Best Way to Reach the Falkland Islands From the US

For travelers in the United States, the Falkland Islands often feel like the final frontier. Perched in the South Atlantic, this archipelago is famous for its vast penguin colonies, rugged coastlines, and a quiet, British way of life that feels worlds away from the frantic pace of North America.

Because of its extreme southern location, you cannot simply hop on a direct flight from New York or Los Angeles. Reaching the islands requires a bit of logistical gymnastics, a healthy budget, and at least one significant layover in South America. However, for those who make the journey, the reward is a landscape virtually untouched by mass tourism.

If you are planning a trip in 2026, here is the most practical and efficient way to reach the Falkland Islands from the US.

The Primary Route: The LATAM Connection via Chile

By far the most common and reliable way for Americans to reach the Falklands is through Chile. Since there are no direct flights from the US to the islands, you will first need to fly into Santiago (SCL).

Major US hubs like Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Dallas (DFW) offer regular non-stop service to Santiago. From there, the journey becomes more specialized.

The Saturday Flight from Santiago

LATAM Airlines operates a weekly flight every Saturday that runs from Santiago to Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland.

This flight typically makes a brief stop in the southern Chilean city of Punta Arenas (PUQ) to clear customs before the final leg over the Atlantic. It is important to note that you cannot usually do this entire trip in one day. Most travelers fly into Santiago on a Friday, spend the night, and then catch the early Saturday morning flight to the islands.

The Monthly Stop in Rio Gallegos

Once a month, the Saturday LATAM flight makes an additional stop in Rio Gallegos, Argentina. While this adds an hour or two to the travel time, it doesn’t change the overall logistics for US passengers. It remains the same aircraft and the same booking process.

The Brazil Alternative: São Paulo to Mount Pleasant

In recent years, a second commercial route has opened up (and resumed post-pandemic) via São Paulo (GRU), Brazil.

This flight, also operated by LATAM, typically runs on Wednesdays. For travelers on the East Coast of the US, flying through São Paulo can be a viable alternative to the Santiago route. Just like the Chile flight, this route occasionally makes a monthly stop in Córdoba, Argentina.

Choosing between Chile and Brazil usually comes down to which US hub is most convenient for you and whether you prefer to start your trip on a Wednesday or a Saturday.

The “Military” Option: The RAF Airbridge

There is a more unconventional way to reach the islands, though it is rarely the “best” way for US-based travelers. The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force operates the South Atlantic Airbridge from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, England.

While this flight is primarily for military personnel and residents, a limited number of seats are sold to fare-paying civilians.

• The Route: Brize Norton (BZZ) to Mount Pleasant (MPN), with a refueling stop at Ascension Island.
• The Downside: For an American, this would involve flying east to the UK, then backtracking all the way south. It is significantly more expensive and time-consuming than the South American routes.

However, if you are already planning to be in Europe or the UK before your trip to the Falklands, this is a unique and direct way to reach the islands.

Reaching the Islands by Sea: Expedition Cruises

If the idea of multiple long-haul flights sounds exhausting, many Americans choose to arrive by sea. The Falklands are a centerpiece of many Antarctic Expedition Cruises.

These voyages typically depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. A standard itinerary might include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.

• Pros: You only have to fly as far as southern South America. Once on the ship, your transport, food, and excursions are all handled. You get to see remote outer islands that are difficult to reach by land.
• Cons: You generally only get 1 to 3 days in the Falklands. If your primary goal is to spend a week photographing penguins or exploring Stanley, a cruise will likely feel too rushed.

Entry Requirements for US Citizens in 2026

The good news for US passport holders is that the bureaucracy is relatively light.

As of 2026, US citizens do not need a visa to enter the Falkland Islands for tourism stays of up to 30 days. However, the immigration officers at Mount Pleasant are very strict about specific entry requirements. To be allowed entry, you must have:

1. A Valid Passport: It should have at least six months of validity remaining.
2. Proof of Return Travel: You must show your confirmed air ticket out of the islands.
3. Proof of Accommodation: You must have your hotel or lodge bookings confirmed in advance. They generally do not allow visitors to arrive and “look for a place” upon arrival.
4. Travel Insurance: Specifically, insurance that covers aeromedical evacuation. Because of the islands’ remote location, a medical flight to mainland South America can cost upwards of $30,000. Officers often check for this specific coverage.

Practical Tips for the Journey

Booking Your Flights

Do not expect to find these flights on every discount travel site. While the US-to-Santiago leg is easy to book, the MPN leg is best booked directly through the LATAM website or via a specialized Falkland Islands travel agency.

Connection Times

If you are flying via Santiago, give yourself a generous layover. If you miss that Saturday morning flight to the Falklands, you will be waiting exactly one week for the next one. Many travelers spend a day or two in the Chilean wine country or Santiago to ensure they are on the ground and ready for the Saturday departure.

Baggage Allowances

The weight limits on the international LATAM flight are standard, but if you plan on taking the local FIGAS (internal air taxi) flights between islands once you arrive, the weight limits are much stricter (usually around 20kg per person total). Pack light or be prepared to pay excess fees on the small 9-seater planes.

Conclusion

The best way to reach the Falkland Islands from the US is to fly into Santiago, Chile, and connect with the Saturday LATAM flight to Mount Pleasant. While the journey is long, usually involving at least 15 to 20 hours of air time, the transition from the bustling hubs of North America to the absolute serenity of the South Atlantic is part of the magic.

By the time you see the first colony of King Penguins at Volunteer Point, the long layovers and multiple boarding passes will feel like a small price to pay.

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