Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a British Overseas territory located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
There are no permanent residents on the islands, but a few scientists and government officials. Air travel is not available to the islands and they are only accessible by private vessels and a few cruise liners make a stop every year.
The only settlement on the island is Grytviken where there is a museum.
Do I Need Vaccines for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Routine Vaccinations for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There are very limited medical facilities on the islands. You are responsible for any medical care you may need.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
It is not easy to get access to to the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. If you are on a cruise ship, you are able to have access. However, if you are traveling on a private ship, you need to get a visa permit from the government of SGSSI.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to South Georgia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of the United Kingdom and U.S. State Department
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
The climate of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands is a maritime subpolar climate. Westerly winds cause unpredictable weather with frequent rain and snow. Snowfall is more likely from April to October, though it’s possible to snow year-round.
The best time to visit is during the summer months between December-March. Temperatures range from the 30’s to 40’s year-round.
How Safe Is South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
There is no crime on the islands, but due to the remoteness of the islands, it is dangerous for people to travel to. There is no airstrip or emergency medical care on the island and weather can change quickly and become dangerous.
Beware of seals and try to stay away from them own the island. They can be extremely aggressive.
Old whaling stations are prohibited to go into because they are in disrepair and there is a risk of asbestos.
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime if a crime should be committed against you.
The Museum in Grytviken
There is a museum in the settlement of Grytviken. The three people that work at the museum are the only permanent residents on the island.
Grytviken used to be a whaling port and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave can be found at Grytviken.
The South Georgia Museum is at the managers house and is open during the summer months. It currently houses artifacts from the old whaling station, the sealing industry, and the Falklands War.
What Should I Take To the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands:
- Bring strong clothing that is able to withstand severe weather conditions
- Clothing to withstand Antarctic conditions
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket and winter jacket
U.S. Embassy in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
All Americans visiting South Georgia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in South Georgia, but it is served by the embassy in the United Kingdom.
U.S. Embassy London
33 Nine Elms Lane
London, SW11 7US
United Kingdom
Phone: [44] (0)20 7499-9000
If you have any questions about traveling to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
What Is the Climate Like in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
How Safe Is South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?
The Museum in Grytviken
What Should I Take To the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands?
U.S. Embassy in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
