Entry & Travel Requirements
Before you set off on your trip, please familiarise yourself with the travel regulations and requirements in place for your destination. Please note: It's your responsibility to identify and obtain all required documents.
Destination & Passport Requirements
Exploring the world shouldn't be stressful, and with each of our unique destinations having different entry requirements (Identification, Visa, Vaccination Status, etc.) it can be confusing to get the right information for your passport. This is why we have pulled together this information to ensure you have everything you need to plan your next adventure with us.
Like with any international travel, a valid passport is essential, as it's the only accepted identification document. The passport validity must be in accordance with national requirements in the country/countries you will visit AND have a minimum of 6 months remaining validity at the end of your cruise.
To comply with clearance requirements in some destinations, we collect guests’ passports during check-in. Please be assured that your passport is kept in a secure location throughout the expedition cruise and will be returned to you at the end of your stay with us.
New Passenger Entry Visa – South Georgia
From 1st August 2025, all passengers aged 16 and over visiting South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands must apply for a Passenger Entry Visa. This replaces the previous Passenger Landing Fee.
All guests travelling to South Georgia before 1st April 2026 must apply for the Passenger Entry Permit themselves via this link, and applications must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival. Guests without a valid visa will not be permitted to go ashore or participate in small boat cruises in South Georgia waters.
For sailings departing from 1st October 2026 onwards, HX will manage and cover the cost of the Passenger Entry Permit application directly on behalf of our guests.
Coming soon: New European entry requirements (ETIAS)
The European Union will introduce new entry requirements in 2025. However, the exact start date is yet to be announced. Travellers from 60 visa-exempt countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) will be required to obtain a travel authorisation known as an ETIAS to enter 30 European countries, including all EU nations (except Ireland) and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. We will notify any guest with a booking as soon as further details become available. For more information on ETIAS, please visit the official EU website.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) For UK
Eligible non-European visitors to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting from 8 January 2025. The ETA is mandatory for citizens of various countries, with specific start dates depending on nationality. For more information on the ETA, please visit this page. To check the requirements for your country, visit this page.
Check if you need a UK visa - GOV.UK
Travel Authorisations – United States and Canada
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) – United States
If your expedition begins in the United States, you may be required to apply for an ESTA in advance, depending on your nationality. However, if you are visiting the United States by ship and your journey begins in another country, an ESTA is generally not required.
For detailed and up-to-date information based on your citizenship and travel route, please consult the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – Canada
Most travellers need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport. It is strongly recommended that all guests travelling to or from Canada hold an approved eTA before departure. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet all visa and entry requirements based on your nationality and itinerary.
To apply or learn more, visit the official Government of Canada website: Electronic travel authorization (eTA): How to apply – Canada.ca
Important: Please ensure you apply for your eTA and ESTA directly via the official government websites listed above. Third-party services are not affiliated with the Canadian or US governments and may charge significantly higher fees. We strongly recommend completing these applications well in advance of your departure to avoid delays or disruptions. It remains each guest’s responsibility to ensure they meet all visa and entry requirements based on their nationality and travel route.
Foreign travel advice
To ensure that you are ready for your upcoming expedition cruise, please ensure that your insurance is in force and effect for all your destinations. Please see further guidance here.
You can find out specific destination travel advice requirements from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office here.
Disclaimer
Please note that it is your responsibility to check the relevant entry, transit, and travel requirements for your nationality and destination countries relevant to your itinerary. Remember that requirements can change on short notice, and mandatory documentation may need to be completed within a specific time before arrival. It is vital that you keep up to date with these requirements. HX is not responsible for the decisions made on the information provided.
Updated: January 2025
Medical Screening Form – Antarctica Voyages
Only Your health and safety, and that of our crew, is our top priority. To ensure all guests are fit to travel in Antarctica, all passengers must complete a Medical Screening Form before departure. This is part of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) regulations, which require all Antarctic visitors to be medically cleared prior to their journey.
We partner with Vikand, a global leader in maritime medical services, to review each form. By sharing any current or past health issues, you help us make sure your journey is safe and enjoyable.
While Antarctica is one of the world’s most remote regions, where medical care can be limited, each HX vessel has a qualified physician on board and basic medical facilities to support you throughout your adventure. For your added safety, it is also mandatory to have insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
Who Must Complete the Form
Every guest, including children must complete the form (note: we do not permit children under 5 years to travel to Antarctica).
Submit the form online (except for Chinese and Japanese customers*) to ensure medical information is secure and accessible only to Vikand's medical team, and in accordance with GDPR.
Few exceptions apply:
- Guests who have travelled to Antarctica with HX within the past 12 months may use a special Adapted Guest Health Form.
- If there are no changes in medical conditions, pre-approved guests are automatically cleared for the new sailing.
- If medical conditions have changed, guests must complete the full process again.
The form is available in English, German, French, and Chinese/Mandarin. Please complete all free-text fields in English.
Timeline
You can start the process up to 4 months before departure.
For group bookings, the form becomes available 3 months before departure.
