Travel Vaccines and Advice for Antarctica

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Antarctica. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Antarctica: hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Specific Vaccine Information

Traveling to Antarctica does increase the risk of influenza, measles and mumps. Other vaccines should be considered based on what countries you are traveling to on your way to Antarctica.

Severe low temperatures and high winds are the primary health hazards of visiting Antarctica. Be sure to pack all the essential items necessary to maintain your health while traveling to this continent.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Food and Water Safety in Antarctica

Altitude Sickness in Antarctica

To enter into Antarctica, a valid passport is required. It is also required for travel through the country or countries that you transit through en route to and from Antarctica.

The U.S. Department of State urges travelers participating in an expedition to or throughout Antarctica to follow the guidelines set forth by the Arctic Treaty.

Make sure you book passage on an Arctic Treaty-approved vessel. If you are organizing a private expedition, you are required to notify the Department of State at least three months before traveling to Antarctica.

Antarctica’s climate is anything but typical. Travel to this region requires extensive research and preparation due to the year-round cold and dry climate.

The average high temperature is around -50 degrees. Lows can dip into the -60’s.

December brings the warmest temperatures of the year. Highs are in the -20’s. July is on record as the coldest month of the year, with average highs near negative 80.

Catabian winds can cause violent snowstorms that can last for extensive periods of time. Antarctica also experiences polar-summer and polar winter which feature periods of continual daylight and darkness.

The biggest safety concern for travelers to Antarctica, is the weather. Harsh climate conditions pose a threat to traveler’s health if they are not prepared.

Due to the small population and lack of consistent residents, Antarctica does not have an established government. There is virtually no crime. The continent generally hosts adventurous tourists and researchers. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

Traveling to Antarctica is an adventure in itself. The unique continent boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse views in the world. Travelers from every edge of the globe have visited the arctic tundra to experience the adventure of a lifetime.

The world-famous Polar Plunge is one of the most iconic experiences offered in Antarctica. Brave travelers can hop aboard a scenic boat ride to Deception Island, located south of Argentina. From there, visitors will have the chance to explore the island for up to an hour. Once the hour is up, visitors wishing to to take a dip in the cold, arctic waters, will face their moment of truth. The quick swim is at the end of each trip, so that adventurists can quickly board their vessels and warm up!

• Knee High Waterproof Boots – Unless you’re a researcher, you’ll likely be visiting on a cruise ship. Insulated waterproof boots are necessary when getting from the cruise ship to uninhabited shores.
• Sunscreen – Although it may not be your first thought when packing your bags, sunscreen is essential for your trip to Antarctica. The ozone layer is thinnest above Antarctica, and there is an intense glare from the white snow.
• Seasickness Medication – If you are prone to seasickness, medication may be a lifesaver. While there are many brands, there are also other remedies such as ginger and scopolamine patches. The Drake Passage between the tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica is the roughest stretch of ocean in the world. Make sure you’re prepared with whatever will work best for you!

The United States doesn’t have an embassy in Antarctica because Antarctica doesn’t have a government or permanent population. The United States has three research stations in Antarctica. If you want to visit Antarctica, you may need permission from the country that manages the area you plan to visit. In the United States’ case, you might need permission from the National Science Foundation.

Usually, permission is given for science or education reasons, not for tourism.

It’s important to research the specific rules and requirements of the country or organization that manages the area you plan to visit.

Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!