South Georgia introduces first-visit biosecurity audits for the 2026–27 season

Prepare for the comprehensive audit on the first seasonal visit

South Georgia’s 2026–27 operator guidance introduces comprehensive biosecurity audits on a vessel’s first visit of the season. A vessel that passes receives Trusted Vessel status and qualifies for reduced audits on subsequent visits. The change concerns inspection arrangements, not a waiver of entry permission or permission to land anywhere in the territory.

The official operator resource sets passenger-sampling levels according to the number aboard. It also requires inspection of clothing, footwear and bags before landings, cleaning of footwear with approved biocide and supervision by a competent appointed staff member. Cargo must be inspected, boxed and sealed. Use the new-season guidance to prepare the actual vessel and shore team before arrival; prior visits or an individual passenger’s permit should not be treated as proof that the vessel has passed this season’s audit.

Track the booking and passenger-permit deadlines separately

The government’s cruise-season timeline requires each visit to be booked at least forty-five days before arrival, in addition to registering the operator and vessel for the season. The booking includes intended entry and departure dates and the planned Grytviken visit. Government Officers must agree to changes to the Grytviken date before the operator changes the scheduling system.

The same timeline lists a visitor permit at £250 per passenger, valid for forty days. It asks for applications at least fourteen days before estimated arrival, with a reason required for a later application. A £50 late charge applies if payment is not received at least eight days before arrival, and permits are not issued within three days of arrival. Use the timeline to distinguish the vessel’s booking from each passenger’s permit. Operators or travel agents can purchase permits for passengers, including in bulk, but should collate the issued permit details for the later manifest rather than assume a booking reference is sufficient.

Submit one complete manifest and preserve the arrival safeguards

The government’s FAQ requires one manifest covering passengers and crew at least seventy-two hours before arrival. The latest template must be downloaded and opened in spreadsheet software; opening it only in a browser removes its instructions and validation functions. Use the linked validation checker before submitting through the Entry Control Portal, rather than send separate, incompatible passenger and crew lists.

The FAQ explains that first landing is at Grytviken, where officials board and audit the vessel. Dispensation may be sought by qualifying IAATO member vessels but is unavailable to new vessels or operators. Expedition Leaders must still attend the briefing. The FAQ also requires valid medical-evacuation insurance and warns that a permit does not make the government responsible for support. Its work-permit validity differs from the operator guidance, so crew should obtain confirmation from [email protected] before relying on a stated duration. This article does not resolve that official discrepancy by choosing one figure.

Obtain a separate permit for activities that can affect the environment

The government’s Regulated Activity Permit page explains that some activities potentially causing environmental harm are prohibited without appropriate permission. Examples include collecting samples, handling animals, installing equipment, drone use, approaching wildlife closely, camping and environmental or construction work. An entry permit or successful biosecurity audit should not be assumed to authorise those activities.

The page provides a decision tree and tiered application forms, including notification, drone, more complex project and renewal categories. Use those resources to identify the correct assessment and supporting records before the activity begins. Projects involving animal handling, samples or exports are directed to additional forms for those details.

For marine scientific research from a non-UK-flagged vessel, the page additionally requires the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Article 246 approval process. That is a separate permission alongside local approvals. No universal processing time or project charge was verified here. Submit the proposed activity early and obtain the actual decision before relying on a visitor itinerary that includes research, filming or equipment work.