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.
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.
Need support?
Expeditioners who require urgent assistance whilst in Argentina or Chile can contact an AE 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 AE Expeditions ground operations team, Lelia Cataldi and Tomas Holik, will be available should you require locally based support.
Insurance
Due to the adventurous style of travel offered by AE Expeditions and the remoteness of the areas in which we travel, it is a condition of travel with AE Expeditions that all passengers are covered by comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure, and that they maintain such insurance for the duration of the expedition. This may help protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly, you from many unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip.
Passengers travelling with AE Expeditions are required to be covered by a reputable travel insurance policy that includes baggage loss, cancellation & curtailment of holiday, medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation coverage worth at least $250,000 USD. Proof of insurance will be required ahead of travel and we will require that it be emailed to Aurora no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Health & Safety
We have updated our health and safety protocols effective from 12 September 2024.
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 an IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) member, AE 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!
