Do you need permission to go to Antarctica?


Do you need permission to go to Antarctica? Travelling to any part of Antarctica on an expedition without permission is illegal. Doing so could lead to a fine or prison sentence. If you are a passenger on an organised visit to Antarctica, your tour operator would usually arrange for an appropriate permit.


Can you legally visit Antarctica?

Yes, you can visit Antarctica. In fact, Antarctica has never been more accessible to travelers. Do you need permission to go to Antarctica? Travelers do not need permission to go to Antarctica, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit.


What do tourists in Antarctica do?

Activities include sightseeing ship-based cruises, visits to operational scientific stations and historical huts, small boat cruising, visits to wildlife sites and other wilderness sites, hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping and scuba-diving.


Do you have to ask permission to go to Antarctica?

Travelers do not need permission to go to Antarctica, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit. First, a bit of background on why it is legal to visit Antarctica. Antarctica is not a country. The continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use.


How do I get permission to go to Antarctica?

For US citizens you will need to complete a DS-4131 ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FORM – TOURIST AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES IN THE ANTARCTIC TREATY AREA and then submit this to the Department of State's Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs. You will need to do this at least 3 months in advance of your intended visit.


How much is a plane ticket to Antarctica?

As no commercial flights operate to Antarctica itself, you would have to book with a private charter operator and prices for a flight expedition can reach in excess of $30,000. Budget at least $1000 – $1500 for flights, slightly more for European travellers.


Can you stay overnight in Antarctica?

Express Overnight Antarctic Stays. If you want to visit Antarctica with limited time, LANDED can arrange an overnight stay at an Antarctic camp. Express Antarctic camping itineraries typically center on a visit to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.


How much does Antarctica trip cost?

The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $8,000 per person. The least expensive trips to Antarctica start at under $5,000. Luxury voyages can exceed $15,000 per person.


Is Antarctica a no fly zone?

Planes can and do sometimes fly over Antarctica, it is not a no-fly zone and it is not illegal, it is just very impractical to do so. Smaller planes fly lower and have to deal with challenging weather conditions, snow-falls, white-outs and icing problems.


Can you visit Antarctica for a day?

It's possible through sightseeing tours by Antarctica Flights. The company operates flights that depart from Australia and fly one of 19 routes over the ice-covered continent. Flights depart and land at the same airport, making this one trip that actually is more about the journey than the destination.


Why is visiting Antarctica so expensive?

Why is it so expensive to visit Antarctica? Because of the Antarctic Treaty, only certain carriers can visit and they're required to have a permit. This means that even though there are now quite a few companies offering these cruises, there is still limited supply.


How to get to Antarctica cheap?

The cheapest way to visit Antarctica is by cruising on a larger ship that sails by the continent but doesn't let passengers go ashore. Instead, you will sail to the Antarctic Peninsula and into some of the surrounding bays where you will see wildlife, mountains, icebergs, and more. It is truly a magical experience.