Joint Statement from the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and Ascension Island Government (AIG)

8 May 2024

Government, Press Release

Update on Travel to Ascension Island via the South Atlantic Airbridge

Following discussions between the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and Ascension Island Government (AIG), we are pleased to provide the following clarity on the requirements for non-military personnel residing in the Falkland Islands, who want to visit family or close friends on Ascension via the twice weekly northbound South Atlantic Airbridge.  

These arrangements will be on a trial basis and subject to the periodic review of the Joint Policy Statement, the agreement which governs the access the UK’s Ministry of Defence permits to the South Atlantic Airbridge flights.

To book a flight, passengers must: 

• Book their flights through the Falkland Islands Company (FIC) Flight Booking department. Seats are subject to availability within the FIG approved seat allocation.
• Provide evidence of the following to access the Airbridge for visits to Ascension – as per the requirements of the MOD Joint Policy Statement on use of the Airbridge:
  • Passengers have a family member or friend as their nominated sponsor on Ascension, or;
  • Passengers have a documented work or business reason for them to visit Ascension, which again will require a nominated on-island sponsor.

Those travelling from or to the Falkland Islands via Ascension on the Airbridge who fall outside the above criteria will not be permitted to stopover or visit Ascension.

Residents of the Falkland Islands who intend to visit family members and friends that live on Ascension are permitted to do so subject to meeting the requirements of Ascension’s Entry Control Policy and being granted an e-visa. These can be applied for at https://www.ascension-visas.com/

Please note, the policy on the allocation of access to the Airbridge via FIG and AIG is distinct from the Entry Control Policy in Ascension. Your seat allocation on the Airbridge is contingent upon you satisfying the conditions in the FCDO/MOD’s Joint Policy Statement on use of the Airbridge, as listed above. Being eligible to obtain a visa to visit Ascension does not guarantee the ability to gain a seat on the Airbridge.

Proof of return/onward flights is required before an Ascension e-visa can be applied for. E-visa applicants will need to submit evidence of:

• Confirmed flight reservations
• Accommodation arrangements
• Adequate travel insurance 

Passengers should also be aware that:

• AIG Immigration Officers will request evidence in relation to accommodation during an applicant’s stay, which may include contacting the e-visa applicant’s nominated sponsor in Ascension, before the decision on an e-visa application is made.
• If you do not believe you will be eligible for an e-visa under the terms above, you should not proceed with booking an Airbridge seat. FIG, AIG and FIC are not responsible for Airbridge bookings made by those who are refused an e-visa. The usual Airbridge cancellation policies apply.
• If you meet the requirements for a stopover in Ascension and wish to then continue your journey north to the UK on a subsequent Airbridge, or do the same in reverse travelling south, this is possible but is subject to seat availability on the Airbridge and must be booked as a set of flights via FIC so there is proof of onward flights to satisfy AIG’s e-visa process.

It is important to note that in times when Airbridge seats need to be prioritised, for example due to a cancelled flight, those travelling to or from Ascension for non-work reasons will not necessarily be prioritised over those needing to travel to or from the UK for medical, study, or urgent work purposes. Prioritisation is done by FIG on a case-by-case basis.

For further information regarding travel to Ascension Island, via the Airbridge, please visit https://www.ascension.gov.ac/travel-and-shipping/travel-by-air, or contact FIC Booking Agents on email: traveltoascension@fic.co.fk / telephone: +500 27633. 

Travel to St Helena via Ascension

The above guidance is separate to that covering the transit arrangements for journeys to and from St Helena, via Ascension, utilising the Airbridge and Ascension’s monthly Airlink charter flight. 

At present booking this route requires booking an Airbridge seat via FIC, subject to availability, and then separately booking an Airlink seat via Ascension Island Government, and then applying for the relevant e-visa. FIG is aware of the risk and varied seat availability associated with these separate booking systems.

FIG has entered into negotiations with BFSAI and Ascension Island Government to guarantee a number of seats on both the Airbridge and Airlink, to allow those travelling to St Helena to book both flights via a single agent and be assured of seats on both flights. We will make a public announcement as soon as these discussions are concluded, giving clear guidance on how to book, and the e-visa requirements for transiting through Ascension.