Saint Helena: Travel Information
A remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, famous as Napoleon's place of exile — a British Overseas Territory with its own entry requirements.
About Saint Helena
Saint Helena is a volcanic island in the remote South Atlantic, roughly 1,200 miles off the southwest coast of Africa, best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's final exile and death. A British Overseas Territory governed together with nearby Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena only gained scheduled air access in 2017 with the opening of St Helena Airport, connected by a weekly flight from Johannesburg. Before then, the island was reachable only by sea.
Saint Helena sits administratively apart from any neighboring country in a way that doesn't map onto a "visit the parent nation's guide" approach — the United Kingdom is over 4,000 miles away, and the island has its own dedicated immigration system, currency, and entry permit requirements distinct from both the UK and any nearby African nation. For this reason, we treat Saint Helena as its own distinct entry rather than folding it into another destination's guide.
Entry Requirements
Unlike many small territories, Saint Helena does not offer visa-free entry to non-British visitors. All non-British travelers must obtain a Tourist Entry Permit before arrival, and proof of adequate medical insurance is mandatory.
Tourist Entry Permit Required
All non-British visitors must obtain a Tourist Entry Permit before traveling, allowing stays of up to 183 days. There is no visa-free entry, even for short tourist visits.
MandatoryMinimum Medical Insurance
Visitors must carry valid medical insurance of at least £175,000 (or equivalent), explicitly covering emergency treatment and aeromedical evacuation, and may be asked to show proof on arrival.
MandatoryReturn Ticket & Accommodation
A confirmed return ticket and proof of accommodation booking are generally required as part of the entry permit application process.
RequiredHealth & Practical Considerations
Saint Helena has a small general hospital in Jamestown providing basic care, but specialist treatment is not available locally. Serious medical conditions typically require evacuation to South Africa, which can take significant time given the island's remoteness — reinforcing why comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is a mandatory entry requirement rather than just a recommendation here.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Status | British Overseas Territory, governed together with Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha |
| Capital | Jamestown |
| Currency | Saint Helena pound (pegged 1:1 to the British pound; British pounds also accepted) |
| Official Language | English |
| Visa / Entry Permit | Required for all non-British visitors before arrival — no visa-free entry available |
| Typical Access | Weekly flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, to St Helena Airport (subject to periodic operational changes); occasional sea access via supply or expedition vessels |
Planning a Trip to Saint Helena?
Apply for your Tourist Entry Permit well in advance, secure medical evacuation insurance meeting the minimum coverage requirement, and confirm current flight status before booking.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personalized travel-health advice, and confirm current entry permit requirements and flight schedules directly with St Helena Tourism or St Helena Airport before booking, as conditions can change.
