Saint Helena
Phone Code
+290
Capital
Jamestown
Population
4,000
Native Name
Saint Helena
Region
Africa
Western Africa
Timezone
Greenwich Mean Time
UTC±00
On This Page
Saint Helena is one of the world's most remote inhabited islands, a volcanic outcrop in the South Atlantic roughly 1,950 kilometres from Angola and 2,900 kilometres from South America. It is a British Overseas Territory of around 4,500 residents, historically known as Napoleon Bonaparte's final place of exile from 1815 until his death here in 1821. The island controls its own immigration system: an entry permit is required for everyone without St Helenian status, including ordinary British citizens, though most nationalities receive one automatically on arrival for tourist stays of up to 183 days.
Visa Requirements for Saint Helena
Entry to Saint Helena is straightforward relative to the journey needed to reach it, though the island controls its own immigration system rather than granting automatic rights based on British citizenship. Most nationalities, including British citizens without St Helenian status, receive an entry permit automatically on arrival for tourism, for stays of up to 183 days. Requirements are minimal: a passport valid at least six months, confirmed onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds for the stay — visitors without confirmed accommodation or return travel may face delays or be refused entry, so advance planning matters. Anyone wishing to work or reside on the island beyond a tourist visit needs a Long-Term Entry Permit or Work Permit through the Saint Helena Government's immigration department, regardless of nationality; see the visa categories below for specifics.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Tourist Entry (183 Days)
For most nationalities visiting Saint Helena for tourism purposes.
St Helenian Status (Automatic Right of Entry)
For individuals who hold St Helenian status — generally acquired through birth, descent or established residence on the island — granting an automatic right of entry and residence. Ordinary British citizenship alone does not carry this right: British citizens without St Helenian status are treated as visitors for tourism and need a Long-Term Entry Permit for extended stays or residence, the same as other non-status nationalities.
Work Permit
For non-status individuals, including British citizens, seeking employment beyond the short-term allowance — government, healthcare, education, hospitality, construction, fishing and conservation projects are among the sectors that recruit externally.
Long-Term Entry Permit / Settlement
For non-status individuals, including British citizens, seeking an extended stay or permanent residence through retirement, business investment, family reunification, or skills beneficial to the island.
Essential Travel Information
Discover Saint Helena
The British chose Saint Helena for Napoleon's second exile precisely because of its isolation — no other inhabited landmass sits within nearly 2,000 kilometres, which made an unassisted escape effectively impossible, unlike his first, much closer exile on Elba. He lived at Longwood House, now maintained by the French government under a 19th-century treaty, from 1815 until his death in 1821; The Briars, where he stayed during Longwood's renovation, and his original tomb site — his remains were returned to France in 1840, so it's the site itself, not a grave, that remains — round out the three protected Napoleonic sites open to visitors today.
Money & Currency
Saint Helena Pound (SHP), pegged 1:1 to GBP
Currency code: SHP
Practical Money Tips
Saint Helena Pound — Bring GBP or USD
Saint Helena uses the Saint Helena pound (SHP), pegged 1:1 to GBP. British pounds are accepted everywhere alongside the local currency. US dollars are accepted at tourist businesses. Euros and other currencies are not exchangeable on the island — arrive with GBP or USD.
One ATM on the Island — Plan Carefully
There is a single ATM on Saint Helena, operated by Bank of Saint Helena in Jamestown. It accepts international cards but can run out of cash. Bring sufficient cash from your home country or South Africa as a backup.
Card Acceptance Very Limited
Card payment is accepted at some hotels and larger businesses in Jamestown. Many local shops, guesthouses, and restaurants are cash-only. Visa is more widely accepted than Mastercard; American Express is rarely accepted. Apple Pay and Google Pay are not reliably supported.
Cash Is Essential — Budget Conservatively
Most day-to-day spending requires cash: local taxis, markets, smaller cafés, and tips. SHP coins and notes are valid only on the island — spend them before departure as they cannot be exchanged abroad.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Accredited missions for Saint Helena
No one needs an advance visa — everyone, including British citizens without St Helenian status, receives an entry permit automatically on arrival for tourist stays of up to 183 days. Only those who hold St Helenian status have an automatic right of entry outside this permit system.
The only scheduled route is a weekly flight via Johannesburg, South Africa — there's no other way in, so travellers from Europe, the Americas or Asia should expect a long journey with connections and should build flexible time into their plans in case of weather delays.
Yes — Longwood House, where he lived and died, The Briars pavilion, and his original tomb site are all open to visitors; Longwood and the tomb are maintained by the French government under a long-standing treaty with Britain.
This overview comes from Visaja's worldwide missions database (visaja.com), checked against official government sources; for binding answers, the mission itself always has the final word.