These islands form part of the itineraries of many cruises to the Antarctica
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has announced that it will launch a new electronic permit system (EPS) for visitors to the islands, in advance of the next tourist season, replacing the current system of levying landing fees by an individual visitor permit charge.
In a press statement, the government of the islands says that the cost of a visitor permit will be set initially at GBP 200 (USD 262). South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a group of barren, inhospitable islands, that are a British overseas territory, and lie about 1400 km east of the Falklands Islands or Malvinas Islands.
These islands form part of the itineraries of many cruises to the Antarctica.
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“We anticipate bringing the new procedures into force in June 2025, with applications for permits being accepted from August onwards. We will provide further information and guidance in due course. What this will mean is that every person that intends to visit, unless otherwise exempted, will need to apply and pay for a permit at least 14 days before arrival through an easy-to-use web-based application portal. Applications can be made on an individual basis, although recognising that most visitors arrive by cruise ship, operators are encouraged to apply on behalf of their guests through a bulk application service,” says Alison Blake, Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Alison Blake
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“The introduction of the Entry Permit System is the culmination of work and consultation to develop a modern permit system that will support increasing tourism interest in South Georgia. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will do all we can to ensure that the transition to the new system is made as easy and smooth as possible for operators and tourists wishing to visit this fragile and unique wonder of the natural world. The new system will help us to manage increasing tourism and support long-term conservation in South Georgia,” Blake adds.
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