The UK government has updated its St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha travel advice, with the latest change focused on payment methods in Tristan da Cunha. For travellers, the bigger message is simple: do not treat these islands like a normal holiday stop. Plan cash, permits, insurance, transport and emergency backup before you go. The official FCDO travel advice was updated on 6 July 2026 and remains current as of 7 July 2026.

What changed in the UK Gov travel advice?

The latest UK Gov update adds clearer information about how travellers can pay in Tristan da Cunha. Cards are accepted only in limited places, most transactions remain cash-based, and there are no ATMs on the island. British pounds, euros, US dollars and South African rand are accepted in cash, but travellers should not assume currency exchange will always be available.

Quick tip for travellers: bring enough cash, carry a backup payment plan, and check with your accommodation or local contact before departure.

Do UK travellers need a visa or permit?

Yes, entry rules are different for each island. St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha are British Overseas Territories, but they set and enforce their own entry requirements.

For St Helena, travellers need a return ticket or funds to buy one, accommodation, enough money for the visit, and medical insurance covering evacuation up to £175,000. The official St Helena Government short-term entry permit page also confirms the £20 entry fee and insurance requirement.

For Ascension, travellers need a visa, return ticket, accommodation, sufficient funds and medical evacuation insurance of at least £500,000. The Ascension eVisa service states visitor e-visas can be issued for up to 3 months in a 12-month period.

For Tristan da Cunha, you must get permission from the Island Council and hold insurance that covers medical treatment and possible evacuation to Cape Town. The official Tristan tourism guidance also says visitors need a confirmed return passage, sufficient funds and medical evacuation cover.

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How should travellers carry money on St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

The safest money plan is cash first, card second, backup always. St Helena and Ascension have limited card use and no ATMs. Tristan da Cunha now accepts credit and debit cards in only a handful of places, including the Post Office, Tourism Centre, Administrator’s Building and Albatross Bar, but most payments are still made in cash.

A smart traveller move is to set up the Bank of St Helena Tourist Card before arrival. The bank says the virtual prepaid GBP card works through the Tourist Card app, can be used at many St Helena Pay locations, and should be registered a day or two before travel because cards can take up to 24 hours to generate.

Practical tip: keep small notes for taxis, cafés, tours and local fees. Do not arrive with only a phone wallet. Some taxis, hotels, restaurants and tours may still require cash.

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Is it safe to travel to St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha?

Yes, crime levels are low, but remoteness is the real risk. The FCDO says crime levels on the islands are low, but travellers still need to prepare for strict local laws, limited transport, limited healthcare and slow evacuation options.

Do not do these things:

• Do not drink alcohol in public in the Jamestown area of St Helena.
• Do not bring or use illegal drugs. Penalties are severe, even for small amounts.
• Do not enter restricted areas on Ascension without checking locally.
• Do not camp on Tristan da Cunha.
• Do not hike to Queen Mary’s Peak or remote Tristan areas without a guide.

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What about flights, boats and travel delays?

Build flexibility into every booking. St Helena has scheduled flights through Airlink, but the FCDO recommends flexible onward tickets because delays can happen. Ascension access is limited, including charter and Ministry of Defence-linked fare-paying options. Tristan da Cunha is reached only by boat, and the voyage can take up to a week or longer in bad weather.

Real planning example: if your Tristan ship leaves earlier because weather is closing in, you may have to cut the visit short. That means your insurance, work leave, Cape Town accommodation and onward flight should all have wiggle room.

What healthcare should travellers prepare for?

Medical evacuation cover is essential, not optional. St Helena has adequate medical care, Ascension has a small hospital for routine treatment and minor injuries, and Tristan da Cunha has general-practice-level care. Serious cases on Tristan usually need evacuation to Cape Town, and the FCDO warns it can take up to 2 months before a ship is available.

Travellers should check vaccine advice at least 8 weeks before departure. TravelHealthPro recommends travellers be up to date with routine UK vaccinations, and it lists tetanus and typhoid guidance for these islands.

Emergency numbers to save before you go

Save these numbers offline and print them with your insurance details.

There are no British Embassies on these islands. The local authorities handle emergency assistance, and travellers should also contact their travel provider and insurer quickly during a serious incident.

Final traveller checklist before booking

Before paying for flights, ship berths or accommodation, check these five things:

1. Passport validity: 6 months after arrival for St Helena and Ascension; valid for your stay on Tristan da Cunha.
2. Permit or visa: entry permit for St Helena, visa for Ascension, Island Council permission for Tristan.
3. Medical evacuation insurance: £175,000 for St Helena, £500,000 for Ascension, Cape Town evacuation cover for Tristan.
4. Cash and card plan: no ATMs, limited card use, and cash still matters.
5. Flexible transport: delays are part of travel in the South Atlantic.

The best way to travel here is slowly, carefully and with backup plans. These islands reward prepared travellers, but they are not places to “sort it out on arrival.”