Travel to Antarctica during Covid-19: What you need to know before you go
Editor's
Note — Coronavirus cases remain high across the globe. Health officials
caution that travel increases your chances of getting and spreading the
virus. Staying home is the best way to stem transmission. Below is
information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on
February 18.
(CNN) — If you're planning to travel to Antarctica, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Antarctica
reported its first cases of Covid-19 in late December 2020. While
scientists who observed strict quarantine rules sailed to the continent
from the UK in November 2020, tourism remains severely restricted, with
many cruise companies canceling their operations for the brief summer
season.
What's on offer
A
remote icy wilderness at the end of the world, trips to Antarctica have
grown in popularity in recent years, with travelers sailing across the
Drake Passage from South America to catch a glimpse of sprawling penguin
colonies, breaching whales and rare seabirds.
Who can go
Because
Antarctica is a scientific preserve, special teams have been able to
restart research work on the continent from the end of 2020. While
tourism isn't banned, the fact that most visitors can only arrive via
ship means it's almost impossible to go right now, as many cruises are
not running at this time.
What are the restrictions?
Antarctica's
unique position as an internationally administered region means that it
isn't subject to Covid restrictions. However, because tourists access
the continent from Chile and Argentina, they are subject to the entry
rules of those countries. Travel to Argentina is off limits to all but
nationals and permanent residents, who must present a negative PCR test
taken within 72 hours of departure.
Chile
has been open to tourists from all countries since December 8; however,
all travelers must have proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours
before departure, complete a health form and have travel insurance to
cover the cost of Covid-related health care up to $30,000.
However,
all major cruise companies have canceled operations for the 2020/21
season. Cruise ships remain a concern when it comes to Covid
transmission, meaning sailings are not likely to take place until the
next summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, in late 2021.
In
January, Adventures by Disney announced it will launch round trip
cruises to Antarctica later this year, with the first scheduled to
depart in December.
What's the Covid-19 situation?
The
first cases of Covid on Antarctica were reported on December 22, with
36 researchers and military personnel testing positive at a Chilean
research base. Only a small number of full scientific
expeditions to Antarctica have gone ahead since the pandemic began. On
January 8, a Spanish research ship headed to the continent from Spain
was diverted after a coronavirus outbreak on board.
The
Australian Antarctic Program has launched two voyages to Antarctica
this season. A team of scientists from the program embarked on a
two-month voyage to the continent on January 28, while a separate team
left Hobart for Antarctica to resupply Davis & Mawson research
stations on February 10. Extra precautions have been taken, including a
two-week isolation period, and three PCR tests before departure.
Meanwhile, veteran broadcaster David Attenborough is currently
conducting sea trials for UK polar exploration ship RRS, which is
scheduled to make its maiden voyage to Antarctica in November.
According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, the British Antarctica Survey
(BAS), is currently operating with 30% of workers, while the United
States Antarctica Program has also scaled down its workforce
significantly
"Our aim is not to minimize cases, but to get zero cases to Antarctica," John Eager, Head of Polar Operations at BAS told the UK newspaper. "Everyone involved with the mission has to follow exactly the same protocol.
What can visitors expect?
Any
ships that do make it to Antarctica will find the waters far quieter
than usual. If you're on a ship that allows disembarkation, expect there
to be strict protocols about handling equipment and protective gear.
Useful links
Our latest coverage
In December 2020, Antarctica became the final continent to be reached by the Covid-19 pandemic, when 36 people tested positive on a Chilean research base. Before that, CNN Travel had reported on what it's like to live on the continent virus-free, despite the pandemic. Looking to the future? Here, experts tell us their favorite ways of experiencing Antarctica.
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