Discover the Unique Charm and Beauty of St Helena Island
A picturesque volcanic island rising out of the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,200 miles (nearly 2,000km) from the west coast of Africa, the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena is one of the most isolated destinations in the world. Ascension Island, 703 miles (1,131km) away, is its nearest landmass and forms part of the same British territory along with the island of Tristan da Cunha.
Despite its small size, tiny population and extremely remote location, St Helena is described as an emerald set in bronze, with lush subtropical forests and rolling hills enclosed by sheer volcanic cliffs. Instead of bright lights, sandy beaches and luxury shopping, the island offers tranquil beauty and centuries of a certain colonial charm. The local people, known as Saints, are as friendly as they come, and mostly made up of descendants from British settlers, African slaves and contracted workers from Asia.
St Helena was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and quickly established as a strategic and valuable stopover for ships travelling between Europe, Southern Africa and Asia, providing fresh water supplies and much-needed fruit to crews on long voyages between continents. It became a British dependency in 1834 and for many years was used as a place of exile, most famously for Napoleon after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Napoleon lived in Longwood House for six years until his death in 1821, and the residence is now a museum owned by the French government. St Helena was also a prison during the South Africa War, and King Dinuzulu and about 5,000 Boer prisoners were held there from 1900 to 1904. The Boer Cemetery, located at Knollcombes, is a popular tourist attraction from this period.
St Helena’s capital and only town is the Georgian seaport of Jamestown, which is nestled between towering cliffs and protected from the sea by 18th-century fortifications. Its most prominent feature is Jacob’s Ladder, which comprises 699 steps embedded into the near vertical cliffs connecting the valley floor to the top of Ladder Hill. It’s popular with energetic tourists, as well as runners who come from around the world to compete in a race up the steps every year. Other attractions in St Helena include the Heart-Shaped Waterfall, the castle and its gardens, Sandy Bay and the Central Peaks. Around three hotels, various guest-houses, many self-catering flats and houses, and plenty of bed-and-breakfasts make up the accommodation options.
While not the typical island getaway, St Helena is certainly an experience with unique qualities and a distinct atmosphere, with its remote location and prehistoric natural wonders a sure draw for those looking for something off the beaten track.
Key Facts
- Language:
- English is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors must have good medical insurance covering at least GBP 500,000, and including aeromedical evacuation.
- Currency:
The local currency is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is linked at parity to the British Pound (Sterling). Sterling is accepted in shops and restaurants on the island, though change will often be given in Saint Helena Pounds. Credit and debit cards are not widely used but a few outlets and businesses will accept them; banking services are provided by the Bank of St Helena.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard rectangular three-pin variety used in the UK.
Health Notes when travelling to St Helena
The island has an adequate standard of medical care, with a small but well-equipped general hospital in Jamestown. Visitors are charged a fee for medical and dental treatment, so travel insurance is necessary and should cover medical evacuation for serious conditions. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Safety Notes when travelling to St Helena
Crime levels are low and there’s no recent history of terrorism.
Customs in St Helena
Most roads are single lane and often quite steep, with driving etiquette requiring traffic coming down to make way for vehicles going up. Drinking alcohol in the streets is not allowed in Jamestown, so visitors should restrict consumption to licensed establishments.
Duty Free in St Helena
Passengers over 17 years may bring one litre of spirits and two litres of wine or 12 cans of beer; 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of other tobacco products; and 250ml of perfume onto the island without paying duty.
Doing Business in St Helena
The economy relies on export income from coffee, tourism, fishing, and sales of alcoholic liqueurs.
Communication in St Helena
The international access code for St Helena is +290. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; free WiFi is available at hotels, cafes and restaurants.
Tipping in St Helena
A tip of around 10 percent is standard.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors must have good medical insurance covering at least GBP 500,000, and including aeromedical evacuation.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of intended stay. US Nationals are exempt from visa requirements for six months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Canada are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passports must be valid for six months from the date travellers arrive. An Entry Permit for St Helena costs £20 and allows a stay of up to 183 days. The fee can be paid in British pounds, euros, US dollars or South African rand. Travellers will need to provide evidence of a return ticket, or funds for a return ticket, medical insurance, adequate accommodation and sufficient funds for their stay.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Australia are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of Ireland (Rep.) are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of New Zealand are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. Nationals of South Africa are visa exempt for a maximum stay of six months.
Tourist Offices
St Helena Tourism Office, Jamestown: +290 22158 or [email protected]
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