travel to british indian ocean territory

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.) Healthy Travel Packing List

Remind your patients to pack health and safety items.

Prescription medicines

• Your prescriptions
• Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
• Suture/syringe kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Altitude sickness medicine

Medical supplies

• Glasses Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged
• Contact lenses Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
• Needles or syringes (for diabetes, for example) Requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Suture kit Kit is for use by local health care provider & requires a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery
• Diabetes testing supplies
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace

Over-the-counter medicines

• Antihistamine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough drops
• Cough suppression/expectorant
• Decongestant
• Medicine for pain and fever Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
• Mild laxative
• Mild sedative or other sleep aid
• Saline nose spray

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

• Hand sanitizer or wipes Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol or antibacterial hand wipes
• Water purification tablets See CDC recommendations: Water Disinfection .
• Insect repellent Select an insect repellent based on CDC recommendations: Avoid Bug Bites
• Permethrin Permethrin is insect repellent for clothing. It may be needed if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Clothing can also be treated at home in advance.
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) with UVA and UVB protection. See Sun Exposure .
• Sunglasses and hat Wear for additional sun protection. A wide brim hat is preferred.
• Personal safety equipment Examples: child safety seats, bicycle helmets
• Latex condoms

First-aid kit

• 1% hydrocortisone cream
• Antifungal ointments
• Antibacterial ointments
• Antiseptic wound cleanser
• Aloe gel For sunburns
• Insect bite treatment Anti-itch gel or cream
• Bandages Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
• Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
• Disposable gloves
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors and safety pins
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
• Oral rehydration salts
• Health insurance documents Health insurance card (your regular plan and/or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms
• Copies of all prescriptions Make sure prescriptions include generic names. Bring prescriptions for medicines, eye glasses/contacts, and other medical supplies.
• Family member or close contact remaining in the United States
• Health care provider(s) at home
• Lodging at your destination
• Hospitals or clinics (including emergency services) in your destination
• US embassy or consulate in the destination country or countries

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

British Indian Ocean Territory

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Landscape
• 1.3 Flora and fauna
• 1.4 Climate
• 2.1 Outer islands
• 2.2 Diego Garcia
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Outer islands
• 4.2 Diego Garcia
• 5.1 Outer islands
• 5.2 Diego Garcia
• 10 Stay safe

The British Indian Ocean Territory is centrally located in the Indian Ocean , south of the Maldives , about halfway between Madagascar and Indonesia . The main island, Diego Garcia , is a military facility off limits to anyone not on official duty, but some of the uninhabited outer islands can be visited by independent yachters with advance permission.

To quote the British Indian Ocean Territory travel advice through the British Foreign Office: "The British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination. Access is restricted and a permit is required in advance of travel. There are no commercial flights and permits are only issued to yachts in safe passage. Access to Diego Garcia is only permitted to those with connections to the military facility."

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976, leaving only the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago of 2,300 islands. The largest and southernmost of the 58 islands, Diego Garcia , contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Approximately 3,000 former agricultural workers, earlier indigenous residents in the islands (often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois) were exiled primarily to Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration order which had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. Later in June 2017, the matter was sent to the International Court of Justice, which ruled that the islands belong to Mauritius . Despite the ICJ ruling, the United Kingdom has refused to hand the islands over to Mauritius, and they remain under de facto British control to this day; repeated requests by the Chagossians to return or even simply visit have been denied by both the British and American governments.

No timetable has been set for the Ilois return, but when they do, they plan to re-establish copra production and fishing.

In February 2022, a group of Chagossians who had been exiled by the British made an unsupervised visit to survey the unclaimed Blenheim Reef, while also raising the Mauritian flag on Peros Banhos to submit a report to the ITLOS whether Blenheim Reef is claimbale.

Landscape [ edit ]

Flat and low (most areas do not exceed two metres in elevation).

Flora and fauna [ edit ]

The BIOT Marine Protected Area protects a variety of wildlife, including 1% of the world's coral reefs. You may see endangered species such as green turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, sharks, and rays, and the territory also includes species that don't exist anywhere else in the world: the Chagos brain coral and Chagos anemone fish. Other wildlife includes tuna, billfish, and eighteen species of seabirds, including red-footed and brown boobies and sooty terns. Fish in the territory are able to thrive due to the prohibition on commercial fishing; the reefs here have more fish than anywhere else in the Indian Ocean.

Unfortunately, the prohibition on diving means that your chances to experience the coral reefs and thriving fish populations will be limited. You can enjoy whatever you can see from the surface, though, as well as the seabirds and the flora on the islands. The islands are also abundant in coconut crabs , the world's largest land arthropods, which can grow up to a meter in length.

Native trees include the Indian mulberry, sea trumpet, and tropical almond. Coconut trees left over from the islands' plantation years are also plentiful.

Many of the territory's rules, including the limits on fishing and mooring, exist to help protect the wildlife.

The territory is vulnerable to invasive species; rats introduced to some of the islands in the 1700s have already harmed native birds and plants. Don't threaten the wildlife by bringing any non-native species. Before coming to the territory, scrub your hull, wash fruits and vegetables, and inspect everything closely to ensure there are no stowaway insects or spiders. Don't bring live plants with you into the territory, and when you go ashore, check everywhere for hidden seeds, insects, spiders, or other small animals.

Climate [ edit ]

Tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds. December through February is the monsoon season; June through September is the drier winter season with slightly cooler temperatures.

Get in [ edit ]

Outer islands [ edit ].

If you need to make a stop in the territory as part of a longer Indian Ocean sailing trip, there are some designated locations on the outer islands for you to moor. Valid yacht mooring permits for up to 28 days can be obtained from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, for a fee of £50 per week. Details here. The mooring permits allow you to moor only at designated anchorages; some of the other islands are strict nature reserves and may not be entered. Apply at least six weeks before you plan to arrive in the territory. In order to get a permit, your passport must have at least six months' validity from your date of entry into the territory, and you must prove that mooring there is necessary for your safe passage across the Indian Ocean and demonstrate proof of adequate travel insurance and yacht insurance.

Your permit is only valid for the specified dates. If weather or other circumstances force you to change your dates of travel, you must contact the territory administration before the date on the permit and ask them to amend it. Don't moor in the territory outside the dates you have permission for.

The designated anchorages are five specific areas, two on islands in the Salomon Islands atoll and three on islands in Peros Banhos atoll. Exact details will be provided by the BIOT administration with your permit.

