Montserrat travel advice

Most visits to Montserrat are completely trouble-free. The crime rate is very low, but visitors should take sensible precautions against petty crime.

When you leave Montserrat you will be charged an embarkation tax. For residents this is EC$25 and for non-residents it is EC$45. In addition, there is a security charge of EC$10 for every passenger departing from John A Osbourne Airport. This is payable at check-in.

The Soufrière Hills Volcano remains extremely active. A new Hazard Level System was introduced in August 2008. The Hazard Level System divides the southern two-thirds of Montserrat, into six zones with two Maritime Exclusion Zones. Access permission for each of these zones is dependent on the level of volcanic activity. The current Hazard Level is 4, on a scale of 1 to 5. 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.

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