Montserrat

Översikt

Montserrat is a British territory situated within the Leeward Islands chain. The island is small at only 102 sq km (39 sq mi). As a small island, facilities and development on the island is limited. There are virtually no major road systems, traffic signage or complex junctions. Retail and hospitality is also lacking, with only two major hotels catering for foreign nationals. As such, Montserrat remains one of the quietest and safest destinations in the Caribbean.

A major issue that has affected Montserrat’s development is the Soufriere Hills volcano, which was thought dormant until 1995. The subsequent eruption destroyed the capital, Plymouth, and the now-deserted W.H. Bramble Airport. Further eruptions caused much of the population to be evacuated during the late 1990s and attention since then has been placed on rebuilding the island and mitigating the impact of further volcanic activity.

Significant rebuilding has meant that Plymouth was abandoned and much of the infrastructure repositioned to other towns in the north of the island. Although still officially the capital, Plymouth has no population, with Brades in the north now considered the de facto capital. The southern half of the island is under an exclusion zone, with the new John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) and necessary infrastructure located in Gerald's and other villages and towns in the north.

Further, if less aggressive, eruptions are predicted and travellers with breathing difficulties may struggle in Montserrat.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information in regard to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Montserrat. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

There is a risk of Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika virus transmission in Montserrat. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Glendon Hospital is the main medical facility on the island and provides a 24-hour emergency room which can handle minor matters. Serious issues might require evacuation to Antigua or Guadeloupe.

• Address: Sweeneys Rd, St John's, Montserrat
• Phone number: 664-491-2552

Pass

To enter Montserrat, your passport should be valid for the duration of your proposed stay and have one blank visa page.

Visum

Citizens of the United Kingdom, most European countries, the United States and Canada are not required a visa to enter Montserrat. You can find a comprehensive list of visa exempt countries on this address and a list of countries requiring a visa here.

You should be aware that you must show a return or onward ticket to a country where you have a legal right to enter, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay. If you are unable to provide either, you will be compelled to leave a deposit on arrival. If you do not comply with any of the afore-mentioned entry regulations, being deported will be a strong possibility.