• -5.334732 72.267214 2 Ile Fouquet and Ile Takamaka (Salomon) .  
• -5.256147 71.764256 3 Ile Diamante (Peros Banhos) .  
• -5.446898 71.760079 4 Ile du Coin (Peros Banhos) .  
• -5.461533 71.80916 5 Ile Fouquet (Peros Banhos) .  

Several of the other islands are strict nature reserves. You may not anchor, land, or approach within three nautical miles of these islands: Cow Island, Danger Island and the drying coral reef, Eagle Island, Nelson's Island, and the Three Brothers and Resurgent Island. In addition, the eastern portion of Peros Banhos atoll is equally off limits. All wildlife on and around these islands is protected. Anyone who violates these rules by approaching the islands may be fined £1,000 on the spot, with increasing penalties if you fail to pay.

Diego Garcia [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

There is paved road between the airport and the harbour on Diego Garcia.

See [ edit ]

• Île Boddam ( Boddam Island ). Formerly home to a plantation, whose buildings, including a church, are now overgrown by jungle. The ruins here include old rail tracks and a cemetery. Some of the buildings have been converted into a so-called "yacht club", which has a log book where you can sign your name. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Île du Coin . The main island in Peros Banhos atoll, formerly home to the Perch Settlement. The atoll's coconut plantations, which were scattered on several of its islands, were run from here. Ruins include buildings and a cemetery. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• -5.311317 72.264844 1 Île Mapou ( Salomon Atoll ). Has the most birds of any island in Salomon Atoll because it's rat-free.  
• Wreck of the Black Rose . A wrecked ship on the northernmost beach of Île Fouquet (Salomon Atoll). ( updated Mar 2018 )

The clear blue water on the lagoon side of Diego Garcia (except after stormy weather).

• Catalina Beach ( near The Plantation ). The beach with a wrecked aircraft.  
• The Plantation . A former coconut plantation on the eastern end of Diego Garcia, out of use since 1970. The buildings have been restored.  
• Turtle Cove ( south of the island ). Watch the endangered turtles hanging out, as well as lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and cowtail stingrays.  

Do [ edit ]

• Snorkel – the marine life is spectacular. Beware of sharks, though.
• Go for a hike through the coconut jungles, ruined buildings, and pristine beaches.
• Meet other travellers . The mooring sites sometimes get more than one boat at a time, especially the popular "yacht club" on Ile Boddam, where you may be able to socialise over some barbecued fish on the beach.
• You may be able to find a bit of sports equipment. Boddam Island has a swing and a volleyball court.

Diving, spear-fishing, and removal of flora and fauna are prohibited.

• Plantation Trail – a walk to the beach, a little over ten minutes, that allows you to see various native trees, ferns and coconut crabs. Non-native trees have been cleared and native trees planted—most of the work, including the construction of the trail, has been done by volunteers. The trail includes a loop, so you can see a different area on the way back. Informative signs at the beginning of the trail tell you about the tree species you'll see.
• Snorkel Trail – follow a series of nine buoys over a shallow area of water where you can see a beautiful coral ecosystem. Masks and snorkels are available from the marina office.

Buy [ edit ]

Commercial activity of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Eat [ edit ]

Independent yachters must be self-sufficient, so bring whatever food you need. You are allowed to catch fish for your own consumption within three days. Use a rod or line only; spear fishing is strictly prohibited. Keep a log of your fishing in case the British government asks to see it.

Don't bring any fresh food ashore with you, for fear of accidentally spreading non-native seeds or small animals.

Drink [ edit ]

Most of the islands have old wells with fresh water, including Ile Boddam, Ile Takamaka, and Ile du Coin. The water isn't drinkable, but it is usable for washing and can be filtered and purified.

Sleep [ edit ]

On the outer islands, you're not allowed to remain on shore between sunset and sunrise, or set up any kind of camp or structure. So you'll be sleeping on your boat.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The old buildings on Ile du Coin and Ile Boddam are structurally unsafe, and visitors enter at their own risk.

The territory is tightly controlled, with fines and possible imprisonment for violations of its numerous rules. Do not go within three nautical miles of the strict nature reserves or Diego Garcia; kill, remove, or disturb any flora or fauna (except the limited fishing that is permitted), including shells; introduce any foreign flora or fauna (including pets, which must remain on your boat); stay ashore overnight; do anything that risks damaging the old buildings; leave behind garbage except in designated receptacles; import drugs; or go diving.

The territory is very remote, and no medical facilities are available. Be prepared to get a medical evacuation if you need it.

If you have an emergency, you can contact Diego Garcia for assistance on 2.182MHz HF SSB or 00 246 3702938 .

Go next [ edit ]

Yachties can only visit the BIOT as part of a longer voyage across the Indian Ocean. Here are some possible next stops for your itinerary:

• Cocos (Keeling) Islands , a territory of Australia
• Rodrigues , an outlying island of Mauritius

• Has custom banner
• Quickbar with missing information
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Has map markers
• See listing with no coordinates
• Usable parks
• Usable articles
• Park articles
• Has Geo parameter
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

British Indian Ocean Territory

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is administered from London. We work to support security and good governance, and preserve marine environment and historical heritage.

The British Indian Ocean Territory has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814. BIOT is close to the very centre of the Indian Ocean, mid-way between Tanzania and Indonesia. Its nearest neighbours are the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The Territory covers 640,000 square kilometres of ocean but the land area is only 60 square kilometres. The largest and most southerly of the 58 islands, Diego Garcia, accounts for more than half the land area. There is no native population on the islands.

BIOT is constitutionally distinct and separate from the UK, with its own laws and Administration. The constitutional arrangements for BIOT are set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Constitution) Order 2004 and related instruments. The Territory is administered from London, by a Commissioner appointed by The Queen, who is assisted by a Deputy Commissioner and Administrator. The 2004 Order gives the Commissioner power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of BIOT .

In 1966 the UK agreed with the USA to make BIOT available for the defence purposes of the 2 countries. The US presence on the island of Diego Garcia is governed by a series of agreements called an Exchanges of Notes. From this, the overarching agreement sets out that the whole Territory should be made available for UK and US defence purposes.

The Government of the British Indian Ocean Territory website provides information relating to the BIOT Government in a single place. It includes the latest news and information, including details on:

• all the current legislation for the Territory
• the Official Gazette detailing orders and appointments
• information on Heritage visits
• information on BIOT stamps and coins
• environment, science and the Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Environment

The wildlife and environment of the British Indian Ocean Territory are exceptional. The Territory has the greatest marine biodiversity in the UK and its Overseas Territories, as well as some of the cleanest seas and healthiest reef systems in the world which are protected by the largest no-take Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean.

