Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Travel Guide

Social Conventions

The lifestyle in the Falkland Islands resembles that of a small English or Scottish village/town and communities on the Falkland Islands are highly self-contained. The influx of the British Forces has obviously had an effect on the Islands. More people now visit for a variety of reasons. The islanders themselves have benefited from the additional amenities offered by the Forces. The population is very keen to remain under British sovereignty.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

Flights to and from Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) are operated by the UK Ministry of Defence. There are direct flights from RAF Brize Norton in the UK. Tour operators and travel agents will make the necessary arrangements if the trip is booked through them; independent travelers need to contact a travel coordinator at the Falkland Islands Government Office. Return flights from the UK are via Ascension Island. The other option is to fly to Santiago (Chile) and connect with a flight to Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt in southern Chile and then on to Stanley.

Departure Tax

£20. Children under two years of age are exempt.

Main Airports

Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) is approximately 56km (35 miles) from Stanley. To/from the airport: Buses connect the airport and Stanley. Facilities: Limited duty-free shopping.

Getting There By Water

Cruise companies operate to the Falklands. The main shipping company operating to and from the UK is Darwin Shipping (www.the-falkland-islands-co.com).

Duty Free

Overview

The following items may be imported into the Falkland Islands without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g tobacco.
• 1L of alcoholic beverage over 38.8% or 2L up to 22% proof and 2L of sparkling or still table wine, 10L of beer or cider.

Note: Import licenses are required from Department of Agriculture for plants, meat, poultry and dairy produce. An import license is required from the Falkland Islands' Policy Authority for firearms and ammunition.

Prohibited Imports

Drugs, pornography and counterfeit goods.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Most of the settlements and offshore islands in the Falklands can be reached by light aircraft. This service is run by the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) (tel: 27219). There are no fixed schedules but daily flights operate to all parts of the islands, subject to demand. Capacity for flights is eight passengers.

Getting Around By Water

Boats may be chartered for day trips from Stanley and elsewhere in the islands. Some settlements may be able to offer the use of landing vessels or other craft to reach the outlying islands. There are plenty of tour operators and guides to choose from in Stanley. Contact the Falkland Islands Tourist Board for further information.

Getting Around By Road

Outside the capital, overland travel is difficult and vehicles can frequently get bogged down. However, there is one asphalt road linking Stanley, the Mount Pleasant airport complex and Goose Green, and an all-weather graded track linking Mount Pleasant with Goose Green and Stanley with Port Louis, Estancia, Salvador and various settlements in the north of East Falkland as far as Port San Carlos. A similar track on West Falkland links Port Howard, Chartres, Fox Bay, Hill Cove and Roy Cove. The best form of transport in this terrain is a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Road networks are continually improving however. Falkland Island Tours and Travel Service offer a service from Mount Pleasant to the airport (www.falklandtravel.com).

Coach: There are routes to and from the airport and trips can be organized to particular destinations.

Taxi: Taxi services are available in Stanley and the airport.

Car hire: 4-wheel-drive and other vehicles can be hired.

Journey Times

The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Stanley to other islands in the surrounding area.

	Air	Road
Mount Pleasant	0.15	0.50
Pebble Island	0.40	-
Port Howard	0.40	-
Sea Lion Island	0.30	-