Guidelines for Antarctica visitors

IAATO

PolarQuest is a Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a member organisation founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. IAATO is an industry group that has resolved to set the highest possible tourism operating standards in its effort to protect Antarctica. This effort is unique, and the challenge to maintain environmentally responsible tourism exists to this extent in no other region of the world.

Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace and science.

In 1994 the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted Recommendation XXVIII-1 Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic. This guidance is intended to ensure that all visitors are aware of, and are therefore able to comply with, the Treaty and the Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by national laws and regulations applicable to activities in the Antarctic.

While the Recommendation sets out a general code of conduct for all visitors to the Antarctic – and we ask all visitors to abide by these guidelines – experience has taught that a few additional codes of conduct can allow visitors the optimum experience while minimizing any potential for disruption to this un- spoilt and unique environment.

Thus, when you go ashore, we also ask that you:

Walk slowly, occasionally stopping to give wildlife the time and space they need.
As a general principle, keep noise to a minimum and avoid approaching birds and animals any closer than 5 meters / 15 feet; in some instances even this may be too close, so watch the birds’ and animals’ behaviour as you approach and stop, or retreat, if they show signs of disturbance.
Be aware of your location relative to your fellow visitors – making sure you do not surround animals or cut off their route to the sea.
Heed the advice of your guides; they want you to gain as much as possible from your experience while treading softly on this unique environment.

IAATO guidelines Avian Influenza 2025-26

Since 2021 the increasing intensity of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)
H5N1 outbreaks has resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of seabirds
around the world. Marine mammals, including seals and sea lions, have also been affected.

On 25 February 2024, the first cases avian influenza were confirmed in the Antarctic Treaty Area.

The Antarctic community, from Antarctic Treaty parties to scientists, National
Programs, and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) is concerned about the effect of avian influenza in Antarctica, and the serious impact it could have on the local wildlife.

IAATO members are committed to the robust procedures in place to protect
Antarctica from pathogens and non-native species and with the confirmation of
avian influenza in the region, we continue to have a heightened vigilance with
regards to operations this season.

Before you go

Before you leave home ensure anything that may come into contact with the Antarctic environment – including clothing and equipment - is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Non-native species can spread to this areas as a result of our activities. Seeds, microorganisms, and even insects can hitchhike on footwear, attached to clothing, or in bags that have been used in the outdoors previously. By following a few simple steps, you can help prevent this.

Ideally, it’s best to buy new outdoor clothing and equipment for your trip. This ensures it’s perfectly clean from seeds, soil and insects. Choose equipment which is easy to clean and biosecure. Where possible avoid:

Velcro. It holds on to seeds and dirt and is really hard to clean.
Mesh. Some backpacks have breathable mesh back liners, mesh water bottle holders, and mesh is sometimes used in a breathable layer in waterproof trousers. Seeds get stuck in the mesh and they are really hard to remove.
Narrow boot treads. The more ‘open’ the treads on the soles of your boots the less likely they are to become clogged with soil and dirt, and the easier they are to clean.

Please read and follow introductions in the checklists below:

South Georgia - Biosecurity Checklist
IAATO’s Don’t Pack a Pest

In Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands: Visiting Wildlife

Existing protocols, including daily biosecurity procedures and maintaining minimum distances from wildlife, are an essential part of protecting Antarctica.

In addition, it is required that you:

Do not sit, kneel or lay down in wildlife areas.
Do not place any equipment on the ground or snow in wildlife areas.

If in doubt, ask your guides for direction.

Find out more about Avian Influenza from the World Organisation for Animal Health. https://www.woah.org/

Important information to watch and read:

IAATO Visitors Video
IAATO Don't pack a pest
South Georgia - Biosecurity Checklist
IATTO Guidelines Birds
IAATO Reducing waste guidelines