Travel to Antarctica and the Arctic

Last Updated
Wednesday, 28/02/2024

 

This page is for Australians thinking about travel to Antarctica or the Arctic. 

Read this page to learn about: 

What to think about before you decide to go 

The Arctic and Antarctic are treacherous travel destinations. There are important things to think about before deciding on a polar adventure.  

Are you physically able to do the journey? 

Trips to the polar regions can be physically taxing.  You must have reasonably good health and fitness to go on land visits or a field trek. You'll need to be able to climb in and out of Zodiac rafts and walk on rough terrain covered in snow and ice. You'll be exposed to extreme cold temperatures. 

Your tour provider may stop you from taking part in some activities if they think you aren’t able enough. They may also refuse your booking altogether.  

Talk to your doctor and tour provider before deciding whether to go. Be realistic. The remote polar regions aren't the place to find you've overestimated your abilities. 

Can you buy suitable insurance? 

It's vital to have travel insurance that covers you for:  

  • polar travel and all your activities  
  • medical evacuations  
  • search and rescue from remote locations.  

This kind of insurance can be expensive. There may also be strict eligibility criteria. Find out if you're eligible and can afford it before booking your trip. Some tour providers may ask for proof of insurance before completing your booking. 

Never consider travelling to the Arctic or Antarctica without suitable insurance. 

Read the CHOICE travel insurance buying guide for advice on choosing an insurance policy. 

Is your chosen provider reputable? 

Choose a travel company with experience and a good reputation in these expeditions. 

  • If travelling by ship, confirm their vessels are ice-capable. 
  • Make sure they have the correct safety gear for the activities you plan to do. 
  • Ask them about emergency processes and the standard of on-board medical help. 
  • Find out their environmental protection measures. 

How close to help will you be?  

The remote polar regions have limited medical and search and rescue facilities. Depending on where you are and the weather and sea conditions, it can take days to weeks for help to arrive.  

There is no mobile phone reception in Antarctica and many areas of the Arctic. Your tour company may have satellite phones for hire. Or you can rent one privately.  

Due to their isolation, we can’t give you full or prompt consular help in remote polar areas. We don't have a travel advisory for Antarctica. We may include advice for the Arctic in the advisory for countries in the Arctic Circle. 

Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how the Australian Government can and can't help while you're travelling. 

Health and safety risks 

There are serious health and safety risks to travel in the Arctic and Antarctic. It's important not to underestimate them. Make contingency plans. Understand what your tour operator provides. 

You'll receive safety briefings from your tour company. Pay attention and follow their instructions. 

Health risks 

The Arctic and Antarctic are extremely cold and dry. 

Common health risks are: 

  • frostbite 
  • dehydration 
  • severe sunburn 
  • snow blindness 
  • hypothermia. 

Wear layers, and make sure your outer gear is waterproof. Wear face coverings, suncream and eye protection. Stay hydrated, even if you're cold. 

Hypothermia can onset quickly and can be deadly. Learn how to spot the signs in yourself and others. Tell your tour guide immediately. 

The Travel Doctor provides information about staying healthy in the Arctic and Antarctica. 

Severe weather 

The weather around the poles can be severe. Blizzards happen with little warning. Blizzards can reduce visibility to zero and make temperatures plummet. Always listen to your tour guide and respond promptly to instructions to leave an area. 

Dangerous terrain 

Shifting ice can make the terrain dangerous and unpredictable. 

If you're with a tour group, you'll likely be sticking to areas that have been carefully scouted and made as safe as possible. But be mindful of your surroundings. The environments you're visiting are changeable, and new hazards can form without warning. Never stray outside the designated area. Keep your group or ship in sight. 

Wildlife 

Always treat wildlife with respect. All animals can be dangerous when feeling threatened. Give them space. 

  • Don’t try to touch or feed them.  
  • Don’t surround them or make them feel trapped.  
  • Take photos from a distance rather than going close for a selfie.  

Polar bears are a hazard in the Arctic. They have attacked tourists in the past. 

Walruses and seals can be aggressive, particularly during breeding seasons. Young animals can be curious about humans, but don't be tempted to approach or touch them. Adults can be defensive and can charge or bite if threatened. 

Arctic and Antarctic cruises 

Cruising has become a popular way to see the polar regions. But there are concerns that some cruise lines are unprepared for arctic travel. Risks of arctic sea travel include: 

  • unmapped or poorly mapped waters 
  • unpredictable ocean ice flow 
  • strong currents 
  • unpredictable weather and storms. 

Collisions and groundings have happened to arctic cruises in recent years. 

When choosing your cruise, find a reputable, experienced company specialising in arctic travel. Ensure they're using ice-capable ships with reinforced hulls. 

Drone restrictions 

Drones are strictly controlled in the polar regions. This includes air, ground and water drones.  

  • Noise from drones causes distress to wildlife. It also disturbs local communities and other tourists.  
  • Weather conditions make it difficult to control drones. Crashed vehicles often can’t be retrieved, leaving pollution behind. Out-of-control drones also pose a safety hazard to people and animals.  
  • Tourists with drones can disrupt research being done at scientific stations.  

You need a permit to use a drone in Antarctica. Permits aren’t given for recreational use. Tour companies apply for permits on their passengers’ behalf. Your tour company will stop you from using a drone without a permit. They may be fined along with you if they allow it.  

Local governments in the Arctic Circle each have different rules. But all restrict or ban drone use in protected areas. Find out the rules before you go. You could face a heavy fine if you use one without approval.  

Environmental concerns 

The polar regions contain some of the last undisturbed ecosystems on the planet. They also hold important breeding grounds for migrating birds and marine animals. Increased tourism is a threat to these areas. Impacts include: 

  • invasive species. Insects or seeds can be brought in on boots, clothes, or food. 
  • disrupting breeding animals. An influx of vessels and people can make animals anxious. If regularly disturbed, they may abandon young or leave an area altogether. 
  • spreading diseases. Pathogens can be picked up on boots and then spread. 
  • erosion of fragile environments. Many feet walking over the same ground will leave paths and other scars. 
  • oil spills from ships and boats. 

Because of these risks, tourism in the region is heavily regulated.  

How to be a responsible tourist 

If you travel to the Arctic or Antarctic, consider how to minimise the environmental impacts. 

  • Choose a tour company with environmental protection policies. 
  • Thoroughly clean any footwear, clothing and gear you intend to take on shore visits. 
  • Keep your distance from wildlife. 
  • Stick to designated areas. 
  • Take your trash with you. Including food scraps that may contain seeds. 

Learn more about responsible tourism from 

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