{"slug":"pitcairn-island","title":"Pitcairn Island travel advice","updated_at":"2025-03-27T16:14:53+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-03-27T16:14:53Z","change_description":"This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and reissued without any significant updates.","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/pitcairn-island","entry_requirements_html":"

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Pitcairn Island’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

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The authorities on Pitcairn Island set and enforce entry rules. This includes all visitors and potential new settlers to have comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation cover. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, visit the Pitcairn Islands government website.

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The Pitcairn Islands group is made up of the islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. Pitcairn is the only inhabited island. There is no airport on the islands. Most travel to Pitcairn is via a Government of Pitcairn Islands-chartered supply ship, which regularly operates between Mangareva in French Polynesia and Pitcairn Island (about 300km away).

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Passport validity requirements

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Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay on Pitcairn Island and have blank pages for stamps.

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Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

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You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

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Visa requirements

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You can visit Pitcairn Island for up to 14 days without a visa if you plan to arrive and depart on the same ship. Visits of more than 14 days require a Long-Term Visit Visa, see more information on visas.

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You must fill in a landing card on arrival.

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Applying for a visa

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To stay on Pitcairn Island for more than 14 days, you must contact the immigration officer for entry clearance before making any travel plans.

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See more information on visas on the official Pitcairn Island tourism website.

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Travelling with children

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If you want to visit Pitcairn Island for more than 14 days with children aged 15 and under, you must contact Pitcairn Island Immigration before making any travel plans. You must complete an entry clearance application for any child wishing to visit the island.

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FCDO does not allow its staff or contracted staff based on Pitcairn to be accompanied by their children due to limited medical facilities.

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Vaccine requirements

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To enter Pitcairn Island, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

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For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Pitcairn Islands guide.

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Customs rules

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There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Pitcairn Island. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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It is illegal to import:

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There are strict controls on plant and animal product imports. Travellers with pets should get advice before travelling.

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For more information contact the Pitcairn Islands government.

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Terrorism

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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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

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UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

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Terrorism on Pitcairn Island

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Although there’s no recent history of terrorism on Pitcairn Island, attacks cannot be ruled out.

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Crime

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Crime against visitors is uncommon.

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Laws and cultural differences

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Pitcairn Island is a British Overseas Territory and has its own laws. 

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Alcohol laws

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It is illegal to import or sell alcohol without a licence.

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It is also illegal to drink alcohol in a number of public places, including but not limited to all roads, the Landing, the Public Square and the Western Harbour.

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Religion

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The main religion on Pitcairn is Seventh Day Adventism, and the Sabbath is observed on Saturday. All religions are welcome in the church.

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Grocery store

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There is one grocery store on Pitcairn Island, which is open for 2 hours on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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Accommodation

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There are no hotels but self-catering and homestay accommodation with local families is available. You must book accommodation in advance in order to travel to Pitcairn.

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Mobile network and internet

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There is no mobile phone network on Pitcairn. VoIP calls are possible but only from people’s houses.   

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Internet facilities are available to the public at the Landing and outside the grocery store, and at most homes on the island through Starlink. Homestay guests will normally have access to local wifi facilities, possibly at additional cost.

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LGBT+ travellers

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Same-sex marriage has been legal on Pitcairn Island since 2015.

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Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

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Outdoor activities and adventure tourism      

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Pitcairn Island has walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Trails to Down Rope, Tautama and Christian’s Cave are narrow, slippery and not well marked – you should only go on these trails if an islander comes with you.

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Cliffs on Pitcairn are unstable and may crumble. 

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See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

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It can take days and possibly weeks to get medical treatment if you’re seriously injured during outdoor activities. Serious cases require medical evacuation by boat to Mangareva and then flight to Tahiti, or boat/flight to New Zealand, due to limited medical facilities on Pitcairn.

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Transport risks

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Road travel

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There are a limited number of concrete roads on Pitcairn, mostly in Adamstown. Other roads are dirt tracks.

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People walk or use quad bikes to get around. Most visitors walk because all quad bikes are privately owned. Longer-term visitors who want to use a quad bike must pass a short driving test, set by the Police Officer, to get a licence.

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Air travel

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You cannot travel to Pitcairn by air. Pitcairn is visited around 20 times a year by a supply ship, the Silver Supporter, travelling from the island of Mangareva in French Polynesia. See the Pitcairn Islands Tourism website for shipping service information, including sailing dates and passenger fares.

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Transferring by longboat

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There is no harbour or jetty on Pitcairn. Visitors transfer from the Silver Supporter supply ship to Pitcairn in a longboat. This can be difficult in poor weather, particularly for people with limited mobility. Crew provide life jackets, full instructions and help during the transfer.

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Visitors coming ashore from cruise liners normally use the vessels’ own tenders. 

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Extreme weather and natural disasters

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Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

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There is a risk of landslides or rockfalls on Pitcairn following heavy rain.

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Cyclones do not normally affect Pitcairn.

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