Antarctica

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

• Contact your tour operator directly in the event of an emergency.

Crime

• The Department of State is not aware of significant crime occurring in or around Antarctica affecting tourists. For more information, please reach out to your tour operator.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial and internet romance scams are increasingly common across the globe. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Recreational use of drones in Antarctica is strictly prohibited by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
• Traditional cellular networks do not exist in Antarctica. Satellite phones are both legal and widely utilized.
• Contact your tour operator for more detailed information about other communications systems. 

Environmental hazards

Travelers to Antarctica face serious risks from harsh weather and severe environmental conditions.

• Common threats include frostbite, dehydration, eye damage from reflected glare, sun overexposure, and boat accidents.
• Emergency response, like search and rescue, is limited. Coordination is complex, and weather can be treacherous.
• In an emergency in Antarctica, getting help can be very hard and expensive.

Victims of Crime

U.S. embassies and consulates can help. However, services will not be available until you leave Antarctica and enter a country that has a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you need U.S. consular services, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the next country you plan to visit.

U.S. embassies and consulates may be able to:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the next country they visit.

Tourism safety

No permanent tourism industry infrastructure is in place in Antarctica:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response and medical treatment are often not available.
• U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Antarctic Treaty Rules

Any trip to Antarctica carries safety risks. It can affect the environment and its ecosystems. The Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty set rules to manage risks and impacts. 

• The Treaty requires each Party (including the United States) to provide advance notification to the other Treaty Parties of all trips to the Antarctic Treaty area by its people or vessels.
• The Treaty area covers everywhere south of 60 degrees south latitude, including waters and islands around Antarctica. Treaty Parties also must give notice of any expeditions that were organized in their territory or that began in their territory. 
• In the United States, expedition organizers provide the information to the State Department. We then submit the advance notification information to a database available to all Treaty Parties. 
• U.S. tourists who book a cruise to Antarctica with a reputable company can usually expect their expedition organizers to handle the expedition’s advance notification.
• However, it is a good idea to check with your expedition organizer. Ask if they have completed their advance notification requirements. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators requires its members to do so. 

The Antarctic Conservation Act implements U.S. Treaty obligations under the Antarctic Treaty and its Protocol and Annexes. It applies to all U.S. citizens and prohibits several activities, including:

• Introducing any prohibited product onto land, ice shelves, or into water in Antarctica. These include polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), non-sterile soil, polystyrene packaging, and pesticides.
• Disposing of any prohibited waste in Antarctica, such as plastic waste, treated timber, or batteries.
• Damaging, removing, or destroying a historic site or monument.
• Engaging in open burning of waste
• Additionally, without a permit, it is illegal to:
• Engage in any taking or harmful interference of native mammals, birds, plants, or invertebrates in Antarctica.
  • Introducing species into Antarctica.
  • Enter Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs).
  • Introduce substances designated as waste and discharging designated waste.
  • Import certain Antarctic items into the USA or export them to another country.

Violations of the Act may be punishable by civil and criminal penalties, as well as possible imprisonment.

Criminal penalties

Local law applies to U.S. citizens traveling through transit countries. Some laws may apply onboard planes and vessels.

• Treaty Parties that claim land in Antarctica may want to enforce their laws there. You may also face prosecution in the United States for crimes committed in Antarctica.
• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained while traveling to or from Antarctica, ask officials to notify a U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Environmental conservation

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctica Treaty designates Antarctica as a natural reserve. It provides several environmental protections.

• The U.S. Antarctic Conservation Act protects native mammals, birds, plants, and their ecosystems. It applies to all U.S. citizens and any expeditions that start from the United States.
• Several areas have special protections because they are important for ecological, scientific, historical, or other reasons.
• It is illegal to bring any non-native species into Antarctica. This includes poultry, domestic animals, and household plants or seeds.
• It is illegal to take, interfere with, or harm Antarctica’s wildlife unless you have a permit from a national authority.

For more information, visit the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators website.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations, including transit destinations to or from Antarctica.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Antarctica. Check the destination information for transit countries to or from Antarctica.

Travelers with accessibility needs

Contact your tour operator with questions about traveling with disabilities or accessibility needs.

• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Antarctica Traveler Information
• CDC’s What To Do When Sick Abroad
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Healthcare facilities

Antarctica has no hospitals, pharmacies, or doctor’s offices.

• Cruise ships and land-based expeditions are limited in the health issues they can treat.
• Serious medical emergencies often need evacuation to a country with better facilities. This would mean traveling a long way.
• Transportation may not always be available. Weather can prevent travel, even during emergencies.
• Search and rescue resources in Antarctica are extremely limited, and costs may need to be covered by the person in need of help.
• We recommend U.S. travelers get comprehensive travel, medical, and medical evacuation insurance prior to departure.
• There are no public utilities, such as phone or internet service providers, in the region.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not available in Antarctica.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals in transit countries can be easy to buy with few controls.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Altitude

Most of Antarctica is at high altitude. However, most tourists who visit Antarctica by ship stay close to sea level.

• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to Antarctica.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Antarctica has some of the cleanest air in the world. However, air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad, including countries many travelers transit on their way to Antarctica.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• There are no public roads in Antarctica. 

Traffic laws 

• Most tourists do not drive in Antarctica. 
• If your expedition to Antarctica includes a driving experience, contact the tour operator directly for driver’s license requirements.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis and ride-share apps are not available in Antarctica.

Public and commercial transportation

Public and commercial transportation is not available in Antarctica.

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Flights to Antarctica

There is no direct air service from the United States to Antarctica.

• Flights to Antarctica operate from several countries.
• Most flights are reserved for government employees and scientists.
• Commercial flights are only available during the southern hemisphere’s summer, usually November through March.

Aviation safety oversight

• If you are going to Antarctica, please check the destination information for the country from which you are departing. This will give you more information on aviation safety standards in that country. 
• Review more information on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Antarctica should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Tourists have suffered severe injuries or death in the Antarctic region due to maritime accidents. This is especially the case when traveling between South America and Antarctica. In addition, private expeditions to Antarctica (60 degrees south latitude or further south) need to submit advance notification information at least 3 months before departure. Email [email protected] with any questions. This does not apply to passengers on a cruise ship, commercial yacht, or aircraft managed by an Antarctica tour operator.

Weather and natural disasters

Extreme weather conditions

Antarctica experiences some of the most extreme weather conditions on Earth. This includes extreme cold, dryness, and strong winds.  

• Temperatures can go as low as -76 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Antarctica is the windiest continent.
• Blizzards, whiteouts, and extreme cold can lead to frostbite and snow blindness.
• Antarctica experiences earthquakes and icequakes. 

U.S. citizens living abroad

Extended stays in Antarctica

There are no permanent residents in Antarctica. However, travelers might spend a long time when going to and from Antarctica.

The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you need U.S. consular help, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the nearest country you visit.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates

The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you need U.S. consular services while in Antarctica, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the nearest country you visit for help.

The embassies and consulates that most frequently provide services include:

Where phone service is available, you can call the State Department’s 24/7 emergency help line, though assistance options may be limited in Antarctica:

• Dial 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States.
• Dial 1-202-501-4444 from outside the United States.