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The St Helena Customs and Immigration Office wishes to remind the public of the official procedures and new support options available for passport applications.
When applying for a British passport, all requirements are strictly set by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
Please note that ensuring your passport application is completed correctly, signed, and accompanied by all necessary supporting documentation remains the sole responsibility of you the applicant.
New Assistance Locations Available
To help ensure your paperwork is accurate, the Immigration and Customs Office is pleased to advise that application assistance for both British and BOTC (St Helenian) passports is now available at the following locations:
- St Helena Community College (SHCC)
- The Public Library
- The Career Access St Helena (CASH) Office, at the Education Learning Centre (ELC in Jamestown)
Book an Appointment: Assistance will be available Mondays to Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm and is by appointment only. Please call the Public Library on 22580, or the SHCC and CASH Office on 22607 to make a booking.
Application Submission and Fees
The Immigration and Customs Office at Ruperts remains open to receive both types of applications.
- Courier Service: The office will continue to facilitate the secure postage of British passport applications directly to HMPO.
- Handling Charge: £18.80 per application – payable at the Post Office.
- Online Guidance: For detailed information on British passport applications from overseas, please visit gov.uk/overseas-passports.
- Passport application forms are also available on the St Helena Government website
Office Hours and Contact Details
To schedule an appointment at the main offices at Ruperts, please call 22287.
| Office | Day | Hours & Access Type |
| Immigration Office | Mondays and Fridays Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | 09:00 – 15:00 (Drop-ins welcome) By Appointment Only |
| Customs Office | Mondays to Fridays | 09:00 – 15:00 (Standard Hours) |
#StHelena #PassportApplications #CustomsandImmigration
The St Helena Government is pleased to announce the official opening of the new playgrounds at Half Tree Hollow (HTH) and Longwood Green. A formal opening ceremony will be held at 13:30 tomorrow, Wednesday 8 July 2026, at the Half Tree Hollow playground.
Important Parking and Traffic Information
Due to single-lane access to the HTH playground and strictly limited parking on-site, members of the public and attendees are kindly requested to use the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre car park.
Parking spaces directly at the playground must be kept clear and are strictly reserved for HE the Governor and official vehicles. We appreciate the cooperation of all motorists and attendees in keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
SHG would like to extend its sincere thanks to the HTH Community Centre for their support, as well as the various portfolios, public donors, and overseas organisations whose generous contributions made this project possible, including funding by the FCDO through the UK Government.
All are welcome to join us in celebrating the opening of these fantastic new community spaces.
St Helena Government (SHG) wishes to inform the public that a small number of non-urgent operations at Jamestown Hospital have been postponed over the past two weeks due to an unexpected technical issue affecting essential theatre equipment.
SHG would like to reassure the community that emergency and urgent surgery will continue to be provided safely.
The postponements are the result of technical faults affecting the Hospital’s anaesthetic machines. Despite extensive efforts by local staff working remotely with the manufacturer, the faults cannot be resolved on island. The Hospital can still provide safe anaesthesia using alternative equipment, but this is a more complex and time-consuming process and is therefore being reserved for essential and urgent procedures.
As a result, non-urgent surgery will continue to be postponed until replacement anaesthetic machines arrive on the island. These machines have already been purchased and are expected to arrive on the next scheduled visit of the MV Karoline, due on 24 July. Unfortunately, these specialist items cannot be transported by air.
Throughout this period, the Hospital will continue to provide safe, emergency, and urgent surgical care.
SHG would like to thank those patients whose procedures have been postponed for their understanding and patience while we work to restore normal services.
#StHelena #Hospital #AnaestheticMachines
Please be advised that the Central Support Service, will be closed on Friday 10 July to allow staff to attend their Away Day.
These office closures will include the Legislative Council staff office, the Archives and Communications Hub. For any emergency press matters please call the Castle switchboard 22470
The Castle Switchboard will continue to be staffed until 16:00.
Normal business will resume on Monday, 13 July 2026 at 08:30.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The Governor’s Office wishes to inform members of the public that, due to a technical fault with the biometrics enrolment system, they are currently unable to process biometric enrolments for UK visa and British registration applications.
Technical support has been sought to resolve the issue and restore full service as soon as possible. The Governor’s Office sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates customers’ patience during this time.
An update will be provided as soon as the system becomes operational again.
A meeting of Executive Council (ExCo) was held on 01July 2026.
