Montserrat travel guide

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. The local authorities deal with all requests for emergency assistance. See Emergency assistance.

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Monitor the Montserrat Disaster Management Coordination Agency Facebook page for updates. Monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre and follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See Natural disasters.

Around one third of the island is virtually unaffected by volcanic activity. The other two-thirds are vulnerable. The Soufriere Hills Volcano has been active since 1995. However, there has been no major volcanic activity since February 2010. See Natural disasters.

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Montserrat, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Montserrat on the TravelHealthPro website

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

There are two companies offering 4-6 scheduled flights per day, and charter flights from Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport to the John A. Osborne Airport on Montserrat: FLY MONTSERRAT and SVG Air. Flights are on small aircraft capable of carrying up to 9 passengers. Short notice cancellations or changes to the schedule are common, and we recommend you check with the airline in case of delay.

Oversized bags can’t be carried due limited baggage space. Baggage is frequently held on Antigua and travels separately on subsequent flights.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Montserrat.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there. See Healthcare in Montserrat for more information on self-isolation.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Montserrat

There are currently no restrictions on internal travel in Montserrat.

Public places and spaces

Businesses, shops, restaurants and bars are open as normal, although some still ask for masks to be worn. There are no longer any restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in public places.

Visit the government of Montserrat’s website for more information.

Healthcare in Montserrat

If you think you have COVID-19, flu or common cold symptoms, you are asked to call the “Flu Hotline” on +1 (664) 496-9724.

You will be contacted by local authorities if you receive a positive test. You must then self-isolate where you have been staying, along with anyone you are staying with. Visiting technicians should contact the Montserrat authorities for whom they are working for further instructions.

More information is available on the Government of Montserrat’s website and on the FCDO’s dedicated coronavirus travel advice page.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Montserrat.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

As Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory there’s no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. The local authorities deal with all requests for emergency assistance.

Emergency assistance is provided by the Office of the Deputy Governor. More information is available on the Government of Montserrat’s website.

Crime

Crime levels are low, but you should take the same sensible precautions as you would at home. If your hotel does not have a safe, you may need to keep valuables with you.

Air travel

There are two companies offering 4-6 scheduled flights per day, and charter flights from Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport to the John A. Osborne Airport on Montserrat: FLY MONTSERRAT and SVG Air. Flights are on small aircraft capable of carrying up to 9 passengers. Short notice cancellations or changes to the schedule are common, and we recommend you check with the airline in case of delay.

Oversized bags can’t be carried due limited baggage space. Baggage is frequently held on Antigua and travels separately on subsequent flights.

Sea travel

Currently there is no ferry service to Montserrat.

Road travel

Minibuses are available along a number of routes in Montserrat (fares range from EC$5 to EC$7 per journey), but with no regular schedules. Taxis are available and can be booked throughout the day and night. Taxis aren’t metered. Agree the fare in local currency before you set off.

To drive in Montserrat, you’ll need to get a temporary visitor’s driving licence on arrival at the airport or from any police station on production of a valid driving licence and payment of a fee of EC$50. The temporary licence is valid for 3 months. Driving is on the left, as in the UK. There is a speed limit of 20 mph due to multiple hairpin bends. Don’t drink and drive.

Emergency assistance

As Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory there’s no formal British diplomatic or consular representation. The local authorities deal with all requests for emergency assistance.

Emergency assistance is provided by the Office of the Deputy Governor. More information is available on the Government of Montserrat’s website.

In the event of a natural disaster:

• listen to ZJB (Radio Montserrat) on 88.3FM or 95.5FM
• stay in contact with your local hosts
• follow the advice given by ZJB

Victims of crime should contact the Royal Montserrat Police Force:

• telephone 999 or +1 (664) 491 2555 or +1 (664) 491 2556

In a medical emergency (ambulance required) contact Fire, Search and Rescue: Telephone 911 or +1 (664) 491 7790

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Montserrat, attacks can’t be ruled out.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Montserrat is a separate legal jurisdiction to the United Kingdom and has its own laws.

There are harsh penalties if you are caught with drugs of any kind. You should observe the customs regulations on the importation and exportation of agricultural products and the protection of marine and animal life. There are a number of marine and animal specimens that may not be taken from the island. If in doubt check with the local customs authorities prior to the purchase, importation or exportation of such items.

Beach wear (swimwear) isn’t acceptable away from beach areas.

