Falkland Islands
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in the Falkland Islands
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Falkland Islands, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
The crime rate in the Falkland Islands is low, and there is rarely any disorder.
Laws and cultural differences
The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Drug trafficking and possession are illegal in the Falkland Islands and can lead to a prison sentence.
Using cameras at Mount Pleasant Airport
You must have a permit to take photos at Mount Pleasant Airport as it is a military site. The UK Ministry of Defence only issues permits for work purposes or in exceptional circumstances.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2017. LGBT+ travellers are unlikely to encounter difficulties in the Falkland Islands. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Unexploded weapons
People still find landmines and unexploded weapons from the 1982 conflict on major battlefields and washed up on beaches. If you find a weapon, follow Royal Falkland Islands Police guidance. You should:
- not touch or approach the item
- clearly mark the area
- take a picture if it is safe to do so
- call 999 from a safe distance and wait for the police to arrive
Money
Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted outside Stanley. Check when making bookings and carry cash in British pounds or US dollars.
There is only one ATM on the Islands. If it’s not working, you can get a cash advance from the bank in Stanley, using a Visa or Mastercard.
Some travellers have experienced difficulties exchanging Falkland Islands notes at their bank in the UK. Limit the amount of Falkland Islands currency you leave with.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in the Falkland Islands, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK driving licence to drive in the Falkland Islands for up to 12 months. After this time, you must apply for a Falkland Islands driving license. See Royal Falkland Islands Police / driving licences.
Take care when driving outside Stanley, especially the road between Mount Pleasant Airport and Stanley, because of hazardous road conditions and strong winds. People have died on this road and accidents are common.
There are around 600 miles of unsurfaced roads on the Islands. You can use your UK driving licence to hire a self-drive 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
The speed limit is 25mph in Stanley and 40mph in other areas.
Air travel
The Royal Air Force (RAF) operates a fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton to Mount Pleasant Airport twice a week. This flight also stops in Ascension Island. It can be delayed because of poor weather, especially during the southern hemisphere winter. Carry some US dollars in case the flight is diverted to South America or North Africa.
The Falkland Islands Tourist Board has information on travelling to the islands.
There are weekly scheduled flights to Mount Pleasant Airport from Chile, operated by LATAM Airlines. Check before you travel for up-to-date information.
You can fly between the islands with the Falkland Islands Government Aviation Service (FIGAS) from Stanley airport. Book through FIGAS or a local tour operator. Check your flight has been confirmed the afternoon before your departure. In bad weather, check your flight is going ahead before you leave for the airport.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
The weather can change rapidly and you can experience several seasons in a single day. The sun can be very strong, so wear good sunglasses, a hat and high-factor sunscreen.