Immigration requirements
Immigration requirements
St Helena Island welcomes long and short-term visitors. The Immigration Section manages all applications to enter St Helena as well as applications for permission to work for people who do not hold St Helenian status.
Visas to enter St Helena are required by certain nationalities.
You can read more about this on the official St Helena Government website but it is also re-produced below for information.
Guidance for Visitors
Visitors to St Helena of less than six months require the following upon arrival at St Helena in order that a short-term permit can be issued:
- Valid Medical Insurance which covers emergency medical treatment including aeromedical evacuation or other means to pay for treatment to cover yourself for the duration of stay is required. You may be asked to provide proof on arrival which must be in ENGLISH. Paper or electronic proof of insurance is accepted. Please be aware that Wi-Fi is available in the Arrivals Hall at St Helena Airport, so electronic proof can be provided if downloaded to your device prior to arrival.
- Proof of a ticket for both arrival and departure
- Payment of £20.00 landing fee
- A St Helena e-Visa if you are a national traveling from any of the countries listed (see Helena eVisa)
St Helena e-Visa holders are pre-checked to ensure they are cleared for travel to St Helena and as such, applications should be made in advance of intended travel.
Fee for Short-term Permit
Those visitors entering St Helena on a short-term permit who are aged 12 years or over will be required to pay a fee equivalent to GBP 20.00 at the Immigration desk in Arrivals. Those aged under 12 years of age are exempt from payment.
Note that there are no credit card facilities upon arrival at St Helena Airport, however payment can be made in the following currencies:
- British or Saint Helenian Pounds
- South African Rands
- US Dollars
- Euros
Travel insurance
Given the remote location of St Helena Island and the single weekly flight to the Island, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that includes both missed departure and delayed departure cover, to provide financial coverage in the event that the flight to or from St Helena is significantly delayed.
Guidance for St Helenians and residents of St Helena
Residents leaving the Island
If you are a St Helenian leaving the Island for a short holiday, you should ensure that your British or British Overseas Territories Citizen passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of intended stay. You should also have valid travel insurance and a return ticket.
Visiting the Island
Employees of St Helena Government (SHG)
SHG employees who do not have St Helenian status will be issued with a contract or letter of permission to enter St Helena and may be asked to show this at the airport. If, however, you are unable to show acceptable documentation you will be treated as a visitor.
Employees of a private company on St Helena
Employees of other companies on St Helena who do not have St Helenian status must be in possession of their contract or a permit to work. If you are unable to show acceptable documentation you will be treated as a visitor.
Partners and children of people working for SHG or private companies
May be asked to provide a copy of their partner’s contract or a letter of permission to enter St Helena. If you are unable to provide acceptable documentation you will be treated as a visitor.
Holders of a Long Term Entry Permit and/or Work Permit
May be required to show a Long Term Entry Permit and/or Work Permit Certificate. If you are unable to provide acceptable documentation you will be treated as a visitor.