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Most visits to Montserrat are completely trouble-free. The crime rate is very low, but visitors should take sensible precautions against petty crime.
The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains extremely active. The Volcano Alert Level was increased to level 4 (on a scale of 5) on 24 December 2006, in response to heightened volcanic activity. This, combined with volcanic activity over the last decade has resulted in about two-thirds of the island being designated an Unsafe Area. Entry to this area is strictly controlled and requires a police licence. In addition, three areas around the island's coastline have been designated Maritime Exclusion Zones with no entry to mariners because of the danger of volcanic flows reaching the sea.
A 'Guide to Volcanic Hazards' as well as maps showing the Safe and Unsafe land and marine areas are available in the arrival hall at Geralds Airport, the seaport and local police stations. These contain essential information about the volcanic threat. Travellers should ensure that they take a copy of these leaflets on arrival, or view it online at: www.mvo.ms/0701%20Risk%20Map.htm.
A volcanic event on 5 January 2007 suggested that a more major event may follow. As a precaution the area south of the Belham Valley that made up the former Day Time Entry Zone (DTEZ) has been closed to the public. In addition residents of certain areas bordering the Belham river valley have been temporarily relocated. A further extension of this area was implemented on 14 February 2007, on the basis of the most recent scientific advice.
The hurricane season in Montserrat normally runs from June to November.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains extremely active. The Volcano Alert Level was increased to level 4 (on a scale of 5) on 24 December 2006, in response to heightened volcanic activity. This, combined with volcanic activity over the last decade has resulted in about two-thirds of the island being designated an Unsafe Area. Entry to this area is strictly controlled and requires a police licence. In addition, three areas around the island's coastline have been designated Maritime Exclusion Zones with no entry to mariners because of the danger of volcanic flows reaching the sea.
A 'Guide to Volcanic Hazards' as well as maps showing the Safe and Unsafe land and marine areas are available in the arrival hall at Geralds Airport, the seaport and local police stations. These contain essential information about the volcanic threat. Travellers should ensure that they take a copy of these leaflets on arrival, or view it online at: www.mvo.ms/0701%20Risk%20Map.htm.
A volcanic event on 5 January 2007 suggested that a more major event may follow. As a precaution the area south of the Belham Valley that made up the former Day Time Entry Zone (DTEZ) has been closed to the public. In addition residents of certain areas bordering the Belham river valley have been temporarily relocated. A further extension of this area was implemented on 14 February 2007, on the basis of the most recent scientific advice.
The hurricane season in Montserrat normally runs from June to November.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
