The Falkland Islands are generally a low-crime destination, but a safe trip still depends on planning for the things that matter locally: fast-changing weather, remote roads, limited medical access outside Stanley, wildlife, off-road travel, and transport delays.
The practical risks are very different from a busy city destination. Most visitors are more likely to deal with wind, rough ground, a delayed flight, or a long drive than with personal-security problems.
Last verified: September 2026. This guide reflects current Falkland Islands Government and UK travel-advice information, including updated guidance on healthcare and photography at Mount Pleasant.
Is it safe to visit the Falkland Islands?
For normal tourism, the Falklands are generally considered a low-crime destination. Visitors still need the same basic awareness they would use anywhere: look after valuables, follow local instructions, and avoid taking unnecessary risks in remote areas.
The bigger planning questions are environmental and logistical. The islands have strong winds, changeable weather, long distances, gravel roads, off-road routes, and wildlife sites far from immediate medical help.
Weather is one of the main practical risks
Weather can change quickly and can affect both comfort and transport. Strong winds are common, and poor conditions can delay domestic flights or make driving more difficult.
- Carry windproof and waterproof outer layers even in summer.
- Wear footwear suited to wet, uneven, or peat-covered ground.
- Keep flexible time around FIGAS and important onward connections.
- Follow local advice if weather affects roads, flights, or wildlife access.
Our month-by-month weather and wildlife guide helps set realistic expectations before you choose dates.
Roads and off-road travel
Stanley has normal paved streets, but many roads outside the town are unsurfaced. Some wildlife trips use 4×4 vehicles across rough ground rather than normal roads.
Current UK travel advice warns that the road between Mount Pleasant and Stanley can be hazardous in strong winds. If you are unfamiliar with remote or off-road driving, using an experienced local driver-guide is often the more practical choice.
For remote day trips such as Volunteer Point, use a local operator who understands the route, land access, weather, and safe return timing.
Wildlife safety and distance
Penguins can appear calm around people, but all wildlife should be treated as wild. The local Countryside Code recommends keeping at least six metres from animals and never standing between wildlife and its route to the sea.
Sea lions deserve extra space. Large males can move faster on land than visitors expect, especially around breeding areas. In tall tussac grass, pay attention to your surroundings and follow guide instructions.
If wildlife is central to your trip, read our wildlife calendar and sea lion viewing guide before choosing a site.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance
The Falkland Islands were officially declared mine-free in November 2020 after the clearance of known minefields left from the 1982 conflict.
That does not mean every explosive hazard is impossible. Falkland Islands Government visitor guidance notes a small possibility of encountering an unexploded device, including material that may be washed ashore.
If you see a suspicious object, do not touch or move it. Keep away and contact the Royal Falkland Islands Police on 999 with the location if possible.
Medical care and insurance
King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley is the centre of healthcare in the islands. Outside Stanley, emergency response can take longer because settlements are remote.
Visitors should have appropriate travel and medical insurance. Falkland Islands Customs & Immigration says aeromedical evacuation cover should be at least US$2,000,000 equivalent for visitor-permit purposes.
Bring enough prescription medication for your stay, plus a reasonable allowance for delays. Keep a copy of your prescription and insurer details accessible.
For the full entry checklist, see Falkland Islands travel requirements.
Emergency numbers
The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance is 999. If you are traveling outside Stanley, tell someone your plan when appropriate and carry the contact details for your accommodation or local guide.
Mount Pleasant photography rules
Mount Pleasant is a military site as well as the international airport. Current UK travel advice specifically warns about unauthorised photography there. Follow signs and staff instructions, and do not photograph military areas just because you are in the airport environment.
Our Mount Pleasant Airport guide covers the arrival and transfer process.
Biosecurity protects the places you visit
Cleaning boots, bags, tripods, and other outdoor gear is part of responsible travel in the Falklands. Soil, seeds, insects, and disease can move between farms and wildlife sites on equipment.
Follow local biosecurity instructions when arriving and when moving between locations. This is both a conservation measure and a practical visitor responsibility.
Solo travel and independent travel
Independent travel is possible, but do not confuse independence with improvisation. Pre-arrange accommodation and key transfers, understand where card or cash access becomes limited, and avoid overloading a short itinerary with remote connections.
The first-time independent travel planner explains a safer and simpler booking order.
Simple safety checklist
- Check current government travel and entry guidance before departure.
- Carry insurance that meets the medical-evacuation requirement.
- Build weather buffer into remote travel.
- Use experienced local drivers for difficult off-road routes.
- Keep six metres from wildlife and never block access to the sea.
- Do not touch suspicious objects that could be unexploded ordnance.
- Follow photography restrictions at Mount Pleasant.
- Clean footwear and equipment for biosecurity.
Official sources
For current safety information, check the UK Falkland Islands travel advice and the Falkland Islands Government visitor information. For entry and insurance rules, use the Customs & Immigration visitor-permit page.
FAQs
Is crime a major concern for tourists in the Falkland Islands?
Crime is generally low. The more common visitor risks are weather, remote travel, rough roads, wildlife, and limited access to immediate medical help outside Stanley.
Are there still landmines in the Falkland Islands?
The islands were officially declared mine-free in November 2020 after known minefields were cleared. There is still a small possibility of unexploded ordnance, so never touch a suspicious object.
How close can I get to wildlife?
Official guidance recommends keeping at least six metres from wildlife and never blocking an animal’s route to the sea.
Do I need medical evacuation insurance?
Visitors should have adequate medical insurance. Customs & Immigration says aeromedical evacuation cover should be at least US$2,000,000 equivalent for visitor-permit requirements.
What is the emergency number in the Falklands?
Call 999 for police, fire, or ambulance assistance.
Can I take photos at Mount Pleasant Airport?
Mount Pleasant is a military site and current travel advice warns about unauthorised photography. Follow local signs and staff instructions.
