Types of British Indian Ocean Territory Visas:

British Indian Ocean Territory is not a tourist destination, therefore, there are no tourist visas available for BIOT. The only type of visa available for BIOT is a mooring permit for vessels.

Individuals must obtain a permit in advance of travel, and only yachts for safe passage are issued permits. There are no commercial flights available, and access to Diego Garcia is strictly limited to those on pre-authorised official duty.

British Indian Ocean Territory Entry Requirements:

To obtain a mooring permit for vessels, you need to have a valid reason to pass through the Indian Ocean, and the BIOT Administration must be convinced of the necessity of your visit before granting you a permit. The permit system is in place to ensure a safe passage through the Indian Ocean, and mooring permits have a maximum validity of 28 days, and they are valid only for the Outer Islands.

British Indian Ocean Territory Permits Validity:

Mooring permits for vessels have a maximum validity of 28 days and are valid only for the Outer Islands of BIOT. Please note that permits cannot be extended once your initial application has been approved, so you must carefully consider how much time you will need to stop at BIOT, taking into account weather conditions and other factors.

Online British Indian Ocean Territory Entry Application Form:

There is no online visa application form available for BIOT as the only type of visa available is a mooring permit for vessels. The permit application must be made through the BIOT Administration.

Application Process:

• To apply for a permit to enter BIOT, you need to submit the completed permit request form.
  
  
• A signed COVID-19 declaration
  
  
• A copy of your insurance documents covering medical evacuation and wreck recovery in BIOT.
  
  
• Copy of the passports, valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry to BIOT.
  
  
• Make sure your emails are no larger than 5MB and include the name of your yacht in the subject field.
  
  
• Apply for a permit at least six weeks before your intended arrival date, as the process can take several weeks.
  
  
• The Administration has sole discretion in granting permits, and failure to provide a full application or necessary documentation will lead to rejection.
  
  
• If approved, you will receive payment instructions, and only when payment is received will your application be processed and a permit issued.

Restrictions and Regulations for Visiting BIOT Islands

When planning a visit to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands, it's important to be aware of the restrictions and regulations in place to protect the fragile ecosystem.

• Visits to the islands are tightly controlled and certain restrictions put in place.
  
  
• Some of the islands have been designated as Strict Nature Reserves and it is illegal to enter them
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• If granted permission to visit, vessels must moor only at BIOT approved sites to conserve the fragile coral environment.
  
  
• Diving, spear-fishing, removal of flora or fauna, and commercial activity (including charter trips and fishing other than for subsistence purposes) are strictly prohibited.
  
  
• Offences will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  
  
• Fishing is not allowed in the entire BIOT Marine Protected Area.
  
  
• Visiting yachts are allowed to fish for their own consumption (no more than three days' worth, without freezing) and only with a hand line.
  
  
• A fishing log must be kept up to date while in BIOT waters, as a Fisheries Protection Officer may wish to see it.

How to Apply for a British Indian Ocean Territory Visa:

To apply for a mooring permit for vessels, you need to submit an application to the BIOT Administration. You can find the application form on their website. Applications must be made in advance, and it's recommended to apply at least 4 weeks before the expected date of arrival in BIOT.

Processing Time for a British Indian Ocean Territory Permits:

The processing time for a mooring permit application is not specified, and it's recommended to apply at least 4 weeks before the expected date of arrival in BIOT.

British Indian Ocean Territory Permit Expiration:

Mooring permits for vessels have a maximum validity of 28 days and cannot be extended once the initial application has been approved, so it's important to carefully consider the necessary amount of time needed in BIOT.

Changes will not be considered for those who have already arrived within their permit window or for crew members after the permit has been issued.

In case of exceptional circumstances preventing entry during the permit window, contact BIOT Administration immediately. Any changes to the permit terms are at their discretion.

Permit Regulations:

The permit regulations for visiting the British Indian Ocean Territory are strict and non-negotiable. 

Extension, Changes, and Cancellation

• Permits cannot be extended once approved, either before or during your stay in BIOT. It is important to carefully consider the amount of time needed for your visit and factor in weather conditions and other circumstances.
  
  
• Requests for changes to the permit or crew members will not be considered after issuance.
  
  
• Applications from charter vessels, cruise ships, or vessels with fee-paying crews will not be considered.
  
  
• If you encounter exceptional circumstances that prevent you from entering BIOT during the period specified in your permit, such as severe vessel malfunctions, medical emergencies, or dangerous weather conditions, please contact the BIOT Administration immediately. Any changes to the permit are at the discretion of the Administration.

Consequences of Violating Permit Regulations

• Visitors must comply with all permit regulations and restrictions, including mooring only at BIOT-approved sites to protect the coral environment and refraining from activities such as diving, spearfishing, removal of flora or fauna, and commercial activity.
  
  
• Violations of permit regulations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
  
  
• Fishing for subsistence purposes is allowed for visiting yachts, with a hand line and limited to three days' worth of catch without freezing. A fishing log must be maintained and submitted to the Senior Fisheries Protection Officer within 28 days, including nil returns.
  
  
• The entire BIOT Marine Protected Area is a no-fishing zone, with no exceptions.
  
  
• Certain islands in BIOT have been designated as Strict Nature Reserves, and entry is strictly prohibited.

British Indian Ocean Territory Visa Exemption:

There are no visa exemptions available for BIOT as the only type of visa available is a mooring permit for vessels.

British Indian Ocean Territory Visa Cost:

The cost for a mooring permit for vessels is £100 per week as of 27 November 2020. Please note that if you pay from an international (non-UK) bank account, you will need to add £1 for transfers of £100 and under, or £7 for transfers of over £100 to cover bank charges.
 

eVisa or Sticker Visa:

There are no electronic visas (eVisas) or sticker visa  available for visiting BIOT.All mooring permit applications must be made through the BIOT Administration.

The permit system in place requires visitors to obtain a physical mooring permit before arriving at BIOT. The permit will be issued as a sticker that must be displayed on the vessel.British Indian Ocean Territory 

Work Visa:

Visitors cannot obtain a work visa for BIOT as it is not a place of employment. Access to Diego Garcia is only allowed for persons with pre-authorized official duty. However, individuals who wish to work in the United Kingdom may apply for a work visa through the official UK government website, which includes BIOT.