Can normal citizens go to Antarctica?

Antarctica is the only continent on Earth without a native human population. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there. If you are a citizen of a country that is a signatory of the Antarctic Treaty, you do need to get permission to travel to Antarctica.

Why is visiting Antarctica illegal?

No, it is not illegal to go to Antarctica. As you already know by now, no country owns the continent. There is no border control, no immigration officer, no nothing. Anyone can visit the continent.

Do you need a permit to visit Antarctica?

Because of the Antarctica Treaty, no visa is required. The Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection in 1998 declared that all visitors to Antarctica (who are citizens of one of the countries that signed the Antarctica Treaty) must obtain a permit to enter.

What are the rules to go to Antarctica?

As such, when visiting the South Pole, there are some very strict rules.

• No walking on lichen.
• ‘Don’t pack a pest’
• Leave the dolphins alone.
• Help the whale.
• Please, no guns.
• No souvenirs.
• Don’t disturb historic sites or current sites.
• Collect your ash.

Can you claim land in Antarctica?

Antarctica is the Earth’s only continent without a native human population, and no one country can claim to own it. Unique in the world, it is a land dedicated to science and all nations.

What currency is used in Antarctica?

Antarctic dollar
There actually is an Antarctic dollar, or Antarctican dollar, that’s used throughout the Federated States of Antarctica. It’s also known as an Emp (or buck) in honour of the Emperor Penguins that call Antarctica home. However, it’s not what you’d call a ‘real’ currency.

Can you go to Antarctica by plane?

You can get to Antarctica by boat or plane. Flying to Antarctica takes 2 hours. Approximately 54,000 visitors make the journey each year, with around 50 expedition vessels sailing Antarctic waters each season.

Do you need a visa to visit Antarctica?

Visas Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required. However, the countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection require that visitors from those countries (including the USA, Canada, EU and Australia) need permission. This is nearly always through tour operators.

Does the US have an embassy in Antarctica?

The United States does not maintain an embassy or consulate in Antarctica. If you are in need of U.S. consular services while in Antarctica, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country next on your itinerary or nearest to you for assistance.

Can a US tourist travel to Antarctica on a commercial cruise?

U.S. tourists who have booked passage to Antarctica on a commercial cruise regulated by an Antarctic Treaty Party normally would be covered by the vessel operator’s and/or tour company’s advance notification unless the tourist intends to conduct independent activities while on the commercial vessel.

What do you need to bring to Antarctica?

Even if you fly to Antarctica, you’re likely to get on a boat at some point once you arrive. Other essentials that you will want to bring along for the trip include a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.