Updated Guidelines for Human Visitors: 2026 Season

The Ministry of Tourism and External Affairs has released its updated guidelines for the 2026 human visitor season. These guidelines reflect lessons learned from the 2025 season and incorporate feedback from both resident species and human partner organizations.

What Has Changed

New Permit Categories

The previous three-tier permit system has been replaced with five categories to better accommodate the range of visitor activities:

Permit Type	Duration	Purpose
Research Permit (R1)	Up to 12 months	Long-term scientific research
Research Permit (R2)	Up to 3 months	Short-term field studies
Tourism Permit (T1)	Up to 14 days	Guided group tourism
Tourism Permit (T2)	Up to 3 days	Day visits and ship-based excursions
Diplomatic Permit (D1)	Variable	Official government and embassy visits

Expanded Access Zones

Three new coastal areas have been opened for T1 and T2 tourism permits:

• Frost Harbor -- A sheltered bay with accessible penguin colonies and dramatic ice formations
• Crystal Point -- Known for its extraordinary geological features and seabird nesting sites
• South Drift Beach -- A seasonal access point offering whale watching opportunities from December through March

Stricter Compliance

All visitors are now required to complete an online environmental awareness certification before arrival. The certification covers:

• Wildlife distance requirements (minimum 5 meters for penguins, 15 meters for seals)
• Waste management protocols
• Emergency procedures in Antarctic conditions
• Birdland sovereignty and cultural respect guidelines

How to Apply

Permit applications for the 2026 season are now open through the Ministry of Tourism portal. Processing times are approximately 6-8 weeks for research permits and 2-3 weeks for tourism permits.

For questions regarding permit applications, contact the Ministry of Tourism and External Affairs at permits@birdland.gov.bl.