The agenda for the meeting was as follows:
| CLOSED AGENDA 1. Declaration of Interest 2. St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s Loan of £1 Million and SHG Guarantee (ExCo Memo 25/2026) 3. Appropriation Bill, 2026 St Helena Government Budget for the Financial Year 2026 – 2031 (ExCo Memo 26/2026) 4. Banking Strategy Update (ExCo Memo 27/2026) 5. Any Other Business NB Items marked (*) are commercially sensitive and depending on the subject matter, might not be referred to in the top lines. |
The following items were considered:
- There were no Declarations of Interest.
2. St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s Loan of £1 Million and SHG Guarantee (ExCo Memo 25/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise, in relation to the St Helena Hotel Development Ltd’s (SHHDL) £1 million loan with the Bank of St Helena Ltd (BoSH), whether:
a) The St Helena Government (SHG) Guarantee on the loan should be extended, and if so, a Variation to the Guarantee should be taken forward as Government business at the next formal Legislative Council meeting; or
b) SHG repays the £1 million loan on behalf of SHHDL from the Consolidated Fund in full negating the need for a Government Guarantee; or
c) SHG repays part of the £1 million loan on behalf of SHHDL and seeks an extension to the existing Guarantee for the remaining amount and presents this Variation to the Guarantee as Government business at the next formal Legislative Council meeting.
Members and two Directors from the SHHDL Board discussed the options noting the following pertinent points:
- That the SHG Guarantee expires in October this year
- Outcome of the Taka Capital consultancy to attract interest for the sale of the hotel.
- Plans to explore alternative options by SHDDL Board for a business model going forward
- The potential impact on the General Reserve
- The uncertainty at this stage around factors linked to Conditionality within the Budget
- The development of an Exit Strategy for SHHDL
- The impact on the tourism industry if the hotel ceased to operate
Executive Council accepted and approved option a) as the more prudent course of action, in light of the current uncertainties surrounding Conditionality. In doing so, Council noted that options b) and c) remained available for future consideration, subject to the completion of the relevant workstreams and budget outcomes.
It was further noted that SHHDL would be discussed with Elected Members during the Ministers’ update session scheduled for 2 July.
3. Appropriation Bill, 2026 St Helena Government Budget for the Financial Year 2026 – 2031 (ExCo Memo 26/2026)
Executive Council was asked to advise whether the Appropriation Bill, 2026, should be printed, published and presented as Government business at the Legislative Council meeting to be held on 17 July 2026.
Members noted the background and development of the Bill under the following key headings:
- The Strategic Planning and Budgeting Process
- Budget Scenarios
- Financial Aid Settlement 2026/27-2028/29
- Draft Budget 2026/27-2028/29
- Financing the Budget
- Budget Pressures and Risks
- Consolidated Fund General Reserve
Executive Council accepted and recommended that the Appropriation Bill, 2026 be presented at Legislative Council on 17 July 2026. The Bill and accompanying Pink Book will be published in accordance with the stated timelines.
Ministers expressed their sincere appreciation to members of the Public Service for the support shown to the new Ministerial team during the preparation of the Budget process.
4. Banking Strategy Update (ExCo Memo 27/2026)
Executive Council was asked to consider and advise whether:
a) the proposed strategy to secure appropriate commercial banking services to support the Company Registry Transformation (“CRT”) under the Financial Services and Company Registry Development (“FSCRD”) Programme should be approved; and
b) the process currently being undertaken which is exploring the feasibility of SHG selling its shareholding in Bank of St Helena (“BoSH”) should be paused, while at the same time mandating improvements in BoSH service offering including international debit cards, more competitive money transfer fees and access to a wider range of financial services products.
Discussion focused on the key considerations including:
- That the success of the CRT is dependent on internationally active businesses having access to a range of modern corporate banking services
- The sale of shares in BoSH would not establish international corporate banking services in St Helena within the timeframe for bringing forward the CRT
- The pause will allow Government to separate the immediate banking requirements of the CRT from the wider question of BoSH ownership, while maintaining a clear focus on improving local banking services for the public and business community.
Executive Council noted that any future consideration of BoSH ownership must be carefully assessed against the island’s long-term economic interests, service needs and financial resilience.
Executive Council approved the proposed strategy to secure appropriate commercial banking services. The approach would be to seek to secure overseas banks that would be willing to accept St Helena companies as a class of clients. The overseas banks do not need to set up a local licensed presence on St Helena.
Executive Council further agreed to pause exploring the feasibility of SHG selling its shareholding in the BoSH. This decision gives BoSH clear direction to pursue their current programme of modernisation to improve and expand their local service provision.