Forms submitted 1–3 months before departure are typically reviewed within 7 working days.
If a second medical opinion is required, allow an additional 3 working days.
How to Complete the Medical Screening Form
For a step-by-step guide through the process, we highly recommend watching our YouTube video.
Option 1: Use Your Own Doctor
Complete the Guest Section online.
You will receive the Doctor Section as a PDF via email.
Ask your doctor, DO, or PA to complete the PDF. Then upload it to the Vikand portal.
Option 2: Telehealth Appointment with Vikand
Book a digital appointment with a Vikand doctor, who will assist with both the Guest and Doctor Sections.
Cost: €165 (Visa or Mastercard, payable at booking)
Duration: up to 30 minutes.
Cancellations: €50 non-refundable within 24 hours of appointment or for no-shows.
Languages available: English, German, French.
Conducted via Doxy.me (GDPR & HIPAA compliant).
Join via email link — no app needed.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If no medical concerns are found, approval is typically issued during the session.
If concerns arise, your form is forwarded for secondary review and results are sent by email.
Start the process
Medical Screening Form Promise
If, after careful consideration of your medical history and current health, it is decided by a licensed physician that you are not eligible to join the expedition, you will receive a full refund from HX. Alternatively, you can transfer to another expedition to different destination which has fewer or less strict medical requirements.
Ship Manifest Information Form
All guests joining an expedition cruise must submit the Ship Manifest Information Form no later than eight weeks before embarkation.
GDPR & Data Protection
In completing this form, you are providing us with personal information which we process in accordance with the GDPR and our Privacy Policy. The information contained in sections 1-5 is essential information that is processed either on the basis of contractual necessity or in order to comply with legal obligations placed on us. The information in section 6 is not essential but may help us to make your trip more comfortable. By providing us with this information, you are giving us your explicit consent to process that data for this purpose. You can see more information about how we handle your data by following the link here.
Vaccinations and viruses
The safety of our guests, our employees, and the communities we visit is our priority. We’ve partnered with experts in health and safety to design and implement protocols and procedures across our expedition fleet. You may require vaccinations for your expedition. Please consult your doctor for information on the vaccines you need for your expedition.
For requirements related to COVID-19, please see here.
Health and Vaccination Disclaimer
We cannot provide medical advice and do not make individual health recommendations. It is each guest’s responsibility to consult their healthcare provider and review the latest guidance from local and international health authorities regarding vaccinations, and any other health requirements relevant to travel.
Guests should ensure they meet all entry, exit, and health-related requirements for the countries they plan to visit. Requirements may vary by destination and are subject to change. We encourage guests to stay informed by referring to official government and public health websites before travelling.
Health and Vaccination Guidance for South American Itineraries
We recommend that all guests speak with their healthcare provider or a travel health specialist before departure to discuss any vaccinations or health precautions that may be relevant to their travel plans.
Health and vaccination requirements vary by destination and are subject to change. Countries in South America may have specific recommendations or entry requirements related to vaccinations such as yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, or others. In some cases, proof of vaccination may be required for entry or onward travel.
It is each guest’s responsibility to stay informed and ensure they meet the health requirements of the countries included in their itinerary. Official health authorities and travel clinics can provide the most up-to-date information for your specific route.
By preparing in advance and consulting the appropriate medical professionals, guests can help ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.
Zika virus
Zika virus is also detected in Central and South America so we advise you to talk to your doctor to understand the risks.
Additional Information
When travelling to countries known to have a risk of yellow fever or Zika virus transmission, we also advise guests to ensure they bring suitable long-sleeved shirts and pants to wear when out on an expedition along with their own supply of insect repellent.
We also recommend seeking medical advice about yellow fever and Zika virus as it is a mandatory requirement for some areas in South and Central America. You can find out more information about your destination via these links here:
Insurance
Insurance is a crucial companion for all travellers. From unexpected injuries to journey cancellations, it gives you peace of mind that whatever happens, you’re covered.
HX requires all guests to have travel insurance in force, covering at least the cancellation of the booking and providing medical cover for illness or injury and repatriation while overseas.
Insurance requirements vary depending on where you’re going and the details of your itinerary. We recommend consulting your preferred travel insurance provider to confirm the right coverage amounts. Keep in mind that medical evacuation costs can be significant in remote regions, so it’s important to be prepared.
Important mandatory coverage:
Antarctica: Travellers must have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation. We recommend your insurance covers a minimum of US $200,000.
Galápagos Islands: Travellers must have medical and travel insurance, as required by the government of Ecuador.
Documentation:
Please provide us with the name of your insurer, together with their 24-hour emergency number when you book or as soon as possible.
Keep a copy of your travel insurance policy (digital and physical) during your expedition.
Ensure you have proof of coverage, including policy number and insurer contact information, in case it is requested by your operator or local authorities.
Changes and cancellations:
All cancellations are subject to our terms and conditions.
Changing your voyage date after your deposit is confirmed is considered a cancellation of the original voyage and follows the same terms and conditions.