Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a British Overseas territory located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
There are no permanent residents on the islands, but a few scientists and government officials. Air travel is not available to the islands and they are only accessible by private vessels and a few cruise liners make a stop every year.
The only settlement on the island is Grytviken where there is a museum.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
What Is the Climate Like in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
How Safe Is South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
The Museum in Grytviken
What Should I Take To the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands?
U.S. Embassy in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Routine Vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There are very limited medical facilities on the islands. You are responsible for any medical care you may need.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands follow the same basic entry requirements as the United Kingdom. Tourist visas are not required for stays up to six months. Business visas are required, including for unpaid, volunteer or part-time work.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to South Georgia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of the United Kingdom and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
The climate of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands is a maritime sub-polar climate. Westerly winds cause unpredictable weather with frequent rain and snow. Snowfall is more likely from April to October, though it’s possible to snow year-round.
The best time to visit is during the summer months between December-March. Temperatures range from the 30’s to 40’s year-round.
How Safe Is South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
There is no crime on the islands, but due to the remoteness of the islands, it is dangerous for people to travel to. There is no airstrip or emergency medical care on the island and weather can change quickly and become dangerous.
Beware of seals and try to stay away from them own the island. They can be extremely aggressive.
Old whaling stations are prohibited to go into because they are in disrepair and there is a risk of asbestos.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
The Museum in Grytviken
There is a museum in the settlement of Grytviken. The three people that work at the museum are the only permanent residents on the island.
Grytviken used to be a whaling port and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave can be found at Grytviken.
The South Georgia Museum is at the managers house and is open during the summer months. It currently houses artifacts from the old whaling station, the sealing industry, and the Falklands War.
What Should I Take To the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands:
- Bring strong clothing that is able to withstand severe weather conditions
- Clothing to withstand Antarctic conditions
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket and winter jacket
U.S. Embassy in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in South Georgia, but it is served by the embassy in the United Kingdom.
High Commission of Canada in London
Canada House, Trafalgar Square,
London, SW1Y 5BJ,
England, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 004 6000
Email: ldn.consular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
“The nurse was great- she was quick, efficient and had everything ready to go for vaccinations. I was a few minutes late to my appointment and we still managed to be in and out in under 45 minutes (which was the expected time I was given on the phone).”
“Everyone was very helpful in providing information about my trip and how to stay safe and protected. I never felt pressured to get anything that I didn’t want to.”
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