5. Any Other Business
- The Attorney General provided legal advice to all Members regarding the implications of any engagement with two businesses.
#StHelena #ExCo #Toplines
www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/
A meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on Wednesday 15 July 2026 from 12:30 to 14:00. This meeting will be held at the Corporate Services Conference Room in The Castle, Jamestown.
The agenda will include a Police and Crime Panel report from the Temporary Director of Police and a question and answer (QA) section from the panel. A report summary will be made available to the public the day before the meeting via the SHG website at www.sainthelena.gov.sh/portfolios/safety-security-and-home-affairs/police-service/.
The panel consists of the following members:
- Governor Nigel Phillips CBE (Chairperson)
- Acting Administrator of Ascension Island, Simon Minshull
- Minister for Safety, Security and Home Affairs (SSHA), Gillian Brooks
- Elected Member of the St Helena Legislative Council, Derek Thomas
- Acting Portfolio Director for SSHA, Derek Henry
- Attorney General, Andrew Duncan
- Chief Executive Officer for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Catherine Turner
We welcome attendance and input from all community members and stakeholders.
For more information, please contact the Temporary Director of Police, Julian Pezzani, by telephone on (+290) 22626 or by email through julian.pezzani@sainthelena.gov.sh.
You can also view the Police and Crime Plan online at St-Helena-Police-Service-Police-and-Crime-Plan-v1.1.pdf.
The meeting will be live streamed via the SHG YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@sthelenagovernment1638. A recording of the meeting will be uploaded following the meeting.
The Corporate Services Conference Room is on the top floor of the Castle. Alternative arrangements are being offered for anyone who is unable to access the room, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 22133 or email mary@humanrightssthelena.org.
Following each meeting printed versions of the Police and Crime Panel report will also be made available at the Customer Service Centre and Public Library. Previous reports are now available to view at these locations.
#StHelena #RSHP #PoliceandCrimePanel
The Royal St Helena Police Service (RSHP) would like to extend its sincere thanks to all community members who took the time to complete the public survey distributed in May of this year.
Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape a safer, more supportive environment for everyone on the island. Based on the responses received, we have identified three key areas of focus and are pleased to share the immediate actions we are taking to address them:
Enhancing Community Interaction and Rebuilding Trust
A primary theme from the survey was the desire for more face-to-face interaction with officers to rebuild public trust and confidence.
- Our Action: In response, our front-line staff have increased their visible presence across the island, engaging regularly with local schools and conducting foot patrols in Jamestown, Half Tree Hollow, and Longwood. We are grateful for the positive feedback we have already received regarding these efforts.
- Neighbourhood Policing Team: To build on this momentum, we have launched a dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team consisting of a Police Sergeant and a Police Constable. This team will focus on community-based issues, working closely with schools and crèches, addressing district-specific concerns, and utilising local Police Posts to meet and greet residents.
Bridging the Gap and Returning to True Community Policing
Feedback indicated a perceived gap between the police and the public, with a strong collective desire to return to the island’s traditional, close-knit style of community policing.
- Our Action: As a service, we are committed to deepening our relationship with the community. We are already noticing a positive shift in how the public interacts with our officers, and we hope you are feeling the difference. We will continue working hard to earn and maintain your confidence.
Monitoring and Combating Underage Alcohol Consumption
Underage drinking was highlighted as a significant ongoing concern for residents.
- Our Action: We are actively collaborating with local schools and have increased our targeted weekend patrols in known problem areas to deter and counter this behaviour.
- How You Can Help: If you have any information that could help us address underage drinking or identify hot spots, please message us directly at cid@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Moving Forward Together
Every comment submitted in the survey is being taken on board as we continually look for ways to improve. Your insights directly support our core policing priorities:
- Preventing and tackling crime
- Protecting vulnerable people
- Improving public confidence in policing
- Enhancing our overall police service
- Delivering justice for victims of crime
- Making our roads safer
Chief of Police, Julian Pezzani, commented:
“You are the community, and we are here to listen to you. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us keep St Helena safe.”
#StHelena #RoyalStHelenaPolice # RSHP #PublicSurvey
The Health and Social Care Portfolio (HSC) is exploring options to deliver a selective influenza (flu) vaccination campaign later this year. Members of the public are being asked to register their interest to ensure that enough vaccines are ordered ahead of the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. United Kingdom) flu season, which typically peaks in December or January.
