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Travel Guide
Visiting Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
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Top Attractions in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Jacob's Ladder
This near-vertical staircase of 699 steps climbs from Jamestown to the fort at Ladder Hill, all that remains of a nineteenth-century cable railway. The climb is steep and unforgiving, but the reward is a sweeping view over the town, the harbour, and the ocean beyond. Many visitors collect a certificate for reaching the top.
Longwood House
Longwood House was the final home of Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile from 1815 until his death in 1821. Now a carefully kept museum with gardens he designed, it holds his billiards table, furnishings, and personal rooms. The house is one of the island's most visited historic sites.
Diana's Peak
At around 820 metres, Diana's Peak is the highest point on Saint Helena, crowned by a misty cloud forest of endemic ferns and tree ferns. A well-marked national park trail winds through this rare habitat, alive with birdsong and found nowhere else on Earth. Clear days reward walkers with island-wide views.
Jonathan the Tortoise at Plantation House
Wise
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Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.
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4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Where to Go
Top Cities to Visit in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number On St Helena and Ascension, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. On Tristan da Cunha, call the police on 5111 or the hospital on 5000. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the late
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police999
Ambulance999
Fire999
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is a British Overseas Territory, and entry requirements depend on your passport nationality. Check your specific requirements on the Saint Helena destination page at Yoogo before you book.
The Saint Helena pound (SHP) is the local currency and is pegged one to one with the British pound sterling, which is also accepted. Card acceptance is limited, so bring enough cash, and note that Saint Helena pounds cannot easily be exchanged once you leave.
Saint Helena is very safe, with a small, friendly population and very little crime. The greatest care is needed on steep coastal paths and around the sea, where currents can be strong, so follow local advice when walking or swimming.
The island has a network of narrow, winding roads, and hiring a car is the most flexible way to explore. A local bus service runs on some routes, and taxis are available, while Jamestown itself is easily covered on foot.
The island has a mild climate all year, with the warmest, driest weather from January to April. Whale shark sightings are most likely between December and March, making the early months especially rewarding for marine wildlife.
English is the official and everyday language across all three islands, spoken with a distinctive local accent known as Saint Helenian. Visitors will have no difficulty communicating.
No special vaccinations are required for Saint Helena, though routine immunisations should be up to date. Medical facilities are limited, and serious cases may require costly evacuation, so comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised.
Tipping is not a strong local custom and is never expected. Rounding up a bill or leaving a little for particularly good service is appreciated but entirely optional.
Mobile and internet coverage has improved with the arrival of a subsea cable, though connections can still be slower and pricier than you may be used to. Check roaming arrangements before you travel, as options for visitors remain limited.
Islanders, known as Saints, are famously warm and it is normal to greet people you pass. Life is unhurried and community minded, shops may keep short hours, and a friendly hello is always welcome.