LGBT+

Homosexuality is legal under Montserrat law, but there’s no provision for marriage or civil partnerships between same-sex couples, and they aren’t recognised in law. Throughout the island, the general public is very conservative. In general people are tolerant of homosexual couples but don’t approve of public displays of affection between same-sex couples. Hotels don’t discriminate against same-sex couples and are generally welcoming to all, regardless of sexual orientation. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Montserrat set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Montserrat’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All travel to or from Montserrat is via Antigua. If you are travelling to Montserrat you must comply with Antiguan entry requirements, even when immediately transiting on to Montserrat. Check the travel advice for Antigua before booking any flights to or from Montserrat.

Entry requirements for Montserrat are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Montserrat nor take a pre-arrival COVID-19 test.

Further information can be found on the Montserrat government website.

Children and young people

Children under the age of two have always been exempt from COVID-19 controls. Otherwise, children and young people under 18 are treated the same as the adult who accompanies them.

Further information, can be found on the Montserrat government website.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Montserrat. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Visas

You don’t need a visa for Montserrat if you are either a British citizen passport holder or a British Overseas Territories citizen passport holder. For other nationalities, there is an on-line visa application service.

Embarkation tax

When you leave Montserrat you will be charged an embarkation tax of EC$25 for residents or EC$45 for non-residents. In most cases this fee will be included in the purchase of a flight ticket, but you are advised to check with your airline before departing.

Yellow fever

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Returning to the UK

Check what you must do to return to the UK.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each overseas territory page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in overseas territories. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the local territory government.

You should be prepared to show evidence that any medication you are carrying has been prescribed by a medical professional, if required by Customs officials on arrival.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Health risks

UK health authorities have classified Montserrat as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Cases of dengue fever have been confirmed in Montserrat. You should visit the NaTHNaC website for further information and advice on dengue fever and take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems you could be affected by airborne dust, volcanic ash and gases (including sulphur dioxide SO2).

Medical facilities

Montserrat has a small hospital with limited facilities. Anyone needing specialist medical treatment may need to travel to a neighbouring island. Medical evacuations may require a negative COVID-19 test prior to approval to travel – test results sometimes take 2 – 4 days. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Dental care for visitors is by private practice, which is only available in the evenings, and at weekends.

There are two pharmacies in Montserrat; one is part of the Glendon hospital, +1 (664) 491 2552 and can fulfil prescriptions issued by licensed medical professionals. Lee’s Pharmacy is located in Brades, +1 (664) 491 3444.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 or 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Volcanoes

The Soufriere Hills Volcano has been active since 1995. An area around the volcano, containing about two-thirds of the island, is vulnerable to volcanic hazard and is a no-go area. In addition there are three areas around the coastline which are designated Maritime Exclusion Zones where no shipping should enter. Seek local advice about safety precautions and access restrictions.

A volcanic Hazard Level System was introduced in 2014 for the Exclusion Zone. It rates the Level of Volcanic activity on a scale from 0-5; where 5 is the highest. This part of the island is divided into five zones A, B, C, F and V and two maritime zones E and W and permission to enter these zones depends on the level of volcanic activity. The current Hazard Level is 1 and allows unlimited access to Zones A, B, C and F. Permission is required for access to Zone V. At this level the maritime zones E and W can only be transited during daylight hours and no anchorage is allowed.

Around 40% of the island is unaffected by volcanic activity but these areas may be prone to ash falls and volcanic gases during any volcanic activity and if the wind is blowing from south to north. These sometimes cause cancellation of flights to and from the island. The volcanic situation is monitored 24/7 by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the situation remains under constant review.

An island-wide siren system is installed to warn of volcanic activity. The sirens are tested daily at 12:00 midday. If the sirens sound outside this, tune to Radio Montserrat (ZJB) immediately on FM 88.3 or 95.5 for an accompanying message. The radio station also provides regular scientific updates and advice to listeners. Brochures outlining the Hazard Level System are available at ports of entry to the island.

Maritime Exclusion Zone

There are three areas around Montserrat’s coastlines designated as Maritime Exclusion Zones. Shipping should not enter these zones. The largest of these extends for 4km on the eastern side of the island and there are two on the western side of the island. The most southerly of the two extends for 2km off shore and the third for a half kilometre off shore. Maps showing these zones along with their GPS co-ordinates are available to mariners at the Montserrat Port Authority at Port Little Bay.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from 1 June to 30 November, though very stormy weather can occur outside this period.

Monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre.

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a tropical cyclone.

Most major credit cards are accepted in (some, but not all) supermarkets, restaurants and hotels.

The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$). It’s fixed to the US dollar at 2.70 EC$ to 1 US dollar. US dollars are also widely accepted. The territory has limited but modern banking facilities.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.