Immigration

Visa Requirements

All travellers to Ascension Island require an entry permit visa unless exempted by their occupation, such as active members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Failure to enter with a valid visa is an offence under the Entry Control (Ascension) Ordinance and may result in a fine and imprisonment. Individuals may also be refused permission to land and be required to leave on the aircraft or vessel that they arrived on.

Applications for entry visas should be made well in advance, at least 14 days before the intended date of travel, except in cases of genuine emergency. Late applications, without a valid reason, may be refused.

For more information please visit the Ascension Island Government e-visa application portal. Please note that a valid e-visa may only be purchased from AIG directly through the e-visa portal. No third party firms are permitted to handle e-visa applications. Any firm claiming to do so should be considered fraudulent and reported to AIG.

For details of the immigration requirements of St Helena please visit the St Helena government website.

COVID-19

Applicants should be aware that their applications may be affected by a change in the Ascension COVID-19 Response Level, particularly if this reflects an escalation of the seriousness of the COVID-19 threat on the island. During such circumstances permissions for certain types of entry permits may not be granted, and extant permissions may be revoked.

In order to ensure that the island and our community is not being placed at unnecessary risk, all arrivals that have travelled from an affected area within the last 14 days, or travelled with others who have been in an affected area in the last 14 days, are subject to isolation restrictions for between eight and 14 days following their arrival at Ascension based on the category of compulsory isolation they are required to observe.

Vaccination is defined as an individual (aged 12 years or older) who has received double doses of a UK, USA or EU approved vaccine (with four weeks having elapsed since they received their second dose). Where an individual has received their second dose more than nine months ago, they must also have received an additional “booster” vaccination within the last six months.

During this time their conditions are monitored for the development of symptoms which may be considered consistent with COVID-19. Air crews are also required to isolate for the duration of their stay on island.

More information on requirements for compulsory isolation on arrival can be found here.

Areas currently defined as being an infected area are listed here.

Passport Requirements

All travellers to Ascension Island must hold a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.

Insurance Requirements

All travellers to Ascension Island must provide proof of adequate travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay. Medical Insurance must include the possibility of emergency air evacuation and provide cover for COVID-19. The St Helena Police Ascension Island Detachment can provide more information on acceptable insurance policies.