BIOT has some unique terrestrial habitats. All islands are formed of low-lying coral with a typical maximum elevation of 1 to 2 metres above sea level. BIOT is also home to the world’s biggest arthropod, the coconut crab, which can reach up to 1 metre across, with densities on Diego Garcia amongst the highest globally.

BIOT represents a nearly untouched ‘ocean observatory’ which provides researchers across the world with a place like no other for scientific research. It also provides a testing ground for new environmental management techniques with significance to other protected areas around the world.

The UK remains committed to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Arbitral Award of 2015.

The rich biodiversity and near-pristine environment of the British Indian Ocean Territory ( BIOT ) makes it a unique location for scientific study. Scientific expeditions from a wide range of disciplines and operating in both the terrestrial and marine environments, have visited the Territory. These expeditions have contributed towards the development of BIOT as an ‘observatory for undisturbed ecosystems’.

Paul Candler

Overseas Territories Directorate

British Indian Ocean Territory Team Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH United Kingdom

Email [email protected]

Telephone 0207 008 5000

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

British Indian Ocean Territory

Travel Guide Africa British Indian Ocean Territory

Introduction

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), also called the Chagos Islands, is a British overseas territory. It is not known as a destination for travellers. In fact, it is very hard to get to at all, as the main atoll, Diego Garcia , is also a joint military facility of the USA and the UK. Although the total land area is only about 60 square kilometres, the area including territorial waters is around 15,000 square kilometres. The total population is estimated at about 3,500 inhabitants, mainly civilian contractors and both US and UK military personnel.

Brief History

Maldivian mariners knew the Chagos Islands well. In Maldivian lore, they are known as Fōlhavahi or Hollhavai (the latter name in the closer Southern Maldives). According to Southern Maldivian oral tradition, traders and fishermen were occasionally lost at sea and got stranded on one of the islands of the Chagos. Eventually they were rescued and brought back home. However, these islands were judged to be too far away from the Maldives to be settled permanently by them. Thus, for many centuries the Chagos were ignored by their northern neighbours.

The islands of Chagos Archipelago were charted by Vasco da Gama in the early sixteenth century, then claimed in the eighteenth century by France as a possession of Mauritius. They were first settled in the 18th century by African slaves and Indian contractors brought by Franco-Mauritians to found coconut plantations. In 1810, Mauritius was captured by the United Kingdom, and France ceded the territory in the Treaty of Paris .

In 1965, the United Kingdom split the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius and the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches (Des Roches) from the Seychelles to form the British Indian Ocean Territory. The purpose was to allow the construction of military facilities for the mutual benefit of the United Kingdom and the United States. The islands were formally established as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on 8 November 1965. On 23 June 1976, Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches were returned to Seychelles as a result of its attaining independence. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago.

In 1990, the first BIOT flag was unfurled. This flag, as well as containing the flag of the United Kingdom, has depictions of the Indian Ocean , where the islands are located, in the form of white and blue wavy lines and also a palm tree rising above the British crown.

BIOT is an archipelago of 55 islands. They were annexed by the UK in 1965 under the Treaty of Paris from a much larger archipelago which in 1804 consisted of 2,300 independent islands. BIOT is situated in the Indian Ocean near the Equator. It is roughly halfway between Africa and Indonesia, about 1,600 kilometres southwest of India. It is situated approximately 1,600 kilometres from South India and 600 kilometres to the south of the Maldives With a coastline stretching 698 kilometres, it is the southern extension of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge. The Chagos Islands archipelago are northeast of Mauritius, while Agalega Islands are due north. The islands are characterised as coral atolls whose formation occurred at the summits of volcanic mountains these being submerged. The terrain is flat and low, with most areas not exceeding 2 metres above sea level. The climate is tropical marine; hot, humid, and moderated by trade winds. It is located outside the route of the cyclones.

The lagoon that surrounds the atoll has an area of about 120 square kilometres (46 sq mi). The maximum water depth in the lagoon is about 25 metres. The width of the coral reef varies from 100–200 metres with a shallow depth of about 1 metre on the seaward side. The area covered by the fringing seaward reef shelf is about 35.2 square kilometres. The bed slope noted at the outer edge of the reef shelf is steep towards the deeper end; the depth drops to more than 450 metres in some areas within 1 kilometre distance from the shore.

In 2010, the whole territory, as well as 545,000 square kilometres of ocean around the islands, was declared a marine reserve. It is known formally as the Chagos Marine Protected Area, because it is a "pristine ocean ecosystem now representing 16% of the world's fully protected coral reef." Fishing is banned within the reserve area. Diego Garcia is a Ramsar site.

Of the 55 islands of the Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia is the largest. Aside from this, the main islands are the Egmont Islands, Danger Island, Aigle (Eagle) Islands, Three Brothers, Nelson Island, Salomon Islands, and Peros Banhos at the northern end of the Chagos Archipelago.

The coral atoll of Diego Garcia is approximately 3,650 kilometres east of the coast of Africa (at Tanzania), 1,791 kilometres south-southwest of the southern tip of India (at Kanyakumari) and 4,720 kilometres west-northwest of the west coast of Australia (at Cape Range National Park, Western Australia). Diego Garcia lies at the southernmost tip of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge — a vast submarine range in the Indian Ocean. The total area encompassed by the atoll is 169.6 square kilometres. At the entrance to the lagoon, there are three small islands, and these are East Island (7.49 hectares), Middle Island (4.98 hectares), and West Island (2 hectares). In some areas, the atoll has both marshes and wetlands. The ecosystem consists of undisturbed tropical forests

The Peros Banhos Islands, which are the largest group on the Chagos Bank, consists of 27 islands scattered around the rim of an immense lagoon, which has a perimeter of 12 leagues (58 kilometres) and enclosed some 310 square kilometres of water. They consist of several groups of islets and reefs; deep channels separate them. They had a population of some 400 islanders before the evacuation in 1965, the largest number living on Île du Coin in the southwest corner of the atoll (in the previous century, the dominant island was Île Diamant in the northwest corner of the atoll); in all, there were seven inhabited islands.

Some 25 kilometres east of Peros Panhos Atoll, the smaller Salomon group comprises eleven islands clustered around a lagoon measuring 8 km long and 5 km wide. Prior to the removal of its population, six of the islands were inhabited with a total of about 250 islanders. Île Boddam in the southwest was the principal settlement, while Île Takamaka in the east wasc the centre of boatbuilding for the archipelago.

