Falkland Islands – Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to travel, living, and visiting the Falkland Islands with essential facts and tips.
Travel & Access
Does the Falkland Islands have an airport?
Yes. All international flights arrive at RAF Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) on East Falkland. Mount Pleasant is a military-managed airfield with scheduled flights from the UK and South America.
How can I travel to the Falklands?
Most visitors fly. LATAM Airlines operates weekly flights from Santiago (Chile) via Punta Arenas, with occasional stops in Argentina (Rio Gallegos or Córdoba).
The UK Ministry of Defence also runs a twice-weekly “Airbridge” flight from RAF Brize Norton (Oxfordshire) via Ascension Island. Sea cruises in the austral summer are another option.
Which airlines fly to the Falklands?
The main civilian carrier is LATAM (Chile). The UK’s RAF Airbridge (via Brize Norton) is available to civilian passengers through booking. (No major international airlines like British Airways or Aerolineas Argentinas currently fly direct.)
Do I need a passport or visa to visit Falkland Islands?
Yes, all visitors must carry a valid passport. In general, tourists do not need a visa and are granted up to one month’s stay on arrival. (Passport holders of some countries may need a visa; it’s best to check Falkland Islands Customs & Immigration rules before travel.)
Can I travel via Argentina?
Most visitors travel via Chile, but LATAM’s Santiago flights sometimes stop in Argentina. There are no direct scheduled flights from Buenos Aires. If travelling through Argentina, check Argentina’s visa rules separately (many nationalities require a visa for Argentina).
Is it safe to visit Falkland Islands?
Yes. The Falklands have very low crime and are generally peaceful. Stanley (the capital) is reported as one of the world’s safest towns. Usual precautions for isolated travel apply (e.g. careful driving on gravel roads).
What is the best time of year to visit Falkland Islands?
Southern summer (November–February) is ideal time to visit: days are longer and wildlife is most active. December–February have the mildest weather. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are quieter with good wildlife viewing too. Winters are cold and windy.
Geography & Environment
Which country is closest to the Falkland Islands?
The nearest land is mainland South America (Argentina). The islands lie about 500 km (300 miles) east of Argentina’s Patagonian coast. Other nearby countries include Chile (west across the Pacific) and Uruguay/Paraguay (across Argentina to the north).
What is the climate like in Falkland Islands?
The Falklands have a cold, humid maritime climate. It is often windy and changeable. Average summer temperatures peak around 8–9 °C (late Jan), while winter nights can drop just below 0 °C. Frosts and light snow are common in winter. Be prepared to dress in layers with a warm, waterproof jacket and sturdy walking boots.
What are the Falklands famous for?
Wildlife and scenery. The islands are a “natural wonder” of unspoiled wilderness. Notable attractions include huge seabird colonies (five species of penguin – king, gentoo, rockhopper, magellanic, macaroni – stand out), elephant and sea lions, and gentle coastal landscapes. Visitors also enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and seeing historical sites like Victory Green in Stanley.
What can I do in the Falklands?
Most go for wildlife and outdoor adventure: walking or 4×4 tours in the countryside, boat trips around islands, or cruise-ship landings. See penguin rookeries, whale and dolphin watching, and explore Stanley’s museums and whale-bone arch. There are pubs and cafes in Stanley and some lodges, but the real draw is the wild nature and peace. Check out this guide to explore what you can do on the Falkland Islands.
People & Culture
Who lives in the Falkland Islands?
About 3,600 people (2021 census). Most are native-born Islanders of British descent. Others include families from the UK, Saint Helena, Chile and a few Argentines. The capital Stanley holds over 70% of the population. Islanders consider themselves British; since 1983 they are British citizens.
What language is spoken?
English (British English) is the official and predominant language. Some residents also speak Spanish (from nearby South America). Road signs and documents are in English.
What currency is used?
The Falkland Islands pound (FKP) is the official currency, at par with the British pound sterling. UK £ notes are also legal tender and widely accepted. US dollars and euros are sometimes taken for departure tax or large expenses, but small shops and many businesses primarily use FKP/GBP.
Do the Falklanders have a British passport?
Yes. Under UK law, Islanders are British citizens and hold British passports (often with a Falkland Islands endorsement). The islands issue their own Falkland Islands passports which state “British Overseas Territories Citizen” status, but these are functionally British passports.
Can I buy property or land in the Falklands?
Yes, but foreign purchasers need approval. Non-residents must obtain a licence from the Governor to buy land. Companies must be majority-owned by Islanders (or license-approved) to hold land. In practice, licensed sales to private foreigners have occurred, especially for farms or cottages.
What is daily life like?
Islanders enjoy a close-knit community with British-style culture. Daily life is quiet and outdoorsy. Stanley has basic services: grocery stores, a hospital, school, library and Internet cafes. There is at least one school and a local newspaper (“Penguin News”). Pubs in Stanley serve hearty meals; cuisine is very British in character (lamb, beef, mutton, fish, local seafood, and plenty of home-baked cakes with tea). Internet speeds and mobile coverage are modest – there are Wi-Fi hotspots (paid, via scratch-cards) and good cell signal in Stanley, but coverage is patchy in remote Camp. Tap water is clean and safe to drink everywhere.
What about safety and laws?
The Falklands is very safe. Crime is rare and violent crime almost unknown. Local police enforce British-style laws. Driving is on the left; roads outside Stanley are mostly gravel tracks – common caution: drive carefully on the airport road at night, as it is known to be hazardous. There are no dangerous wild animals (apart from some introduced foxes on outer islands), but do obey signs about unexploded 1982 munitions in old battlefields.
Economy & Currency
Are the Falklands wealthy?
The economy is small, but per-person income is high. Fishing licenses (from a large exclusive zone) and wool exports provide most government revenue. In 2013, GDP per capita was around US$97,000 (one of the world’s highest). Oil exploration is ongoing offshore (highly regulated), which may boost revenue. Unemployment is very low. Overall the islands manage many public services locally and have a moderately high living standard (HDI ~0.87).
What is the local currency?
See above) Local banknotes are issued by the Government and say “Falkland Islands”. They are used side by side with UK £. Visitors should bring some British pounds or dollars for emergencies. Only one ATM exists (Stanley); not all UK banks will exchange Falkland notes.
Governance & Sovereignty
Who governs the Falkland Islands?
The Falklands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory. They have their own Constitution, Legislative Assembly and local government. The United Kingdom is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. Islanders make their own laws via locally elected representatives.
Why are the Falklands important to Britain?
Officially, the UK’s interest is in respecting the democratic choice of the Falkland Islanders and defending their right to self-determination. The islands also have economic value (fisheries, potential oil) and strategic position in the South Atlantic, but policy statements emphasize the Islanders’ welfare as the main reason the UK upholds sovereignty.
Which country owns the Falklands?
The UK holds sovereignty and administers the islands. Argentina continues to claim the islands (calling them “Islas Malvinas”), but the Falkland Islanders have consistently expressed their wish to remain under British governance. In a 2013 referendum, over 99% of voters chose to stay a British territory. The UK government affirms it will not negotiate sovereignty against the Islanders’ wishes.
Do Argentina and the Falklands have relations?
There are no direct flights or ferry services between Argentina and the Falklands. Diplomatic relations are effectively non-existent. Tourism from Argentina is minimal. Travel for most visitors is by Chile or UK. (Note: be sensitive with the name “Islas Malvinas” – locally the islands are called the Falkland Islands.)