Visitor Permit

A visitor permit is normally issued as a stamp in the passport on arrival in the Falkland Islands, applications are also normally completed on arrival. One month from the date of issue is the maximum validity. This permit can be issued by an Immigration Officer without referral, permit durations longer than one month require referral to a Senior Officer.

See below for details regarding business visitors.

It is recommended that visitors who wish to stay for longer periods apply for a visitor permit in advance. An application in advance will allow a validity of up to 6 months to be applied for. The maximum duration a visitor permit can be issued or extended to, taking into account any previously issued visitor permits, is nine months in a twelve month period.

For family members who wish to visit family and stay for longer periods it is also recommended to apply in advance. ‘Family member’ means the partner or a parent, sibling or child of a person who has either – permanent residency in the Falkland Islands or holds a permit that is not a visitor permit. The maximum duration a family visitor permit can be issued or extended to, taking into account any previously issued visitor permits, is twelve months in a twenty-four month period.

Visitor permit holders are not permitted to take employment

The requirements that need to be met by the traveller in order to obtain a visitor permit include the following -

• Proof of onward travel arrangements (i.e. return flight ticket) or sufficient funds to purchase one.
• Proof of pre-booked accommodation in the Islands.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the intended stay.
• Adequate medical insurance for the duration of the intended stay to cover aero-medical evacuation costs to a minimum value of USD 2,000,000 equivalent.

Business visitors

Employment is prohibited on a visitor permit, however under the Immigration Ordinance there are certain business activities that are permitted, details are in Section 17C of the Immigration Ordinance 1999, examples include but are not limited to - visiting medical consultants, legal practitioners, or those undertaking inspection, repair, maintenance, servicing, or installation of infrastructure, ships, aircraft, vehicles, apparatus or other equipment. This provision is limited to a period or periods aggregating three months in any consecutive period of twelve months. Please contact the Customs & Immigration Service if you believe these permitted employment activities may apply to you.