Last updated: 21 Oct 2025
St Helena Island
About
| A British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean that consist of the island of St Helena and the dependencies of Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Island. There are a number of things to be seen in Jamestown, the capital: The Castle – seat of St. Helena government, the Plantation House – residence of the governors, St. Paul 's Cathedral, Diana's Peak and Sandy Bay . St. Helena is a great place for scuba diving, hiking, sport fishing… and even for playing golf! The island is also known for its gourmet coffee. There is a sprinkling of good hotels, B&Bs and guest houses to choose from for your stay. |
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| Capital: | Jamestown |
| Currency: | St Helena Pound (SHP) |
| Language: | English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 290 |
| Time Zones: | No GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left. Most roads are single lane. Etiquette requires the driver coming down to make way for up-coming traffic. |
| Best Time to go: | Jan to March warmest and dry |
| Best For: | Heritage Sites |
| Plugs: | 240V, 50Hz. The standard electrical socket is the 13-amp flat pin as used in the United Kingdom. |
| Health: | There is a small (54 bed) well-equipped General Hospital, a Dental Surgery and a Community Clinic in Jamestown. There are also six rural health clinics around the island, regularly visited by the doctors, dentist and community nurses. There is no National Health Service and local residents pay for all medical treatment. Rates for medical and dental attention are divided into three rates: Non British passport holders British passport holders Residents rates |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | St Helena has limited international card acceptance services for cards such as VISA and Mastercard outside of cash advances at the local bank (fees apply). There aren’t any ATM’s on-island. Bank of St Helena’s Tourist Card is a Virtual Prepaid GBP Cash Card that allows users to use a virtual bank card available on mobile devices and make payments on-island. |
| Duty Free: | (a) Spirits, strong liqueurs over 22% volume, 1 litre and Wine x 2 litres, or Beer/Lager 340 bottle/cans 12 bottles/cans (b) Perfumed spirits & toilet water not exceeding 250 ml (c) Cigarettes not exceeding 200, or (d) Other tobacco goods not exceeding in all 250 grams Persons under the age of 18 years cannot claim the duty free allowance of alcoholic liquors and persons under the age of 16 years cannot claim the duty free allowance of cigarettes and other tobacco goods. |
| Prohibited Imports: | (a) Firearms and ammunition unless accompanied by a valid license. (b) Obscene items or pornographic literature, films or video tapes. (c) Fruit, vegetables and plant material unless accompanied by an import licence issued by the St Helena Biosecurity Service, and in compliance with the specified import health standards. (d) Animals unless accompanied by a licence issued by the St Helena Biosecurity Service Further information can be obtained from Customs on tel +2290 2287 or email:customsmanager@hmrc.gov.sh For fresh produce, plant material and animals further information can be found athttp://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/st-helena-biosecurity-service/ or from the Agriculture and Natural Resources Division on tel +290 24724; fax +290 24603. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Apr 18, 21; May 21; Jun 9; Aug 25; Dec 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 3, 6; May 21, 25; Aug 31; Nov 13; Dec 25-26, 28
Visa Requirements
No visas are required by S.A. passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid passport, with expiry date 6 months after the date of departure and 2 blank pages
- Pre-arranged accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return flight tickets / onward travel arrangements
- Medical insurance which must cover evacuation to the value of £175,000.00
- A fee of £20.00 is payable for all visitors over 12 years of age when arriving at St Helena. Payment can be made in the following currencies: British or Saint Helenian Pounds / South African Rands / US Dollars / Euros
If you require a visa, or for additional queries:
Email: evisaenquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Immigration Website: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/public-services/immigration
E-visa Website: evisa.sainthelena.gov.sh
Travel Health
| If docking en route to the USA, please check with the Health Authorities. | |
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
