Antarctica Local Customs

TRAVEL ADVICE

Visa Requirements

No visas or passport are required for travel to Antarctica as no one owns the Antarctic..

Travel Health

As Antarctica has an extreme environment the cold is a serious health hazard. Visitors..

Local Currency

Antarctica is not a country and therefore has no single entity that is sovereign. It is..

Weather

The only time to visit Antarctica is during summer from November to March due to sea ice..

Local Customs

There are no permanent human residents in Antarctica although many scientists journey..

Languages

The native languages of the nations operating bases are used however English is commonly..

Transport Options

There are no airports in Antarctica capable of accepting ordinary commercial airliners...

Travel Tips

The best way to visit Antarctica is on a cruise ship where expert guides lead visitors..

Local Food

The food eaten on bases in Antarctica is mostly frozen, dried or tinned due to the..

Local Timezones

Antarctica Standard Time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Antarctica does not operate..

Dutyfree Limits

There is no duty free shopping in Antarctica however nearly all cruise ships offer duty..

Local Customs

There are no permanent human residents in Antarctica although many scientists journey there for extended stays while conducting research. Bases (small communities) are maintained year round and are composed of permanent research stations which are funded by governmental and non-governmental organisations representing as many as 28 nations. The currency, culture and language of Antarctica correspond to the nationality of the people occupying each station.

Antarctica has no government although various countries claim possession of certain areas however these are not legitimate claims. The continent’s status is regulated by the Antarctic Treaty and is politically neutral. Both military and mining activity is banned and the continent has been deemed a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. Other than research and tourism the primary activity in the Antarctic region is offshore fishing.

Pollution should be avoided at all times as Antarctica has a very fragile environment. Expeditions should remove all wastes from the continent when they leave as waste disposal and sewage facilities on the continent are limited. Due to this fragile environment it is particularly important that tourists do not introduce foreign organisms. Clothing and shoes should be examined to avoid bringing any plant or animal material to the Antarctic.