Travel insurance for Antarctica

No, there is no visa for Antarctica itself. Antarctica isn’t a country, so it doesn’t issue visas. What you do need depends on the country you travel through (most trips depart via Argentina or Chile) and on any permits required for the expedition, these are normally arranged by your tour operator under the Antarctic Treaty system and IAATO guidelines.

What to check before you go

• Transit/entry visas: Verify the visa rules for your gateway country (e.g., Argentina or Chile) based on your passport. Embassy or government travel pages have the latest requirements.
• Permits: For standard, organized trips, the operator typically handles any necessary environmental permits; independent expeditions must apply via their national authority.

There’s no visa for Antarctica itself (it’s not a country and has no immigration). What you need is tied to the gateway countries you pass through and your expedition operator’s requirements:

• Passport: Valid passport to enter/exit the gateway country (commonly Argentina or Chile). Many operators advise at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages for stamps.
• Transit/entry visas (if applicable): Check the visa rules for your nationality for Argentina/Chile (or South Africa/New Zealand/Australia), requirements depend on the passport you hold.
• Expedition permits: For organized trips, permits under the Antarctic Treaty system are arranged by the operator with their national authority; tourists don’t apply individually.
• Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation: Operators typically require emergency medical and evacuation/repatriation coverage (often with specific minimums). Bring proof, you may be asked for it at documents check.
• Medical forms/clearance (operator-specific): Many expeditions require a health questionnaire and, for some travelers/activities, a doctor’s sign-off before boarding.

You don’t need to be an athlete to visit Antarctica, but you should be in good general health and able to handle uneven terrain, cold weather, and small-boat landings. Most expedition cruise operators require travelers to complete a medical questionnaire before departure to ensure they can safely participate in shore excursions and transfers by Zodiac.

For more demanding activities, a higher level of fitness is recommended, and some operators may request a doctor’s certificate confirming you’re fit for participation.

Yes, Antarctica is generally safe when you travel with a licensed expedition operator following IAATO safety guidelines. Risks exist (extreme weather, rough Drake Passage, limited medical facilities), so follow crew instructions, keep wildlife distances, and dress for cold/wind.

If you need to contact your insurance company from Antarctica, you simply have to call the 24-hour assistance platform. Through our exclusive app for clients, you can make free calls if you have an internet connection, chat with the medical team, or process any other incidents that occur during your trip (transport delays, baggage issues, etc.) right from the palm of your hand.