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Travel Insurance British Indian Ocean Territory

British Indian Ocean Territory Country Guide

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Quick Facts

Official Name: British Indian Ocean Territory
Capital: Diego Garcia
Official Languages: English
Spoken Languages: English
Population: 3,000 (2006 est.)
Currency: United States Dollar (USD) and Pound Sterling (GBP)
Time Zone: UTC+6

British Indian Ocean Territory is a territory located in the Indian Ocean. The territory consists of seven atolls which include over 1,000 tiny islands. Out of these islands, the capital and the largest island is Diego Garcia. Diego Garcia homes the settlement in which the majority of the population reside in, Camp Justice. The territory is military based. Casual tourists, media and former inhabitants are not permitted on the island.

British Indian Ocean Territory Travel Insurance

Get travel insurance to British Indian Ocean Territory from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to British Indian Ocean Territory and most of the world.

The terrain of the island is mostly flat and low. There are only main roads on the island as most of the population use bicycles to travel around the territory. The main island, Diego Garcia homes a major seaport which is in constant use. British Indian Ocean Territory has a tropical marine climate. The island is usually hot and humid with some light wind. Temperatures can be as high as 30°C (86°F) or as low as 23°C (73.4°F).

Geographic data: 7°18 S 72°24 E

Natural hazards: No hazards have been reported as risks on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Birth rate: 0 births/1000 people

Death rate: 0 deaths/1000 people

Life expectancy: N/A

There is driving on British Indian Ocean Territory but the main choice of transport is biking. As no casual tourists are allowed, there are no car hire companies available. Sea travel is available but you will need to take care when travelling by sea as there has numerous cases of piracy in the surrounding waters.

Crime levels are extremely low as only one island is inhabited. Petty crime may occur. General care is advised.

Before travelling you will need to obtain a permit from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. This will need to be obtained a month prior to travelling. You will need to show adequate travel and yacht insurance to obtain the permit.

You will require a passport, your passport will need to be valid for 6 months after the date of arrival.

Currency: United States Dollar (USD) and Pound Sterling (GBP)

Visit your health professional at least 8 weeks prior to travelling. There are no medical facilities in the territory and search and rescue teams are limited. It is strongly advised that you have good travel/medical insurance to cover the cost of being evacuated in a medical emergency.

Currently, the FCDO have not advised against travelling to British Indian Ocean Territory but you will need a permit to travel. There is a low threat from terrorism. However, this information could change at any time. It is advised that you check the FCDO website before you travel: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Direct Travel Insurance cannot offer cover for any areas or countries to which the FCDO advise against travel.

British Indian Ocean Territory is off limits from the media. The main purpose for the islands is for military use. There are many radio stations within the territory but these are for soldiers only. There are also telephone stations which can be used by anyone on the island.