Expeditions to Antarctica:
The Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty do establish certain obligations on the Treaty Parties with regard to expeditions to the Antarctic Treaty area.
The Treaty obliges each Party to give advance notification of all expeditions to and within Antarctica, on the part of its ships, aircraft, or nationals, and all expeditions to Antarctica organized in or proceeding from its territory.
U.S. tourists who have booked passage to Antarctica on a commercial cruise regulated by an Antarctic Treaty Party normally would be covered by the vessel operator’s and/or tour company’s advance notification unless the tourist intends to conduct independent activities while on the commercial vessel. Always check with your tour operator about advance notification coverage.
All U.S. nationals organizing private expeditions to Antarctica in the United States, or proceeding to Antarctica from the United States, are required to provide notification to the Department of State at least three months prior to the intended travel to the Antarctic Treaty area.
Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for complete information at Antarctica@state.gov
