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

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

May 8, 2024

Government, Press Releases

Latest information on South Atlantic Air Bridge travel to Ascension Island

Following discussions between the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) and the Ascension Island Government (AIG), we are pleased to provide the following clarification for non-military personnel living in the Falkland Islands who wish to visit family or close friends in Ascension Island via the twice-weekly northbound South Atlantic Air Bridge.

The arrangements will be run on a trial basis and will be subject to regular review under the Joint Policy Statement, the UK Ministry of Defence’s protocol for allowing South Atlantic air bridge flights.

To book a flight, passengers must:

• Book flights through Falkland Islands Corporation (FIC) Flight Reservations. Seats are subject to FIG approved seat allocations.
• Access to the Ascension Island air bridge requires the following evidence – as required by the Department of Defense’s Joint Policy Statement on the Use of Air Bridges:
  • The passenger has a family member or friend on board Ascension as their nominated guarantor, or;
  • Passengers must have a demonstrable work or business reason to travel to Ascension Island, which also requires a nominated sponsor on the island.

Those travelling to or from the Falklands via Ascension Island by air bridge will not be permitted to stop or visit Ascension Island if they do not meet the above conditions.

Falkland Island residents who wish to visit family and friends living in Ascension Island may apply for an electronic visa, but must comply with the requirements of the Ascension Island immigration control policy and obtain an electronic visa. The channels for applying for an electronic visa are https://www.ascension-visas.com/

Please note that the policy for allocation of access to airbridges through FIG and AIG is different to the immigration control policy for Ascension Island. Your seat allocation on airbridges depends on whether you meet the conditions in the FCDO/MOD joint policy statement on the use of airbridges, as listed above. Qualifying for a visa to visit Ascension Island does not guarantee you a seat on airbridges.

Before applying for an Ascension e-visa, you need to provide proof of return/onward flights. E-visa applicants need to submit the following evidence:

• Confirmed flight reservations
• Accommodation
• Adequate travel insurance

Passengers should also note that:

• Before making a decision on an e-visa application, the AIG immigration officer will request evidence of the applicant’s accommodation during their stay, which may include contacting the e-visa applicant’s nominated sponsor in Ascension Island.
• If you believe you do not qualify for an e-visa as per the above terms, you should not proceed with your Airbridge reservation. FIG, AIG and FIC are not responsible for Airbridge reservations of passengers who are denied an e-visa. Regular Airbridge cancellation policies apply.
• If you meet the stopover requirement at Ascension Island and wish to continue north to the UK via a subsequent air bridge, or travel south in the same manner, this is possible but is subject to air bridge seat availability and a set of flights must be booked through FIC in order to provide proof of onward flights to satisfy AIG’s e-visa procedures.

It is important to note that when Airbridge seats need to be prioritised (e.g. due to flight cancellations), those travelling to or from Ascension Island for non-work reasons will not necessarily be prioritised over those travelling to or from the UK for medical, study or urgent work reasons. FIG will determine the priority order on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on traveling to Ascension Island via Airbridge, visit https://www.ascension.gov.ac/travel-and-shipping/travel-by-airOr contact FIC booking agent by email: traveltoascension@fic.co.fk / Tel: +500 27633.

From Ascension Island to St. Helena

The above guidance is different to the guidance for transit arrangements using Airbridge and Ascension Island’s monthly Airlink charter flights to and from St. Helena (via Ascension Island).

Booking this route currently requires booking an Airbridge seat through FIC (subject to availability), then booking an Airlink seat separately through the Ascension Island Government, and then applying for the relevant e-visa. FIG is aware of the risks and varying seat availability associated with these separate booking systems.

FIG has been in negotiations with BFSAI and the Ascension Government to guarantee the number of seats on Airbridge and Airlink flights so that passengers travelling to St Helena can book both flights through one agent and be assured of seats on both flights. We will make an announcement as soon as negotiations are concluded with clear guidance on how to book and the e-visa requirements for transit through Ascension Island.