Antarctica is a continent unto itself and is not a part of any country. The Great White Continent is governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System. Twelve countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 and the agreement currently has 54 signatories.
Although Antarctica has never had an indigenous population, seven nations have claimed parts of the continent – New Zealand, Australia, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, Chile and Argentina. Some of these territories overlap. The United States, Russia and Brazil all have a permanent presence in Antarctica, but haven't currently claimed territory. Most of these ten countries have established scientific research centres, where around 4000 people work and live in Antarctica over summer, with numbers reducing to around 1000 in winter. The vast majority of the population are scientists; some are operational staff, like ships' crews and service workers.Â
So, how do you get to Antarctica?
Antarctica's closest access point is in South America. Ushuaia in Argentina is the major thoroughfare for Antarctic expeditions. From here, you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Punta Arenas in Chile is another gateway for cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, travellers may take a flight to the South Shetland Islands to board their vessel – perfect for those looking to cruise in the Antarctic but avoid the Drake Passage.
Antarctica can be reached via Australia (Hobart) and the South Island of New Zealand, although this takes significantly longer than the journey from South America and the route offers less in terms of wildlife encounters and shore landings. Most, if not all, tourist expeditions to Antarctica depart from South America.
No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will inspect passports on departure and also again at the end of your voyage. As most tours depart from Argentina, the majority of travellers will need to follow that country's visa rules. If travelling to the Falkland Islands, different entrance and visa rules may apply. Please speak to your booking agent for more information on obtaining visas for the Antarctic region.
Click here to read more Antarctica FAQs
Our tours in Antarctica
11 Days
From
8290
Capture the essence of the Antarctic Peninsula and its incredible islands aboard the...
11 Days
From
9990
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
14 Days
From
11790
Take an adventure of a lifetime to the Antarctic and beyond. Cross the Antarctic Circle...
14 Days
From
23995
Take an adventure of a lifetime to the Antarctic and beyond. Cross the Antarctic Circle...
21 Days
From
14290
Explore South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands with Intrepid...
11 Days
From
17995
This 11-day Christmas expedition travels to Antarctica for the ultimate white Christmas...
21 Days
From
21790
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
12 Days
From
7290
Take to Antarctica on an 12-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour via Puntas...
11 Days
From
12595
Take to Antarctica on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour via Puntas...
14 Days
From
23995
See a total solar eclipse as you tour for 14 days on an Antarctica expedition aboard...
11 Days
From
16495
Sail through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula,...
8 Days
From
26095
Visit Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage and cruising through the South Shetland...
23 Days
From
36595
Visit the Falklands and South Georgia islands on a 23-day immersive polar expedition...
14 Days
From
19695
Uncover the sublime white beauty of Antarctica on this Southern Expedition. Travel...
20 Days
From
36295
Visit Antarctica and travel through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland and South...
11 Days
From
30095
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime while crossing the Antarctic Circle. Discover...
16 Days
From
53990
Nothing on earth can prepare you for Antarctica; you have to see it for yourself. See...
23 Days
From
30990
Embark on a cruise across the Antarctic Circle and visit the Falklands, South Shetland...
11 Days
From
12990
Sail through the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula,...
14 Days
From
9490
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
11 Days
From
8290
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund – Australia’s whale...
14 Days
From
11790
Join Intrepid and special guests from the World Wildlife Fund-Australia’s whale...
14 Days
From
16990
Uncover the sublime white beauty of Antarctica on this Southern Expedition. Travel...
13 Days
From
15990
Experience the rare opportunity to explore Cape Horn and the Diego Ramirez Islands on...
20 Days
From
30990
Follow in the legendary footsteps of Shackleton and his crew with an epic 20-day...
15 Days
From
12990
Experience the rare opportunity to explore Cape Horn, Diego Ramirez Islands, and three...
