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Welcome !

Tristan da Cunha has always welcomed visitors and in the 21st Century it is a well organised community which can offer comfortable accommodation and a range of services for privileged visitors who are able to secure a passage.

< Rockhopper Penguins on sentry duty!

1. Language
English is spoken on Tristan da Cunha. There is a distinct local dialect and words derived from the many cultures (Scottish, English, St Helenan, South African, American , Dutch, Italian, and Irish of the original settlers and visitors) nevertheless is it more easily understood by visitors than many strong regional British accents!
2. Currency and Credit Cards
Local currency is the UK pound sterling. Credit Cards and personal cheques are not accepted. Travellers Cheques and Euro/Dollars/Rand may be exchanged at the Treasury in the Administration Building during office hours.
3. Remittances
Fee payments may be made via the UK marked:
 ‘ For the credit of the Tristan da Cunha Administration, Crown Agents General Account Number 33870050 ’
BANK : HSBC plc, London SWIFT : MIDLGB22 Sort Code : 40-63-59
Account Name: Crown Agents Bank Account Number: 41275925 IBAN: GB76MIDL40025041275925
4. Local Time & Office Hours
Local time is GMT. All Government Departments, including the Island Store, are open: Mon/Thursday 0800-1230 & 1330-1600 (0830-1630 in winter), Friday 0800-1300 (0830-1430 in winter).
5. Church Services
Both the Anglican (St Mary’s - 0800) and Catholic (St Joseph’s - 0900) Churches have regular Sunday services to which visitors are welcome.

6. Post Office & Mail
The Post Office is open during office hours, and at additional times during cruise ship visits, and sells a range of stamps, postcards and philatelic collectors items. Any mail sent ashore from a visiting vessel for posting on Tristan must be stamped or accompanied by sufficient funds to cover postage costs. Because of the limited shipping services, mail posted from Tristan can take some months to arrive at the overseas destination.

7. Museum & Handicrafts
The Museum is awaiting transfer to new premisesand souvenirs, including local crafts are currently available at the Post Office. Handicrafts may also be displayed for sale at the Café, Prince Philip Hall Community Centre, the Post Office, the Island Store, and in some local homes, especially during cruise ship visits.

8. Refreshments
The Café, and the Albatross Bar at Prince Philip Hall, are open during cruise ship visits to offer a range of alcoholic and other drinks, together with light refreshments. Soft drinks and light refreshments may also be available at the Museum. Hot meals are sometimes served at Prince Philip Hall (menus displayed in advance). A range of food and drink items are also available for purchase at the Island Store, which has sufficient stocks for all visitors.
9. Tristan Rock Lobster
Available only from the Factory - please contact the Factory Manager.
10. Toilets
Public toilets are located adjacent to the Café, in Prince Philip Hall, and below the Council Chamber in the Administration Building.
11. Privacy
Tristan is a tiny community of under 300 islanders. Visitors are most welcome, indeed the hospitality of Tristan people is famous. Occasionally trust can be abused and islanders may well be shy and resentful to visitors who approach with a camera raised and whose purpose may appear to be to report to the outside world with very limited knowledge.
12. Weather
Tristan’s climate is temperate and oceanic with rapid weather changes. Almost all visitor activities are dependant on suitable weather conditions. Despite the weather, be assured that you will always receive a warm welcome to Tristan.
A Summary of Conditions and Charges for Tristan da Cunha Visits (for complete list see Ships Visits)
1. General Conditions for Visitors
All visitors staying on Tristan must have a confirmed and fully paid return passage, health insurance to include cover in case of medical evacuation to Cape Town and sufficient funds for the duration of their visit.
2. Landing and Harbour Fees
No visas are required. All visitors must hold a valid passport and obtain permission to land by having a landing stamp inserted in their passport. (Landing stamps may also be issued to passengers and crew not intending to go ashore, but who wish their travel document to be endorsed as a souvenir of the visit). Current combined landing and harbour charges are:

Island

Cruise Ship Passengers

Other Visitors

Tristan
(including £5 Harbour Tax for those going ashore)

£30

£20

Nightingale

£15

£15

Inaccessible*

£15

£15
(*Inaccessible Island is a World Heritage Site, and landings are restricted for environmental and wildlife conservation reasons).
3. Import Regulations
There are strict controls on all bio-imports to prevent damage to the Tristan da Cunha Islands' unique ecosystem.
See the separate Conservation Ordinance Page for details.
The import of alcohol is strictly controlled. Visitors will be only allowed to import: two 750 ml bottles of spirits, and 12 x 340ml can or bottle beers.
4. Medical Insurance & Waivers
All cruise ship passengers must sign an accident waiver (Passenger Indemnity Declaration) form before coming ashore, and all visitors to Tristan must have adequate travel insurance to cover the costs of any medical treatment including, if required, the costs of medical evacuation to Cape Town. Current medical/dental charges for all non-residents are :

Consultations

£20

X-Rays

£10

Medications & Consumables

Purchase price plus 50%

Hospitalisation

£140 per night

Theatre

£5 per minute
5. Publicity
Visitors are invited to contact tristandc.com Manager on webmanager@tristandc.com to send a report, with JPEG files for the website and Tristan da Cunha Newsletter which may be of interest to Tristan Association members and the general public.

6. Tristan da Cunha Association
Visiting crew and passengers are likely to be enthralled by the Tristan community and want to keep in touch and find out more. The UK based Tristan da Cunha Association produces two full colour newsletters each year and organises events, including a residential Annual Gathering. Join us by checking out the Tristan Association pages.

Please note that whilst every effort has been made to make information of these pages accurate, the Government of Tristan da Cunha reserves the right to change local by-laws and charges. Visitors should check firm prices at the time of booking.
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Published by the Tristan da Cunha Government and the Tristan da Cunha Association. Copyright © 2008 and all Rights Reserved.
This page first published October 2006