IziVisas
🇮🇴British Indian Ocean Territory
Asia· Updated 06/03/2026
Information
Capital
Diego Garcia
Population
3,000
Currency
British pound (GBP £)
Languages
English
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+246
Timezone
UTC+6
Area
60 km²
Government
British Overseas Territory
National day
Not applicable
Internet domain
.io
About
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is a British Overseas Territory located in the Indian Ocean, comprising the Chagos Archipelago with over 1,000 individual islands. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States. The territory has no permanent civilian population and is administered from London.
Safety
Risk level :Restricted access - A permit is required before any travel. The territory is a military zone with a population limited to about 3,000 people (military personnel and contractors).
Risk areas
Entire territory - Restricted access - permit requiredDiego Garcia - Military installation - very restricted access
Crime(Low)
- Very small and controlled population
- Significant military presence
Terrorism(Low)
- Secure military zone
Transport
- Plan alternative routes for yacht trips
- Apply for permits well in advance
Natural risks(Documented coral bleaching - major environmental event)
- Consult reports from the Chief Science Advisor on environmental conditions
Health(Limited medical facilities - presence of military medical personnel)
- International health insurance recommended
- Medical consultations available for authorized personnel
Practical tips
- Obtain a travel permit before arrival
- Check updates regarding the planned sovereignty transfer with Mauritius
- Contact the BIOT administration for current procedures
- Allow extra time for permit applications
Cost of living
Accommodation
Studio city centerND
1-bedroom apartment in the city centerND
1-bedroom apartment in the suburbND
3-bedroom apartment in the city centerND
3-bedroom apartment in the suburbND
Food
Inexpensive restaurant mealND
Meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurantND
McDonald's menuND
Local beer (0.5L)ND
CappuccinoND
Water (1.5L)ND
Bread (500g)ND
Milk (1L)ND
Eggs (12)ND
Chicken (1kg)ND
Apples (1kg)ND
Bananas (1kg)ND
Transport
Public transport ticketND
Monthly transport subscriptionND
Taxi ride (start)ND
Taxi (1km)ND
Gasoline (1L)ND
Leisure
Fitness membership (monthly)ND
Tennis court (1h weekend)ND
CinemaND
TheaterND
Health
General practitioner consultationND
Dentist consultationND
Antibiotic medicationsND
Cold medications (6 days)ND
Others
High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)ND
Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)ND
Public services for 85m² apartmentND
Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)ND
Nike sports shoesND
International primary school (monthly)ND
Practical information
Electricity
Voltage230V
Frequency50Hz
Plug typesType G
Emergency numbers
PoliceNon disponible - accès restreint
AmbulanceNon disponible - accès restreint
Fire departmentNon disponible - accès restreint
Practical information
Driving side
Left
Tap water
Data not available
Tipping
Data not available