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Travelling to Antarctica – Important Information
There are new requirements that impact travel to Antarctica and it is critically important that you be aware of all the requirements in advance of travel and allow appropriate time for processing.
Entry Requirements to South America
As you may be travelling throughout different South American countries, please ensure to check all entry and Visa requirements to enter, transit or stay in any of these countries. We strongly recommend that you check this as soon as you can, to allow as much time as possible to obtain the relevant documentation and Visas you need depending on the passport you are traveling with. Please contact your local Consulates, Embassies or any Visa specialists to obtain a necessary Visa or if you have any questions related to obtaining a Visa.
Please also note that a certificate of your full vaccination may be required upon entry to Chile, Argentina and other South American countries.
Note for Australian Passport holders
Please note that currently Australian passport holders require a Visa to enter Chile as tourists, which must be applied for prior to arrival. This tourist visa requires detailed information and you should apply immediately to allow for processing time with some leeway. Please visit this website to learn more and apply. Please check with the Consulate or Embassy for the most up to date information.
In recent months, the Argentinean and Chilean authorities have removed many regulations pertaining to COVID-19. However, it remains compulsory in both nations for all residents and visitors to self-isolate for five days once a positive result from a COVID-19 test is received. Should you test positive to COVID-19 on your journey, you will be required to adhere to regional government regulations and isolate. If your 5 day isolation period is not completed on-board our ship, you will need to complete the isolation at a hotel once you have disembarked. Please rest assured that your Aurora Expeditions ground operations team will be there to assist you. Aurora has strong relationships with our accommodation partners, along with a support network through our ground operator’s offices throughout Chile and Argentina. We have secured accommodation (own expense) in both pre and post voyage locations – Ushuaia, Argentina and Punta Arenas, Chile – in conjunction with the embarkation and disembarkation dates of our voyages. We will work with your travel insurance supplier to ensure you have the best care and are able to isolate at a suitable location, before continuing your travels.
Need support?
Expeditioners who require urgent assistance whilst in Argentina or Chile can contact an Aurora Expeditions office. The contacts below are available during office hours in the applicable regions.
Australia, the Pacific & Asia:
US, Canada and the Americas:
United Kingdom & Europe:
Worldwide:
In the case of emergencies, our Aurora Expeditions ground operations team, Lelia Cataldi and Tomas Holik, will be available should you require locally based support.
Insurance
It is mandatory that all travellers have comprehensive travel insurance with a minimum of US$250,000 cover including medical and medical evacuation (‘Medevac’). Proof of insurance will be required ahead of travel, and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 30 days prior to departure.
If participating on any of Aurora’s paid activities, please make sure your Travel Insurance provider does cover you for any of these activities; this is including but not withstanding activities such as skiing, kayaking, roped snowshoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and rock climbing. For Australians, can contact your travel agent or Aurora, but if you wish to buy it online yourself the nib travel insurance policy which offers the appropriate level of cover.
Health & Safety
We have updated our health and safety protocols effective from 16th April 2024.
Aurora requires expeditioners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. If you are unvaccinated, your participation on an expedition is subject to a medical review.
Onboard, you will be tested if you present with any COVID-19 symptoms, are a close contact with a passenger who has tested positive for COVID-19, or upon request.
In the event that you test positive for COVID-19 onboard, you will be required to wear a mask for a period of 5 days. Close contacts will be closely monitored for 5 days and encouraged to wear a mask during this period.
Aurora highly recommends that all passengers have an Influenza vaccine prior to travel.
All health and safety protocols are subject to change and may vary due to local regulations in the countries visited.
IAATO Guidelines
As one of the first operators to become an IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) member, Aurora Expeditions is committed to responsible and respectful travel to Antarctica.
It is important to familiarise yourself with key information and protocols before travelling to this region.
Avian Influenza is a major concern in Antarctica this season. We are taking the threat extremely seriously and are heightening our vigilance with regards to operations this season.
Please read the important documents, information and updates in the link below. We thank you for your support for the ongoing protection and preservation of Antarctica.
Luggage Allowances
If you are travelling on a charter flight to Antarctica, there is baggage and weightage allowances that the aircraft can safely fly with.
It is important that all guests follow the luggage /weight allowance protocols. Download our flyer to find out more.
Polar Voyage Essentials
Download our Polar Voyage Essentials Guide to learn more about what to pack, ship information, environmental guidelines, health & medical information and frequently asked questions. Plus, remember to pack a pair of waterproof pants with you – essential for Zodiac cruising!
We are excited about recommencing expeditions and are committed to best practice safety protocols prior to boarding and whilst onboard. We have full PCR testing on board which, in tandem with regular rapid antigen testing of everyone onboard, good hygiene, masks and social distancing, should allow us to once again deliver a true Aurora experience of a lifetime and we can’t wait to have you join us.
