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Before you go to British Indian Ocean Territory: what to know

Must know

  • Not an ordinary tourist destination: new permit applications are paused except exceptional cases.
  • Outer-island yacht permission does not authorise Diego Garcia access.
  • No ordinary nationality-based tourist visa or visa-free rule is asserted in this guide.

Entry and visas

Restricted territory: This is not an ordinary tourist destination. BIOT has paused consideration of new entry-permit applications since 31 March 2026 except exceptional cases. Diego Garcia access is restricted to authorised official or mission-essential travel. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: UK advice: at least 6 months after arrival and 2 blank pages.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: biot.gov.io ↗, gov.uk ↗, cnrj.cnic.navy.mil ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • For authorised Diego Garcia personnel, the Navy describes US-dollar transactions, with some facilities taking cards and others cash. These facilities are not general tourist services; permit fees are charged separately in GBP.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cnrj.cnic.navy.mil ↗, biot.gov.io ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Do not enter without a valid permit; yacht permits, when granted, cover specified outer-island anchorages and exclude Diego Garcia.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: biot.gov.io ↗, biot.gov.io ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: There is no permanent civilian population; this is a restricted-access territory.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

BIOT-published research describes southeast trade winds May–September and a wetter northwest monsoon October–April. Marine forecasts and permit restrictions govern any authorised voyage.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: biot.gov.io ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Restricted facilities: confirm electrical needs with your official sponsor.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Entry permission requires appropriate medical and evacuation insurance plus accessible funds. Medical facilities and rescue services are very limited.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: biot.gov.io ↗, gov.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.