Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, about 500 km east of the South American coast. The territory has two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, and hundreds of smaller ones. Fewer than 4,000 people live here, most of them in the small capital, Stanley. The rest of the islands are known locally as "camp": open sheep farms, peat moorland and long empty beaches.
People come here mainly for wildlife. Five species of penguin breed on the islands, together with black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals and sea lions. Many animals are easy to watch at close range. In 1982 Britain and Argentina fought a war over the islands. Its memorials and battlefields are part of many visits. Argentina still claims the islands, which it calls Islas Malvinas. The Falklands suit nature lovers, photographers and history fans who accept high costs, basic infrastructure and very changeable weather.
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Money & payments
The Falkland Islands pound has the same value as the British pound. UK sterling notes and coins are accepted everywhere. Falkland Islands pounds are not accepted outside the islands. Spend them or change them back before you leave. Argentine pesos are not accepted.
- Cash: there is only one ATM, at the Stanley Services fuel station, and it works during business hours only. Bring some sterling with you.
- Cards: farm lodges and small operators in camp may prefer cash or bank transfer. Ask before you go.
- Costs: most goods are imported, so prices are higher than in the UK. Island lodges and guided tours are the biggest expense, but lodge prices usually include meals.
Tours & Activities
Falkland Islands — Map
Tipping
Tipping is not a strong custom in the Falklands. Nobody expects a tip in shops, pubs or taxis. In restaurants, a small tip for good service is welcome but optional. Many visitors give a tip to wildlife guides and 4x4 drivers after a long day out.
around 10 % for good service
at your discretion for wildlife tours
Electricity
The islands use the same plugs and voltage as the UK, so UK visitors need no adapter.
Language
English is the only official language and everyone speaks it. The local accent and some words are unique. "Camp" means all of the countryside outside Stanley. "Smoko" is a tea or coffee break with cake. The word "Malvinas" is sensitive here, so use "Falklands".
Staying connected
- Mobile network: Sure is the only mobile operator. Many foreign SIM cards do not roam here, so check with your provider before you travel. You can buy a local prepaid SIM at the Sure office in Stanley. Your phone must be unlocked.
- Coverage: mobile coverage is good in Stanley but patchy in camp. On remote islands, expect little or no signal.
- Internet: all internet comes by satellite. Data is expensive and often slow, and public Wi-Fi usually needs a prepaid card. Download maps and entertainment before you arrive.
Safety & emergencies
The Falklands are very safe. Crime is low and violent crime is rare. The main risks come from nature, not people.
- War remains: the islands were declared free of landmines in 2020. Old ammunition from 1982 can still appear on battlefields or wash up on beaches. Do not touch it. Mark the spot, move away and call the emergency number.
- Weather: conditions change fast, with strong wind and cold rain even in summer. The sun is very strong, so wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Roads: the road between Mount Pleasant Airport and Stanley has strong crosswinds and has seen fatal accidents. Most other roads are gravel tracks.
- Wildlife: sea lions and elephant seals can be aggressive. Keep your distance, especially on beaches.
Health
Tap water in Stanley is treated and safe to drink. No special vaccinations are needed for the islands. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley is the only hospital. It has UK-trained staff, a surgical team and intensive care. Visitors who do not live in the UK pay for treatment.
- Insurance: travel insurance that covers medical evacuation by air is required. Serious cases are flown off the islands, usually to Chile or Uruguay.
- Medicines: bring enough prescription medicine for the whole trip. Supermarkets in Stanley sell basic painkillers and similar items.
- In camp: help is far away on remote islands. Tell your lodge about any health problem when you book.
Visas & entry
Most visitors, including citizens of the UK, the EU, the USA, Canada and Australia, need no visa. On arrival you usually receive permission to stay for one month. If you want to stay longer, apply in advance.
When you arrive, you must show:
- a passport valid for your whole stay
- a return or onward ticket
- confirmed accommodation for your stay
- travel insurance that includes medical evacuation
- enough money for your stay
If you fly in through Chile, you must also meet Chilean entry rules. The islands have strict biosecurity rules. You must declare all food, plants and animal products. Clean your boots and outdoor gear before you arrive. A departure tax is charged when you fly out.
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Etiquette
- Private land: almost all land in camp belongs to farms. Ask the owner before you walk, drive or fly a drone on it. Close every gate behind you.
- Wildlife: stay at least 6 metres away from penguins and other animals. Never block a penguin's path between its nest and the sea. Let the animals come to you.
- Nesting areas: do not walk through albatross or penguin colonies, and keep off tussac grass where birds nest.
- The 1982 war: many residents lived through it. Treat memorials and cemeteries with respect, and avoid debates about sovereignty.
- Greetings: people in camp are friendly and informal. Drivers often raise a hand to greet each other on the road.
Holidays & opening hours
Public holidays close government offices, the bank and many shops. Liberation Day marks the end of the 1982 war and brings ceremonies in Stanley.
Stanley has a few supermarkets, small shops and pubs. Opening hours are shorter at weekends. Shops in camp are very few, so buy what you need in Stanley before you leave.
Getting around
There is no public bus or train network. Most visitors combine small planes, 4x4 vehicles and guided tours.
- By air: the government airline FIGAS flies small planes from Stanley Airport. They serve farm settlements and outer islands such as Sea Lion Island, Saunders Island and Pebble Island. Routes change daily with bookings, and the schedule is only confirmed the day before. Baggage limits are strict.
- By road: 4x4 hire is available in Stanley. For sights that need off-road driving, book a driver-guide. The islands drive on the left.
- By ferry: a vehicle ferry links East Falkland and West Falkland.
- From the airport: international flights land at Mount Pleasant Airport, about an hour by road from Stanley. Book a taxi or transfer in advance to reach your accommodation.
Driving
- Licence: a UK driving licence is valid for up to 12 months. Check the rules for other licences with your hire company.
- Road conditions: only roads in Stanley and part of the road to Mount Pleasant Airport are paved. Most other roads are gravel. Drive slowly, because loose gravel causes many accidents.
- Off-road: some sights, such as the king penguin colony at Volunteer Point, need real off-road driving across peat. Go with a local guide. Most hire cars may not leave the roads.
- Hazards: watch for strong crosswinds, sheep on the road and low sun.
- Fuel: fuel is sold at Stanley Services. Stations in camp are rare, so fill up before you leave Stanley and carry spare fuel on long trips.
Food & drink
Food in the Falklands is simple and British in style. Lamb and mutton come from local farms and appear at almost every meal in camp. Local squid and fish are also good, and fish and chips is a pub favourite in Stanley. Farm lodges usually serve home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner, often included in the price.
Smoko, the local tea break, usually comes with homemade cakes and biscuits. Look for jam made from diddle-dee, a small red native berry. Beer, wine and spirits are mostly imported, but a small distillery in Stanley makes local gin. Stanley has a few pubs, cafés and restaurants. Most of them close early, so plan to eat dinner early.
Where to explore
The capital
Stanley is home to most islanders and is where almost every trip starts. Visit Christ Church Cathedral, Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust and the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth in the harbour. War memorials line the waterfront.
The two main islands
East Falkland holds Stanley, the airport and most roads. It is the base for day trips to penguin colonies and 1982 battlefields. West Falkland is quieter, with large sheep farms and wild coastline.
Wildlife islands
- Sea Lion Island is small and easy to reach, with elephant seals, sea lions and several penguin species.
- Bleaker Island has gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins and good birdwatching.
- Pebble Island is known for its long beaches and many bird species.
- Saunders Island offers several penguin species and albatrosses close together.
- Carcass Island is known for small birds and gardens and has no rats or cats.
- West Point Island has a large colony of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins.
- New Island is a remote nature reserve at the far west of the islands.
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