Lying between Diego Garcia in the south, and the Peros Banhos and Salomon Atolls in the north, the remaining coralline islands are scattered over a wide area of the Great Chagos Bank, an area of atolls, reefs and shoals with an average depth of water of some 20 metres. Uninhabited Île Nelson lies 35 kilometres south of Salomon Atoll. A hundred km to the southwest of Nelson are the 3 islands of Trois Frères, which were briefly inhabited in the 19th century. Further west lies the Île d'Aigle, which was inhabited until 1935. Île Vache Marine, the southernmost of the Eagle Islands, lies south.

Île Danger, 20 kilometres south of Île d'Aigle, has never been inhabited; it is a 2 kilometres long and flat island with a maximum width of 400 metres. It is covered with tall coconut trees and shrubs.

Finally, Six Îles Atoll (also called Egmont), 5 leagues (24 kilometres) further south of Danger, was also occupied for short periods during the mid 19th century until 1935. Besides the six named islands, the atoll also includes a seventh unnamed island. The atoll, in the form of “U”, is a small strip of land with width varying from 30 metres to a maximum of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) at its northern extremity. The total land area of the atoll is 2,430 hectares. A fringing reef circumscribes the atoll. There are two openings into the ocean. It almost encompasses a large lagoon. The lagoon itself is 20 kilometres in length and is more than 10 kilometres in width. Rounded pumic stones found on the eastern beach of the island by one of the explorers of the island have been inferred as debris from the Krakatoa volcanic eruption of 1883. The atoll is 23 leagues (110 kilometres) to the northwest of Diego Garcia, on the Great Chagos Bank. The islands are connected by reefs which are steep and there are no locations for anchorage on its shores.

• Diego Garcia - the largest island, atoll and functioning as the capital.

Sights and Activities

Outer islands.

• Ruins of a church on Boddam IslandÎle Boddam (Boddam Island). Formerly home to a plantation, whose buildings, including a church, are now overgrown by jungle. The ruins here include old rail tracks and a cemetery. Some of the buildings have been converted into a so-called "yacht club", which has a log book where you can sign your name.
• Île du Coin . The main island in Peros Banhos atoll, formerly home to the Perch Settlement. The atoll's coconut plantations, which were scattered on several of its islands, were run from here. Ruins include buildings and a cemetery.
• Île Mapou (Salomon Atoll). Has the most birds of any island in Salomon Atoll because it's rat-free.
• Wreck of the Black Rose . A wrecked ship on the northernmost beach of Île Fouquet (Salomon Atoll).
• Snorkel – the marine life is spectacular. Beware of sharks, though.
• Go for a hike through the coconut jungles, ruined buildings, and pristine beaches.

Diego Garcia

• The clear blue water on the lagoon side of Diego Garcia (except after stormy weather).
• Catalina Beach (near The Plantation). The beach with a wrecked aircraft.
• The Plantation . A former coconut plantation on the eastern end of Diego Garcia, out of use since 1970. The buildings have been restored.
• Turtle Cove (south of the island). Watch the endangered turtles hanging out, as well as lemon sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and cowtail stingrays.
• Plantation Trail – a walk to the beach, a little over ten minutes, that allows you to see various native trees, ferns and coconut crabs. Non-native trees have been cleared and native trees planted - most of the work, including the construction of the trail, has been done by volunteers. The trail includes a loop, so you can see a different area on the way back. Informative signs at the beginning of the trail tell you about the tree species you'll see.
• Snorkel Trail – follow a series of nine buoys over a shallow area of water where you can see a beautiful coral ecosystem. Masks and snorkels are available from the marina office.

Events and Festivals

The regular UK holidays apply here too.

All precipitation falls as rain, characterised by air mass-type showers. Annual rainfall averages 2,213 mm (87.1 in), with the heaviest precipitation from May to December. February is the driest month with 18 mm of rain, and August the wettest month, averaging 298 mm of rain.

The surrounding sea surface temperature is the primary climatic control, and temperatures are generally uniform throughout the year, with an average maximum of 30 °C by day during March and April, and 29 °C in July through September. Diurnal variation is roughly 3 -4 °C , falling to the low 27 °C by night. Humidity is high throughout the year. The almost constant breeze keeps conditions reasonably comfortable.

From December through March, winds are generally westerly around 11 km/h. During April and May, winds are light and variable, ultimately backing to an east-southeasterly direction. From June through September, the influence of the Southeast trades is felt, with speeds of 10-15 knots. During October and November, winds again go through a period of light and variable conditions veering to a westerly direction with the onset of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Thunderstorm activity is generally noticed during the afternoon and evenings during the summer months (December through March) and when the Intertropical Convergence Zone is in the vicinity of the island.

Diego Garcia is at minimum risk from tropical cyclones due to its proximity to the equator where the coriolis parameter required to organise circulation of the upper atmosphere is minimal. Low-intensity storms have hit the island, including one in 1901, which blew over 1,500 coconut trees; one on September 16, 1944, which caused the wreck of a Royal Air Force PBY Catalina; one in September 1990 which demolished the tent city then being constructed for United States Air Force bomber crews during Operation Desert Storm; and one on July 22, 2007, when winds exceeded 110 km/h and over 250 mm of rain fell in 24 hours.

Getting There

If you need to make a stop in the territory as part of a longer Indian Ocean sailing trip, there are some designated locations on the outer islands for you to moor. Valid yacht mooring permits for up to 28 days can be obtained from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, for a fee of £50 per week. Details here . The mooring permits allow you to moor only at designated anchorages; some of the other islands are strict nature reserves and may not be entered. Apply at least six weeks before you plan to arrive in the territory. In order to get a permit, your passport must have at least six months' validity from your date of entry into the territory, and you must prove that mooring there is necessary for your safe passage across the Indian Ocean and demonstrate proof of adequate travel insurance and yacht insurance.

Your permit is only valid for the specified dates. If weather or other circumstances force you to change your dates of travel, you must contact the territory administration before the date on the permit and ask them to amend it. Don't moor in the territory outside the dates you have permission for.

The designated anchorages are five specific areas, two on islands in the Salomon Islands atoll and three on islands in Peros Banhos atoll. Exact details will be provided by the BIOT administration with your permit. Ile Boddam (Salomon), Ile Fouquet and Ile Takamaka (Salomon), Ile Diamante (Peros Banhos), Ile du Coin (Peros Banhos), and Ile Fouquet (Peros Banhos).

