by South America and Antarctica, the Falklands are British through and through, with peat fires burning in every hearth and teatimes to set your clock by. With only a scattering of inhabitants (half of whom are British military personnel), it's hardly Touristville.

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While most people associate islands with the tropics, there's something to be said for a peaceful nature walk during a cool Falkland summer. When the sun does shine it can be intense; bring good sun protection and a hat. Weather is usually changeable with low to moderate rainfall spread out evenly over the year. The winter can get quite somber with little sunshine and sub zero temperatures, but between November and April, active tourists will enjoy the brisk climate.

Transport

Getting around

Mount Pleasant International Airport and Stanley are connected by regular bus service, but transportation outside the two is sporadic and expensive. The only regular inter-island flights are courtesy of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which flies 10-seat puddlejumpers on demand to grass airstrips throughout the Falklands. The 14kg (30lb) baggage limit is strictly enforced.

Boats for day trips can be chartered in settlements throughout the islands. Rental cars are available in Stanley, and some camp lodges provide 4WDs with driver-guides for their guests. Visitors may use their home driver's licenses for up to 12 months. Driving is on the left.

Getting there and away

Transportation to the Falkland Islands is strictly by air. There are six civilian flights a month from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England, and weekly flights from the airports of Santiago and Punta Arenas in Chile. Mount Pleasant International Airport is about 60km (35mi) west of Stanley.

Health & Legal Requirements

Dangers and annoyances

Despite the signs at the outskirts of Stanley warning you to put your seat belts on as you leave town and take them off when you enter, it's wise to wear them all the time. Accidents do happen on Falklands roads; running off the road into the scenery is not a good idea, and in camp (outside Stanley) it can be a long time before help comes along.

Near Stanley and in a few camp locations on both East and West Falkland, plastic land mines remain. Minefields are clearly marked and no civilian has been injured since the Falklands War. Never even consider entering one of these fields - the mines will bear the weight of a penguin or even a sheep, but not a human. A cow or two has had an unpleasant mine experience. Apart from the danger of blowing your leg off, you can be fined up to 1000.00 for entering a minefield.

Visas overview

All nationalities, including British citizens, must carry valid passports to visit the Falklands. Visitors from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most South American countries will not require a visa. Travelers from other nations should check with their nearest British embassy or consulate for visa requirements.

Visitors normally get a one-month visitor's permit on arrival. Officially, visitors must have an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds or credit cards to finance their stay; they must also have at least their initial night's accommodation booked. In practice, arrivals who don't have pre-booked accommodation are held in the arrivals area while rooms are found. As Stanley can be completely booked out, it's a good idea to book ahead for your first night.