Country guides
Africa
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard rectangular three-pin variety used in the UK.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The local currency is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is linked at parity to the British Pound (Sterling). Sterling is accepted in shops and restaurants on the island, though change will often be given in Saint Helena Pounds. Credit and debit cards are not widely used but a few outlets and businesses will accept them; banking services are provided by the Bank of St Helena.
Tipping
A tip of around 10 percent is standard.
Health
The island has an adequate standard of medical care, with a small but well-equipped general hospital in Jamestown. Visitors are charged a fee for medical and dental treatment, so travel insurance is necessary and should cover medical evacuation for serious conditions. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Safety
Crime levels are low and there's no recent history of terrorism.
Local customs
Most roads are single lane and often quite steep, with driving etiquette requiring traffic coming down to make way for vehicles going up. Drinking alcohol in the streets is not allowed in Jamestown, so visitors should restrict consumption to licensed establishments.
Doing business
The economy relies on export income from coffee, tourism, fishing, and sales of alcoholic liqueurs.
Duty free
Passengers over 17 years may bring one litre of spirits and two litres of wine or 12 cans of beer; 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products; and 250ml of perfume onto the island without paying duty.
Communications
The international access code for St Helena is +290. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; free WiFi is available at hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Passport & Visa
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors must have good medical insurance covering at least GBP 500,000, and including aeromedical evacuation.
Entry requirements
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of intended stay. US Nationals are exempt from visa requirements for six months.
UK passports must be valid for six months from the date travellers arrive. An Entry Permit for St Helena costs £20 and allows a stay of up to 183 days. The fee can be paid in British pounds, euros, US dollars or South African rand. Travellers will need to provide evidence of a return ticket, or funds for a return ticket, medical insurance, adequate accommodation and sufficient funds for their stay.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Canada are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Australia are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of South Africa are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Ireland (Rep.) are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of New Zealand are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Useful contacts
St Helena Tourism Office, Jamestown: +290 22158 or enquiries@tourism.co.sh
22626 (police)