Starting next year, every visitor to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will need to apply online for a paid entry permit before setting foot on the remote British Overseas Territory. The change marks the most significant update to the region’s visitor rules in years, replacing the current practice of charging landing fees upon arrival.
The new Electronic Permit System will launch ahead of the 2025–26 tourist season and is designed to manage growing numbers of travelers while supporting conservation efforts. With a fixed fee and a firm application deadline, the process will apply to nearly all visitors and will affect how tour operators and independent travelers plan their trips.
Update – Aug. 3, 2025: The launch of the online portal has been temporarily postponed due to unresolved payment security issues. A new launch date has not been announced. Travelers and tour operators should check the official Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands website for the latest information.
Key Details of the New Electronic Permit System
Beginning in June 2025, all non-exempt travelers to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands will need to secure an entry permit before departure. The permit will cost £200 per person and must be obtained through an online application portal. The application must be completed and paid for at least 14 days before arrival, with no provision for on-the-spot issuance once a visitor is in transit.
The new system will be open for applications starting in August 2025, ahead of the next tourist season. Individuals may apply on their own, but given that most arrivals come via cruise ships, the government has built in a bulk application process for operators to submit details and payments for all passengers in a single transaction.
This is intended to reduce administrative workload for both the government and the travel companies that serve the islands.
The EPS will replace the current approach of charging landing fees to individual passengers during their visit. By moving the payment and verification process online, the government aims to have complete visitor records in advance, which will allow for better planning and coordination with tourism operators. The process will also make it easier to enforce compliance with conservation rules that govern access to sensitive areas.
Government’s Rationale
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands has linked the new Electronic Permit System to both operational efficiency and environmental protection. Commissioner Alison Blake CMG said the change is the outcome of a consultation process aimed at creating a modern system capable of managing a steady rise in visitor numbers.
Officials note that South Georgia’s ecosystem is highly sensitive, with limited visitor capacity in certain landing areas. By requiring advance permit applications, the government can better monitor and control the number of arrivals, schedule landings to reduce environmental impact, and ensure operators comply with conservation guidelines.
The shift from collecting fees on arrival to processing permits in advance also reduces administrative demands during the tourist season. It provides authorities with complete passenger information before ships arrive, enabling faster decision-making if weather, safety, or conservation conditions require changes to planned itineraries.
Application Process
Visitors will apply for the Electronic Permit through a government-managed online portal. The system will require applicants to provide personal identification details, travel dates, and information on the vessel or operator facilitating the trip. Payment of the £200 fee must be made at the time of submission.
The application must be completed no later than 14 days before the planned arrival date. This deadline applies to both individual travelers and passengers booked through cruise companies. Operators will have access to a bulk submission feature that allows them to enter passenger information and process payment for multiple travelers in one transaction.
Once approved, the permit will be issued electronically and verified by authorities before a vessel’s arrival in the territory. Passengers without a valid permit in the system will not be authorized to land.
Possible Exemptions
The government has confirmed that some visitors will not be required to obtain an Electronic Permit. While the final exemption list has not yet been released, current visitor categories and operational needs suggest the following groups are likely to be included.
Government Officials on Official Duty
Individuals traveling to the territory as part of an official assignment may be exempt. This could include representatives of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, UK government personnel, or visiting dignitaries. Their travel is typically coordinated in advance through official channels, with documentation to confirm their status.
Scientific Researchers on Approved Projects
Researchers conducting fieldwork under permits issued by the territory’s administration may qualify for an exemption. These projects often involve long-term environmental monitoring, wildlife studies, or other scientific initiatives that support conservation and resource management. Applicants will likely need to present research authorization documents.
Logistical Personnel Supporting Operations
Workers responsible for maintaining or supplying infrastructure critical to the territory’s operations may be exempt. This includes personnel delivering fuel, equipment, or supplies, as well as those performing maintenance on research stations, landing sites, and navigation aids. Proof of assignment from an authorized organization will likely be required.
Crew Members Not Disembarking Passengers
Crew members of vessels transiting the territory without bringing passengers ashore may be exempt. These individuals are present solely to operate and manage the vessel and have no tourism-related activity planned during their time in the region. Vessel operators would be expected to confirm crew status during pre-arrival checks.
The government will publish detailed criteria, documentation requirements, and instructions for claiming exemptions closer to the launch of the Electronic Permit System in June 2025. All travelers are advised to check the official Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands website before making arrangements
Regional Comparison
The new Electronic Permit System places South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in line with other remote destinations that regulate visitor entry through advance authorization. In the Falkland Islands, travelers clear immigration upon arrival with variable fees depending on the circumstances.
For Antarctic visits, permits are generally obtained through tour operators under national authority, with the cost included in the trip price. While South Georgia’s system adds a fixed £200 fee and an online application at least 14 days in advance, the overall approach mirrors other regions that prioritize controlled access and environmental protection.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Electronic Permit System marks a significant change for travel to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Visitors will need to plan further in advance and complete the online application process before departure. The government aims to balance growing tourism with the need to protect the territory’s sensitive environment.
Cruise operators and independent travelers should prepare for the new requirements well ahead of the June 2025 launch. Reviewing official updates will be essential to avoid delays or denied landings. Early compliance will help ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
Source: https://gov.gs/new-electronic-permit-system-for-visitors/