Several of the other islands are strict nature reserves. You may not anchor, land, or approach within three nautical miles of these islands: Cow Island, Danger Island and the drying coral reef, Eagle Island, Nelson's Island, and the Three Brothers and Resurgent Island. In addition, the eastern portion of Peros Banhos atoll is equally off limits. All wildlife on and around these islands is protected. Anyone who violates these rules by approaching the islands may be fined £1,000 on the spot, with increasing penalties if you fail to pay.

Diego Garcia is a military facility with a large American and British military presence. Entry is restricted to military personnel and other people affiliated with the British government, visiting on official duty. The island has both a military airport and a harbour, but unauthorised vessels are strictly prohibited from approaching within three nautical miles.

Getting Around

With the exception of one two-lane motorway, most of the islands in the territory have no roads of any sort. Diego Garcia has a short stretch of paved road between the port and airfield; otherwise transport is mostly by bicycle. There is also a marina bus service along the main road of the Island of Diego Garcia.

Entry to Diego Garcia is extremely limited due to the large American and British military presence on the island. The British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination. Access is restricted and a permit is required in advance of travel. There are no commercial flights and permits are only issued to yachts in safe passage. Access to Diego Garcia is only permitted to those with connections to the military facility.

A valid entry permit can be obtained from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration, Foreign & Commonwealth Office; although proof of adequate travel insurance and yacht insurance is required before permit issue, and any permit issued would only be valid for the outer islands.

See also: Money Matters

Oddly enough, the US Dollar, or "greenback", is officially the national currency of the British Indian Ocean Territory. One dollar consists of 100 cents. Frequently used coins are the penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢) and quarter (25¢). 50¢ and $1 coins also exist, but are rarely used. Frequently used banknotes are the $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes. $2, $50 and $100 notes can also be found, but are rarely used.

English is the main language.

Independent yachters must be self-sufficient, so bring whatever food you need. You are allowed to catch fish for your own consumption within three days. Use a rod or line only; spear fishing is strictly prohibited. Keep a log of your fishing in case the British government asks to see it.

Don't bring any fresh food ashore with you, for fear of accidentally spreading non-native seeds or small animals.

On the outer islands, you're not allowed to remain on shore between sunset and sunrise, or set up any kind of camp or structure. So you'll be sleeping on your boat.

Most of the islands have old wells with fresh water, including Ile Boddam, Ile Takamaka, and Ile du Coin. The water isn't drinkable, but it is usable for washing and can be filtered and purified.

See also Travel Health

See also Travel Safety

The old buildings on Ile du Coin and Ile Boddam are structurally unsafe, and visitors enter at their own risk.

The territory is tightly controlled, with fines and possible imprisonment for violations of its numerous rules. Do not go within three nautical miles of the strict nature reserves or Diego Garcia; kill, remove, or disturb any flora or fauna (except the limited fishing that is permitted), including shells; introduce any foreign flora or fauna (including pets, which must remain on your boat); stay ashore overnight; do anything that risks damaging the old buildings; leave behind garbage except in designated receptacles; import drugs; or go diving.

The territory is very remote, and no medical facilities are available. Be prepared to get a medical evacuation if you need it.

If you have an emergency, you can contact Diego Garcia for assistance on 2.182MHz HF SSB or 00 246 3702938.

Keep Connected

Internet and wifi is available.

See also International Telephone Calls

The island's international telephone code is 246.

Separate telephone facilities for military and public needs are available, providing all standard commercial telephone services, including connection to the Internet. International telephone service is carried via satellite.

Services offered include international telephone, broadband internet and WiFi, GSM mobile, paging services and TV rebroadcast services. Telephone and internet services are also offered to maritime customers as well as an extensive portfolio of services to business and Government customers.

Postage stamps have been issued for British Indian Ocean Territory since 17 January 1968. As the territory was originally part of the Seychelles, these stamps were denominated in rupees until 1992. However, after that date they were issued in denominations of British Pounds, the official currency of the territory.

External Links

Contributors.

British Indian Ocean Territory Travel Helpers

We don't currently have any Travel Helpers for British Indian Ocean Territory

Become a Travel Helper for British Indian Ocean Territory

This is version 17. Last edited at 7:32 on May 7, 19 by Utrecht . 6 articles link to this page.

• South America
• Movie Reviews
• Entrepreneurship
• Pro Wrestling
• Sagittarius
• Our Journalists
• ETHICS POLICY

British Indian Ocean Territory is centrally placed in the Indian Ocean, south of the Island of Maldives, about halfway between Indonesia and Madagascar. The central island, Diego Garcia, is a military facility off-limits to anyone not on an official visit. Still, some of the uninhabited outer islands can be visited by yachters with permission.

Flora and fauna

British Indian Ocean Territory Marine Protected Area shields various wildlife, including 1% of the coral reefs. You may see endangered species such as hawksbill sea turtles, green turtles, sharks, and rays, and the territory also includes species that don’t live anywhere else in the world: Chagos anemone fish and the Chagos brain coral. Other wildlife includes billfish, tuna, and eighteen species of seabirds, including red-footed and sooty terns and brown boobies. Fish in the territory can thrive due to the prohibition on fishing; the reefs here have more fish than anywhere else.

The prohibition on commercial diving means that your chances to experience the thriving fish populations and the coral reefs will be limited. You can savor whatever you can see from the outside, though, as well as the flora and the seabirds on the islands. The islands are also abundant in the indigenous coconut crabs, the largest land arthropods, which can grow to a meter in length.

Top Things to see in British Indian Ocean Territory

Boddam Island (Île Boddam):   Formerly home to a private plantation, whose buildings, including a church, are now technically overgrown by jungle. The ruins here include a cemetery and old rail tracks. Some of the buildings have been converted into a private yacht club”, which has a logbook where you can add your name.

Île du Coin:  Île du Coin is a central island in Peros Banhos atoll, earlier home to the Perch Settlement. The coconut plantations, which were scattered on many of its islands, were run from here. 

Catalina Beach:  Perhaps the cleanest beach in the world, Catalina Beach has a wrecked aircraft and beautiful flora worth exploring.

Top Things to in British Indian Ocean Territory

• Snorkel – the marine life is nothing less than spectacular. Beware of those teeth-filled sharks, though.
• Go for a hike through the ruined buildings, coconut jungles, and pristine beaches.
• Plantation Trail is a stroll to the beach, a little over fifteen minutes, that lets you observe numerous native trees, coconut crabs, and ferns. To make the trail, many non-native trees have been cleared and native trees supremely planted—most of the work, including the trail construction, has been done by volunteers. 
• Boddam Island has a volleyball court and a swing. You can socialize with daredevils here.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Was it worth reading let us know. cancel reply, stay connected, triumph over tragedy: nikhil chandwani’s daring rescue of meena bheel on…, rescued: two hindu families in pakistan find safety and hope amidst…, why freight audits are vital for your business, why commercial cleaning services matter for your business.

