Visits to South Georgia will become more expensive from July 2026

by Rosamaria Kubny

08/11/2026

Gold Harbour, South Georgia: A southern elephant seal rests on the beach, whilst visitors respectfully observe the extraordinary wildlife from a distance. With its huge king penguin colony and mighty glaciers, Gold Harbour is one of the most impressive nature and wildlife viewing areas in the South Atlantic. (Photo: Rosamaria Kubny)

Anyone wishing to visit South Georgia will have to dig deeper into their pockets in future. The government of the British Overseas Territory has decided on a gradual increase in visitor permit fees. From 1 July 2026, the permit will cost 250 pounds sterling per person. On 1 July 2027, the fee will rise to 275 pounds, and from 1 July 2028 to 300 pounds.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia: The extensive breeding colony at St. Andrews Bay is home to hundreds of thousands of king penguins. Every year, they raise their chicks here, transforming the coastal plain into one of the largest penguin breeding colonies on Earth. (Photo: Rosamaria Kubny)

The fees have been published in the Official Gazette and apply to all visitors who require an entry permit under the Entry Control Ordinance 2022. Applications must be submitted in full and paid for no later than eight days before the planned arrival. If payment is received later, an additional late payment fee of 50 pounds will be charged. Visitor permits remain valid for 40 days and can be applied for online either individually or in bulk. Expedition operators and travel agencies may continue to purchase permits on behalf of their passengers.

South Georgia: A wandering albatross sits on its nest, protecting its egg. With a wingspan of up to 3.5 metres, the species is one of the most impressive seabirds of the southern oceans and finds ideal breeding conditions on South Georgia. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)

South Georgia is one of the world’s most important nature reserves and is home to huge colonies of king penguins, albatrosses, elephant seals and seals. To protect these sensitive ecosystems, tourism has been subject to strict regulations for many years. The electronic permit system serves not only to control visitor numbers, but also to fund nature conservation and the administration of this remote overseas territory.

Cooper Bay, South Georgia: Golden-crested penguins amongst dense tussock grass – their preferred breeding habitat. The protected bay is one of the most important breeding grounds for these striking crested penguins on South Georgia and in the South Atlantic. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)

For most expedition travellers, the higher fees are likely to account for only a small proportion of the total cost of a trip to South Georgia. However, they underline the high priority the government attaches to sustainable and strictly regulated tourism.

Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal