Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is a British overseas territory consisting of the islands of Saint Helena and Ascension, together with the Tristan da Cunha islands group. These are among the world's most isolated islands and separated from each other by many hundreds of miles.
Regions
Understand
This is not really a country at all in the usual meanings of the word, but rather an administrative convenience for the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK and only born on 1 September 2009, when a new constitution came into force giving the three islands equal status within this "country".
That means that all relevant information is provided and maintained in the equivalent sections of the three individual islands (separated by many hundreds of miles) rather than here.
Talk
English is the main language used on these islands.
Get in
(see the appropriate section of the particular island you are interested in)
Visitors require entry approval from the Administrator's office, requested in advance in writing. They must also have full medical insurance which will cover the expense of medical evacuation, if needed.
Technically, no visas are required or issued.
By air
- The only airport is the military facility on Ascension island, but it's possible to purchase a seat on the military charter flights that usually operate twice a week from RAF Brize Norton (close to Oxford in the UK). Individual return tickets cost around £969 (Mar 2013), booked well in advance and preferably at least 28 days before the intended travel date, except in case of genuine emergency. All flight bookings need to be confirmed before the 14 day cut-off point. Group and students discounts are available. Contact Ascension Island Travel Agency, Tel: +247 6500, Fax: +247 6827
By sea
- The Royal Mail Ship Saint Helena sails from Cape Town to Saint Helena and then usually on to Ascension island before returning to Cape Town (usually via Saint Helena again) and sometimes Walvis Bay. Contact Andrew Weir Shipping [1], +44 20 7816-4803 in London or +27 21 425 1165 in Cape Town to make arrangements.
Get around
(see the appropriate section of the particular island you are interested in)
See
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Do
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Buy
The St Helena pound is at parity with the pound sterling which is accepted everywhere together with the South African rand and Euro. Pounds are subdivided into 100 pence.
The Tristan da Cunha archipelago is more than a couple of thousand kilometres away from St Helena so their pounds rarely make it that far; they tend to use British coins and banknotes instead, when they are not bartering.
Costs are about 30% greater than the UK, except for vices.
Tipping is not expected but will be greatly appreciated.
Eat
(see the appropriate section of the particular island you are interested in)
Drink
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Stay safe
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Go next
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