• Privacy Policy
• Hot Stories
• Password Reset
• Trending News
• Fashion and Creativity
• Geely to deepen ties with Volvo, plans to list under one umbrella
• Homepage – Black PRO
• Homepage – Black PRO (2)

Major Differences Between Sports Betting and Online Casinos

Martial arts and street fighting techniques worth learning about, wwe raw full results and review: 27th november 2023, cm punk’s explosive wwe return: anticipating epic showdowns with reigns, rollins,….

• Home – mobile
• Login/Register

British Territory Of The Indian Ocean

British territory of the indian ocean travel advice and travel advisories, the british territory of the indian ocean travel vaccines and advice.

Situated between Tanzania and Indonesia in the Indian Ocean, the British Indian Ocean Territory offers some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, with the largest diversity of wildlife included endangered turtles, sharks and rays. Visit one of the outer islands to explore hidden ruins among the jungle or luscious coconut plantations. One of the most popular activities is snorkelling due to the abundant marine life on the island. Plantation trails are also popular, which involve peaceful walks along the white sandy beaches. Be aware that commercial activity on the island is prohibited.

Recommended travel vaccinations for the British Territory of the Indian Ocean

There’s also a risk of  Chikungunya .

Recommended Medication for Travelling to the British Territory of the Indian Ocean

Current weather in the british territory of the indian ocean, medical care in the british territory of the indian ocean.

Health care is extremely limited on the islands, including search and rescue facilities. Make sure that you have health insurance which covers medical repatriation, which will be necessary in the event of more serious illnesses and injuries. It is also important to carry a well-supplied medical kit with you at all times, to cover all potential situations.

Are the British Territory of the Indian Ocean Safe for Travel?

Government information on safety and security is not currently available. While visiting the British Territory of the Indian Ocean, make sure you stay safe. Always keep an eye on your belongings and carry a copy of your passport rather than the original. Be wary of tourist traps and take the safest means of transportation possible. Finally, take care of your health by reducing exposure to bacteria and animals or insects.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit the British Territory of the Indian Ocean?

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements to travel to the British Territory of the Indian Ocean. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.

Embassy of Canada to the British Territory of the Indian Ocean information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:

• A legal problem
• A lost passport
• The need to report a crime

It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Embassy to the British Territory of the Indian Ocean There is currently no information on an embassy in the British Territory of the Indian Ocean, you may always call the  Emergency Watch and Response Centre  in Ottawa in case of embassy related issues.

• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Travel advice

British Indian Ocean Territory travel advice

Explore our complete guide to British Indian Ocean Territory with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for the British Indian Ocean Territory.

• Essential travel guide
• Weather & climate
• Travel health
• Covid live updates
• Travel features
• Top travel deals
• Destinations

British Indian Ocean Territory travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to the British Indian Ocean Territory with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

British Indian Ocean Territory tourist information

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

Recommended for the British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory deals >>

Back to top

British Indian Ocean Territory weather

The British Indian Ocean Territory weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Diego Garcia .

British Indian Ocean Territory destinations >>

Rentalcars.com: Discount car hire worldwide

• Compare car hire prices to find best deal online
• Book flexible bookings with free cancellation policy
• No hidden fees + price match guarantee

View all Rentalcars.com offers

Check the latest travel advice on visiting the British Indian Ocean Territory from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

• UK traveller advice for the British Indian Ocean Territory - UK FCDO

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Note : UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDO travel advice

Destination Any destination France Germany Greece India Italy Portugal Spain Turkey USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Falkland Islands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Gaza Strip Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam West Bank Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jan Mayen Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA Australia Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela

British Indian Ocean Territory travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to the British Indian Ocean Territory with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

• Vaccines & medicines for the British Indian Ocean Territory - CDC

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in the British Indian Ocean Territory, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note : CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

British Indian Ocean Territory covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in the British Indian Ocean Territory with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

• Latest info on travel to the British Indian Ocean Territory - British Indian Ocean Territory Administration

British Indian Ocean Territory travel features

Do you want to learn more about the British Indian Ocean Territory? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

We don't currently have any travel features on the British Indian Ocean Territory. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

British Indian Ocean Territory FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to the British Indian Ocean Territory including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to the British Indian Ocean Territory due to Covid-19?

British Indian Ocean Territory is closed for tourism. All non-resident foreign nationals are banned from entering. British Indian Ocean Territory is a restricted military area.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from the British Indian Ocean Territory?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from the British Indian Ocean Territory. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the time difference between the British Indian Ocean Territory and the UK?

The time difference between the British Indian Ocean Territory and the UK is UK time+6 hours .

What is the main language spoken in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The main language spoken in the British Indian Ocean Territory is English . Learn a language for the British Indian Ocean Territory with Rosetta Stone * , Busuu * and Rocket Languages * .

What is the currency in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

The currency in the British Indian Ocean Territory is the Pound Sterling ( GBP ) and the US Dollar ( USD ).

Which plugs are used in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

British Indian Ocean Territory uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts) .

Which side of the road do they drive on in the British Indian Ocean Territory?

They drive on the right side of the road in the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Do you need a visa for the British Indian Ocean Territory?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Travel advice by country

Country name All countries - summary Algarve Balearic Islands Barbados Canary Islands Croatia Cyprus Egypt Faroe Islands France Germany Greece Ireland Italy Jamaica Madeira Maldives Malta Portugal Spain Turkey UAE UK USA Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Congo-Brazzaville Congo-Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Malawi Mali Mauritania Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Antarctica French Southern and Antarctic Lands South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China East Timor Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia (Central Asia) Russia (Far East) Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkmenistan UAE Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Anguilla Antigua Aruba Bahamas Barbados Bonaire British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Cuba Curacao Dominica Dominican Republic Grenada Guadeloupe Haiti Jamaica Martinique Montserrat Puerto Rico Saba Sint Eustatius Sint Maarten St Barthelemy St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Martin St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Virgin Islands Belize Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Isle of Man Italy Jan Mayen Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Turkey UK Ukraine British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Mayotte Reunion Seychelles Bermuda Canada Greenland Mexico St Pierre and Miquelon USA American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Midway Island Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Island Samoa Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wake Island Wallis and Futuna Algarve Azores Madeira Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Balearic Islands Canary Islands England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Be inspired

Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers

We promise not to share your details

Explore holidays in the sun for less

• Beach holidays
• Family holidays
• City breaks
• Summer holidays
• Winter sun holidays
• Holiday offers
• Top travel brands
• Airlines & flights
• Discount hotels
• Airport parking deals
• Jet2holidays
• easyJet holidays
• Love Holidays
• British Airways

More holidays

Airport parking

• Manchester Airport
• Stansted Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Luton Airport
• Birmingham Airport
• Edinburgh Airport
• Gatwick Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Newcastle Airport

More parking

Airport lounges

• Heathrow Airport

More lounges

• Pinterest (1 share)

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

British indian ocean territory.

