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Before you go to St. Helena: what to know

Must know

  • Island-specific scope: St Helena; Ascension and Tristan have separate entry arrangements.
  • An entry permit and medical-evacuation insurance are required even for visa-exempt visitors.
  • Bank cards are not universally accepted; plan cash access.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: St Helena Island: British visitors need an entry permit, normally obtained on arrival for up to 183 days. Bring accommodation, onward-travel evidence, funds and medical-evacuation insurance. Ascension and Tristan require separate arrangements. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: St Helena authority requires validity for 6 months beyond the expiry of the entry permit.

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

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • St Helena pounds and British pounds are interchangeable on St Helena Island. Cards are not universally accepted; arrange cash and bank access before travel.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sainthelena.gov.sh ↗, sainthelena.gov.sh ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Drinking alcohol in public in the Jamestown area of St Helena.

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

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

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

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

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sainthelena.gov.sh ↗

Climate

St Helena Island has a subtropical climate moderated by trade winds; hottest months are January–March and coolest June–September. Rainy windows are late March–early May and July–September.

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

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

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sainthelena.gov.sh ↗

What to pack

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

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

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

Traffic: drives on the left

Insurance: For St Helena entry, medical insurance must cover evacuation to at least GBP 175,000; confirm the exact policy and onward-island requirements.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: sainthelena.gov.sh ↗, sainthelena.gov.sh ↗, sainthelena.gov.sh ↗

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