🇮🇴British Indian Ocean Territory Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 12/09/2026
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Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology
Visas
Visas from this country
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 areas
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
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Left
Photos
British Indian Ocean Territory
Christian Palau
British Indian Ocean Territory
Balázs Gábor
British Indian Ocean Territory
Donald Tong
British Indian Ocean Territory
Maahid Photos
British Indian Ocean Territory
Sidric Penales
British Indian Ocean Territory
Monojit Dutta
British Indian Ocean Territory
Joydeb Biswas
British Indian Ocean Territory
Bishal Pixels
British Indian Ocean Territory
Bittu Banerjee
British Indian Ocean Territory
Ankan Ghosh
British Indian Ocean Territory
Thilina Alagiyawanna
British Indian Ocean Territory
Zak H
British Indian Ocean Territory
Thilina Alagiyawanna
British Indian Ocean Territory
Ceylon Frames
British Indian Ocean Territory
Charith Kodagoda
British Indian Ocean Territory
Stuart Robinson
British Indian Ocean Territory
Timo Volz
British Indian Ocean Territory
Line Knipst
British Indian Ocean Territory
Taryn Elliott
British Indian Ocean Territory
Asad Photo Maldives
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to British Indian Ocean Territory?▾
The entry regime for British Indian Ocean Territory is not yet documented nationality by nationality on IziVisas. Check with a consular post before booking.
Check by my nationality →Is it dangerous to travel to British Indian Ocean Territory?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "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).". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in British Indian Ocean Territory?▾
The official currency is British pound (GBP £).
What is the capital of British Indian Ocean Territory?▾
The capital of British Indian Ocean Territory is Diego Garcia. The main spoken languages are: English.
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