• All areas in British Indian Ocean Territory
• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

• +1 800-442-4448
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

British Indian Ocean Territory

Please contact  Seabourn  directly for assistance with your travel plans.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

I came to Britain from India, fulfilled a dream, and I say this: we’re a great country, but a work in progress

There is still a misrepresentation of the colonial past. Without the truth of what we have been, how can we move forward?

I thought I knew Britain in 1969, when I came to this country from India to study at Loughborough University. But I quickly realised that was not the case. For me, the last half-century has been a long process of learning. At times this was very painful. Once, I even feared for my life at the hands of football racists. I have also seen the UK reinvent itself as a much more caring, welcoming place. However, we still have some way to go to become a truly diverse society.

My initial surprise was to discover that, on their little island, the British did not live as they had done in India during the Raj. Not only were bathrooms not en suite, but many homes even had outside loos. The dinner jacket that had been specially tailored for me before I left Mumbai proved redundant, as I found the British no longer dressed for dinner. The only people I saw wearing dinner jackets were waiters in Indian restaurants.

Not that this made Indian food acceptable, as I discovered when, in the spring of 1969, fellow Loughborough students and I came down to London to see the musical Hair. All of London seemed to be taken up by this story of multiracial, multicultural love. After the show, as I headed to an Indian restaurant, I saw two police officers rush past me and grapple with a burly white man. The windowpanes of the restaurant were shattered, and an Indian waiter in a bow tie held a towel to his badly cut forehead. Despite this, he could not stop the blood trickling down his white dress shirt, colouring it crimson. When I inquired of a passerby, he said: “Some drunk had a fight with an Indian waiter. But then only drunks go to these curry houses. Dreadful.”

That opinion was reinforced a few months later by a white woman in my crummy Paddington hotel, who said to me: “I must tell you, we can’t stand your food. It’s the smell. It infects everything and you can’t get rid of it.” Back then, anybody suggesting that chicken tikka masala would become a symbol of a harmonious multiracial Britain would have been dismissed as a fantasist, if not somebody trying to subvert British society.

It may seem surprising, but I had not expected to be marked out solely by my colour. It really shook me and I did not know how to handle it. During that first summer, I had worked in a Leicester factory where the foreman was unable to pronounce my name, so he called me “Mick”. This made one of the workers exclaim: “Bloody hell, we’ve now got a coloured Irishman, have we?” His mates fell about laughing. Landladies in London refused to rent me a room. One in Hampstead, on learning I was Indian, said: “I am dreadfully sorry, my husband would not like that.” The most traumatic moment came when a young lady, whom I thought I was getting on with very well, said to me: “I cannot have a relationship with you. I want white babies.”

The summer before I came to England, I had been sent to represent India at a youth city event held by Israelis in Haifa, to convince the young people of the world of their desire for peace. I had met the Israeli president wearing my Nehru jacket and felt proud to be Indian. By the end of my first year in this country, I was trying to deny my Indianness and ended many an evening consumed by self-hate.

At that stage, I could not have imagined that I would fulfil my dream of becoming a writer. The novelist Shiva Naipaul mocked me, saying I had come to England for the “colonial lash”. In fact, I actually received colonial dividends. Unlike in India, where the only job I got was through nepotism, here total strangers, many of whom could not even pronounce my name, opened doors in the written and broadcast media. In 1974, I became the first cricket correspondent of the radio station LBC: Ian Marshall, the then sports editor, had no hesitation in giving a novice the chance. The only problem was my name. I was sometimes referred to as Richard Rose.

So – thinking it through to write a memoir – I know I have a positive story to tell, but still I feel Britain is a work in progress. And just when I feel this work is heading in the right direction, we hear from equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, who suggests the battle for diversity has been so comprehensively won that any further steps towards it are wasteful of resources and that the idea of unconscious bias is “outmoded” . And the net result is that many on the right portray anything that promotes diversity as “anti-white”. But then, that is pretty much what I heard back in 1969 when many white people complained legislation outlawing racism, which had become law a few months before I arrived, made them foreigners in their own land. Badenoch may feel that sounding like a Hyde Park Corner rabble-rouser – and speeches downplaying the wealth Britain extracted from its colonies – will help her to get to No 10. And she may be right. But it will not help Britain make the changes that are still necessary.

Because it seems to me that to become a truly diverse society, this country must come to terms with its less than glorious imperial past. Back in 1969, my professors at Loughborough told me that nobody cared for the empire. Today, such is the nostalgia that the empire is presented as a sort of Victorian NGO, with books making the moral case for colonialism. This makes me wonder whether I am expected to feel grateful that my ancestors were conquered by the British.

This divide over the past has fuelled the culture wars; I would be labelled a woke warrior for saying that William Wilberforce was keener on abolishing Hinduism than slavery. As he stated , missionary access to India was “the greatest of all causes, for I really place it before abolition [of the slave trade]”. Comparing Christianity with Hinduism, he told the House of Commons in 1813: “Our religion is sublime, pure and beneficent [while] theirs is mean, licentious and cruel.” Wilberforce described Hindu deities as “absolute monsters of lust, injustice, wickedness and cruelty” .

When defenders of the empire talk of the past being nuanced, they cherrypick the parts that show Britain in the best light. They conceal or find excuses for the horrific acts. But unless they stop editing the past, how can we become a truly multicultural nation, with people of different colours and creeds understanding where we have all come from? Those who argue they are defending this country with tall tales and tired narratives actually do it a disservice. They stop us becoming our future selves – an aware, mature, self-confident country. Given how far Britain has progressed since 1969, and how far it could go, that’s a pity.

Mihir Bose is the author of Thank You Mr Crombie: Lessons in Guilt and Gratitude to the British, published by Hurst

Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here .

