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Applying for a permit

Information about applying for visitor immigration and visiting vessel mooring permits

Introduction

This page outlines the circumstances under which permits are granted; the restrictions in place; and the 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 where it is essential for your safe passage across the Indian Ocean. Access to Diego Garcia is restricted.

The Outer Islands of the Chagos Archipelago are isolated. 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 reserves, 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 only at the sites indicated upon your mooring permit, 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.

Commercial fishing is prohibited across the entire BIOT Marine Protected Area. Visiting yachts may fish for their own consumption, providing that this is done with a handline and that no more than three days’ worth of fish is taken. 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:

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

Permits are required in advance of travel. They can take 8 weeks to process; please apply for a permit well in advance of your intended arrival dates. All visitors to the territory require an immigration permit and if you intend to moor your vessel in the territory you also require a visiting vessel permit.

Immigration Permits

The immigration permit system is official permission granted by the BIOT Administration for a person or group to enter and stay in BIOT for an approved purpose and duration. To apply for an immigration permit please follow the instructions included within the application form:

There is a £100 fee for processing applications, this must be paid before processing can begin. 

Please note, if you are paying from an international (non-UK) bank account, you will need to add £7 to transfers or ensure that all bank charges by the receiving bank are covered by your own account so that we receive the full fee.

This webpage is primarily written for those intending to visit the territory via ocean going craft, if you intend to visit using another mode of transport please contact the BIOT Administration (BIOTadmin@fcdo.gov.uk) detailing your plans. If you are visiting the territory by boat, you will also require a visiting vessel mooring permit.

Visiting Vessel Mooring Permits

The visiting vessel mooring permit system is only in place to allow vessels to rest at pre-approved mooring locations. 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 between £250 and £5,000 per week (depending on the length of the yacht).

To note:

  • Permits cannot be extended once your initial application has been approved (neither before your arrival nor whilst 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.
  • 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 Visitor and Visiting Vessel Application Form (Word document).

Send the following to BIOTadmin@fcdo.gov.uk:

  1. The completed permit application form for visitors and visiting vessels
  2. A copy of your insurance documents. Please highlight the relevant sections in your documentation. 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. The required documentation is:
    1. Medical evacuation insurance (minimum US$100,000 per person)
    2. Wreck recovery, clean up and removal insurance for Chagos (BIOT). 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 10MB (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 eight 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 permit be issued.

You will then be sent the following documents:

  • Your Immigration Permit
  • Your Visiting Vessel Mooring Permit
  • 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.