The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands archipelago will soon introduce a mandatory electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system for all visitors. This measure aims to strengthen environmental protection while regulating tourism and scientific activities in this preserved territory in the South Atlantic.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic, renowned for its spectacular polar landscapes and exceptional wildlife, including king penguins, elephant seals, and albatrosses.
Due to its fragile biodiversity and isolation, the archipelago is subject to strict access and conservation regulations.
In line with this preservation policy, the local authorities have announced the introduction of a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, applicable to all visitors to the archipelago.
This system, which will replace the current landing fee system with an individual permit, will make it possible to manage access requests more efficiently, centralize traveler information, and ensure that all activities comply with current environmental standards.
An ETA portal will soon be available for visitors to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
The Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Alison Blake, said last April that “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,” added the Commissioner.
Originally scheduled for August 1, 2025, the opening of the official portal for submitting permit applications was to mark a turning point in the management of arrivals, whether tourists, researchers, or crew members.
However, the government announced yesterday a temporary postponement of the launch due to technical difficulties affecting payment security. No new date has yet been announced, but an official update is expected shortly.
“The launch of the portal has been temporarily postponed due to technical issues with payment security. An update will be provided shortly,” announced the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
Who is affected by this new electronic travel authorisation?
All persons wishing to land on the shores of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will soon be required to use this electronic system. This applies to:
- tourists arriving on cruise ships or sailing boats,
- scientific and technical teams,
- professional documentary filmmakers and photographers,
- crew members wishing to set foot on land during stopovers.
The authorities explain that “the vast majority of people entering South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for work or visitor purposes will require an Entry Permit. There will be separate permits for work and visitor purposes.”
“Both should be applied 14 days in advance of the intended date of arrival. A visitor permit is valid for 30 days and a work permit, 1 year,” the government said.
The price of the visitor ETA will be set at £200 per application. The work permit will be free of charge.