• Immigration and asylum
• Colonialism
• British empire

Most viewed

British Indian Ocean Territory

• Environment
• Stamps and Coins
• Policy Review
• 1 Jan Seabirds Exped – Diego Garcia and Danger Is.
• 3 CEFAS Water Purity Exped
• 4 Reef 1 Exped
• Current travel advice
• Visa requirements
• Mooring Site Plots
• How to apply for a mooring permit

This page aims to help you understand the circumstances under which permits are granted; the restrictions in place; and finally, the process and documentation you need in order to apply for a permit. Please read this page and understand it fully before applying for your permit.

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is not a tourist destination. You may apply for a permit to moor in the Outer Islands of BIOT only where it is essential for your safe passage across the Indian Ocean, which we must be convinced of before granting you a permit. Access to Diego Garcia is only allowed for those on pre-authorised official duty.

The Outer Islands of the Chagos Archipelago are isolated and uninhabited. They act as an oasis for marine and island species. The BIOT Administration is committed to preserving the rich environmental heritage of the British Indian Ocean Territory. Marine Protected Areas are recognised by scientists and the international community as essential to the conservation and sustainable management of oceans and fisheries. BIOT hosts one of the world’s largest contiguous ‘no take’ marine reserve, along with several strict nature reserves.

BIOT is extremely remote. There are no facilities available to visiting yachts. Yachts need to be completely self-sufficient whilst in BIOT and respect the local environment and restrictions designed to protect it.

Restrictions

Visits to the islands are tightly controlled and certain restrictions put in place; some of the islands have been designated as Strict Nature Reserves and it is illegal to enter them. If you are granted permission to visit, you must moor your vessel at BIOT approved sites only, to help conserve BIOT’s fragile coral environment. Diving, spear-fishing, removal of flora or fauna and commercial activity (including charter trips and fishing other than for subsistence purposes) are  strictly prohibited and any offences will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law .

There is no fishing in the entire BIOT Marine Protected Area. The only exception to this is to allow visiting yachts to fish for their own consumption (no more than three days’ worth, without freezing) and only with a hand line. A fishing log must be kept up to date whilst in BIOT waters, as a Fisheries Protection Officer may wish to see it.

Strict Nature Reserves

It is forbidden for any person to approach within 3 nautical miles, land on or anchor at the Strict Nature Reserves. The following islands are strict nature reserves:

Great Chagos Bank:

• The Three Brothers and Resurgent Islands (6º09’-4S 71º31’-4E).
• Eagle Island (6º12’-0S 71º19’-0E) and Cow Island (6º14’-1S 71º17’-7E).
• Danger Island (6º23’-3S 71º14’-4E) and the drying coral reef (6º27’-3S 71º14’-5E).
• Nelson’s Island (5º40’-9S 72º19’-0E).

Or to enter the following area within the Peros Banhos Atoll:

All territorial sea, internal water, land and inter-tidal of Peros Banhos (5º20’-5S 71º51’-0E) to the east of a line between the eastern extremities of Moresby Island and Fouquet Island and extended on the same azimuth to the territorial sea limit.

The islands are a conservation area and all flora and fauna, such as fish, turtles, coconut crabs, coral and shells, are protected.

Penalties for infringement of the regulations are severe.

Permits are required in advance of travel. They can take 6 weeks to process, please apply for a permit well in advance of your intended arrival dates.

The permit system is only in place to allow vessels to rest at  specific anchorages  in order to provide safe passage through the Indian Ocean. In keeping with this, mooring permits will have a maximum validity of 28 days and are valid for the Outer Islands only. You can apply for one, two, three or four weeks.

The charges for a permit are £100 per week from 27 November 2020 (set rate).

Please note, if you are paying from an international (non-UK) bank account, you will need to add £1 for transfers of £100 and under, or £7 for transfers over £100. This is to cover bank charges.

• Permits cannot be extended once your initial application has been approved (neither before your arrival nor in the Territory) so please think carefully about how much time you will need to stop in BIOT, bearing in mind weather conditions and other factors
• Changes will not be considered for those arriving within the window of their permit.
• Changes to crew members will also not be considered after the permit has been issued.
• Applications will not be considered from charter vessels, cruise ships, or vessels with fee-paying crews.

If you decide not to use your permit, please notify the Administration as soon as possible. Unfortunately we are unable to provide refunds.

• If you encounter exceptional circumstances (e.g. severe vessel malfunctions, medical emergencies or dangerous weather conditions) and cannot enter BIOT during the period outlined in your permit please contact the BIOT Administration as soon as possible. Any changes to the terms of your permit are solely at the discretion of the Administration.

You should be aware that any person who enters BIOT without permission may be liable to imprisonment for 3 years and/or a fine of £10,000 and the vessel used to enter BIOT waters may be seized and forfeited.

Application Process

The application process is as follows:

You must read the  BIOT Guidance For Yachts  (PDF document) document before applying. Please also take a moment to read our information leaflet on  invasive species and vessels in transit (PDF document).

Once you have read the guidance please complete the BIOT Outer Islands Permit Request (Word document) form.

You will also need to complete a COVID 19 Declaration for Visiting Vessels (Word document).

Send the following to [email protected] :

• The completed permit request form
• A signed COVID-19 declaration
• A copy of your insurance documents covering medical evacuation (minimum US$100,000 per person) and wreck recovery, clean up and removal in BIOT. Please highlight the sections in your documentation that cover this. These documents must be in English and it is your responsibility to request translations from your insurance company in advance of your application if needed.
• Copies of the passports for all persons aboard the vessel, which must be valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry to BIOT

Please ensure your emails are no larger than 5MB (otherwise we will not receive them nor will we receive notification of them) and that your emails have the name of your yacht in the subject field.

Please apply for a permit at least six weeks prior to your intended arrival date, as the application process can take several weeks and space is limited. There is no right to receive a permit, and they are granted solely at the discretion of the Administration.

Failure to provide a full application or necessary documentation will lead to your application being rejected. If you are unsure please submit queries in advance of submitting your application, and take care to read all documentation carefully and in full.

If your application is approved, you will then be sent payment instructions (bank transfer only). Please make the payment and send the receipt to the BIOT Administration. Only when payment is received will your application be processed and a permit issued.

You will then be sent the following documents:

• Your mooring permit
• BIOT Guidance For Yachts (PDF document)
• Visitors and Visiting Vessels Ordinance 2018 (PDF document)
• A  blank Fishing Log (Word document) for completion during your stay in BIOT (nil returns required)

Upon arrival in the Territory, follow the arrival reporting procedures as outlined in the guidance document; Once you have left the Territory, please send your fishing log back to the Senior Fisheries Protection Officer within 28 days, including nil returns.

• Download a map of the islands
• Privacy and cookies