Can you get in trouble for going to Antarctica?


Can you get in trouble for going to Antarctica? It is not illegal to go to Antarctica and thousands of people do each year.


What happens if you fly past Antarctica?

The short answer is, no, it's not illegal to fly over Antarctica. But there are practical considerations that make it challenging for regular airlines to navigate across the land. In many parts of Antarctica, there's limited or no infrastructure, no landing strips, and obviously no refuelling stations for planes.


How do I get permission to go to Antarctica?

For US citizens you will need to complete a DS-4131 ADVANCE NOTIFICATION FORM – TOURIST AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES IN THE ANTARCTIC TREATY AREA and then submit this to the Department of State's Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs. You will need to do this at least 3 months in advance of your intended visit.


How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?

A rough estimate for round-trip flights to Antarctica can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per person. It's important to note that traveling to Antarctica often requires specialized flights or cruises, and prices can be higher due to the remote location.


What would happen if you went to Antarctica without permission?

Travelling to any part of Antarctica on an expedition without permission is illegal. Doing so could lead to a fine or prison sentence. If you are a passenger on an organised visit to Antarctica, your tour operator would usually arrange for an appropriate permit.


Why don t planes fly over Antarctica?

Thanks to the low visibility and undeveloped infrastructure, flying over Antarctica is extremely difficult. Specifically, because of the strong magnetic fields that surround the polar regions, navigating there, no matter how well-equipped the airplane is in terms of instrumentation, can be particularly challenging.