Immigration Law at Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (BOT)
Here’s a refined, up-to-date overview of immigration law in the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha—with a focus on each island’s distinct entry requirements, permits, and residency regulations:
1. Legal Framework & Administrative Structure
The islands are governed under the Immigration Ordinance (2011) and the Immigration Regulations (2012), which detail how immigration, work, and residence are managed across Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.
Each island operates with its own immigration authority, and under the 2009 Constitution, they hold equal constitutional status, though they share one Governor and legal system.
2. Entry & Short-Term Visit Permits
Saint Helena
Travelers require a Short-Term Entry Permit for stays up to 183 days. Requirements include:
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Return ticket or proof of funds to obtain one
Pre-arranged accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds
Medical insurance including evacuation coverage (min. £175,000)
Application via e-visa or on arrival; fee: £20 (or equivalent)
For stays longer than 183 days, a Long-Term Entry Permit is required. Additional checks include criminal background vetting and repatriation assurances; issued for up to five years.
Ascension Island
Visitors must apply for an e-visa in advance—there is no visa issued on arrival. Categories include tourist, business, research, transit, employment, and dependents.
Entry requirements include:
Return ticket
Accommodation arrangements
Sufficient funds
Medical insurance with evacuation coverage (min. £500,000)
Employment requires explicit permission from the Administrator.
Tristan da Cunha
Entry requires prior permission from the Island Council, applied via email to the Administrator. Necessary documents include:
Return passage
Sufficient funds
Medical insurance (including evacuation to Cape Town)
A landing fee upon arrival
For visits longer than 2 months, a criminal record check may be required
3. Work & Residency Permissions
Saint Helena
To work longer than six months (self-employed), a Work Permit plus a Long-Term Entry Permit are required.
Applications are assessed by the Immigration Control Board, based on local labor market needs, applicant’s specialized skills (under a points-based system), and public interest. Permits can be renewed for up to five years if made with sufficient notice.
St Helenian Status, a form of indefinite leave and local belonging, may be applied for if you’ve lived on the island for five years (three years if married to a St Helenian), are of good character, and intend to make the island your home. Dispensations are possible under special circumstances.
4. Immigrant Frameworks & Island-Specific Provisions
Saint Helena: Permits structured by duration (short-term vs long-term), with work tied to entry permit and labor market needs. “St Helenian Status” grants residency rights akin to belonging.
Ascension Island: Entry strictly regulated via e-visas and Administrator approval. No right of abode; employment and long-term residence highly controlled.
Tristan da Cunha: Immigration is extremely restricted—primarily limited to individuals with familial ties or exceptional approval from local authorities.
Summary Table
| Island | Visitor Entry | Work & Residency | Special Status/Residency Rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Helena | Short-term permit ≤183 days; Long-term permit >183 days | Work permits via Immigration Board; points-based review | "St Helenian Status" grants permanent local residency |
| Ascension Island | Advance e-visa required; multiple categories stated | Employment needs Administrator approval | No right of abode; highly restricted residency |
| Tristan da Cunha | Prior permission from Island Council required | Work/residency only by exceptional approval | Limited to those with strong familial or special ties |
Final Thoughts
Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha each maintain unique and tightly controlled immigration laws reflective of their remote and small-scale contexts. Visas are rarely issued casually—long-term presence or employment requires structured permission, and true residency rights like “St Helenian Status” are granted sparingly. Practical access to Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is even more restricted than Saint Helena.
Would you like help with navigating the e-visa system for Ascension, eligibility for St Helenian status, or how to apply for a work permit on Saint Helena?
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