Only some groups of people will be eligible to receive the flu vaccine, these include:
- All people aged 65 years or older
- People who are the main carer of an older or disabled person
- People who are living with someone with lowered immunity
- People aged 6 months or older with certain underlying medical conditions
People belonging to one or more of these groups are invited to register their interest in receiving the flu vaccine by completing an online form which can be accessed at the following link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/shflu or by scanning the QR code below with a smartphone.
If needed, someone else can complete this online form for you.
Alternatively, you can register your interest by calling the Health Promotion team on 25949 or emailing healthpromotion@sainthelena.gov.sh.
Children and young people aged up to 16 years, pregnant women, people living in a residential or nursing home, and frontline health and social care workers are also invited to receive the flu vaccine. However, these groups do not need to register their interest as enough vaccines will be ordered for everyone in these groups.
It is not yet certain that flu vaccines will be available from the global market. The public will be informed in due course as to whether the campaign will go ahead later this year.
QR Code
About flu
Flu is a common viral illness. Common symptoms include a fever or high temperature, chills, tiredness or weakness, a headache, aches and pains, a dry cough and sore throat, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, and diarrhoea or tummy pain.
You can catch flu all year round, but it is especially common at certain times of the year. In St Helena, flu is usually more likely to be spread by people arriving from the Southern Hemisphere (e.g. South Africa) in May and June and from the Northern Hemisphere (e.g. the United Kingdom) in December or January.
You can catch flu many times because flu viruses change regularly. Your body won’t have natural resistance to new versions. Flu vaccines are designed to protect you against the current strains of the virus.
Flu often gets better on its own within a few days, but it can become very serious – there was a small number of deaths due to flu infection in St Helena last year.
Certain groups are at greater risk of serious illness – it is important that you receive the flu vaccine if you are advised to do so.
You can prevent the spread of flu by:
- washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water
- cleaning surfaces like your keyboard, telephone and door handles regularly
- use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as soon as possible
- stay off work or school until you’re feeling better
You can treat mild cases of flu at home by:
- getting plenty of rest and sleep
- keeping warm
- drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
You should seek medical attention if you:
- are more short of breath than usual
- have pain when breathing or coughing
- are feeling confused, dizzy or lightheaded
- are feeling sick and cannot keep food or fluids down
- have a very high or low temperature
- are peeing less than usual – this can be a sign of dehydration
- are coughing up blood
In a formal ceremony held at the Governor’s Residence, His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Phillips CBE, presented the Badge of Honour to Gwyneth Howell and Linda Glanville on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III. The prestigious awards celebrate both recipients’ profound and enduring contributions to the public service and infrastructure of St Helena.
Retired Chief Executive Officer Gwyneth Howell: A Historic Aviation Legacy
Gwyneth Howell was honoured for her transformative leadership and profound impact on St Helena’s aviation sector and critical national infrastructure. Originally joining the St Helena Airport Project as an Aviation Safety Specialist, Gwyneth successfully progressed to Head of Operations by October 2017, culminating in her 2018 appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Accountable Manager of St Helena Airport Limited (SHAL).
In this dual capacity, she has carried ultimate regulatory and operational responsibility for the airport ‘s safety, security, and environmental certifications. Notably, Gwyneth’s steadfast leadership proved instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she ensured the continuity of vital air services and medical repatriations. Under her direction, St Helena Airport achieved the distinction of becoming the most highly regarded airport facility within the Overseas Territories.
Linda Glanville: A Dedicated Career in Public Service
The ceremony simultaneously celebrated the enduring and distinguished public service of Linda Glanville, who was awarded the Badge of Honour for her significant, multifaceted career within the St Helena Government (SHG). Serving most recently as the Governor’s Personal Assistant, Linda was lauded for managing the immense and highly sensitive burden of state information with unwavering discretion, effectively preserving vital institutional “corporate memory” across a succession of Governors.
Beyond her critical administrative and confidential duties, her strategic stewardship was highly praised for helping to make Plantation House as an inclusive space that welcomes and celebrates the local community. Linda was also recognised for her historic role as the island’s first female scuba diver, reflecting a lifetime of breaking barriers and demonstrating an exemplary commitment to St Helena that mirrors the high standards of the island’s top public honours.
HE the Governor said in his speech:
“Both Gwyneth Howell and Linda Glanville embody the very highest standards of public service. Their dedication has left an indelible mark on our community, ensuring St Helena’s safety, connectivity, and heritage are preserved for future generations.”
Marking a historic milestone for the island, both Linda and Gwyneth were recognised as the very first recipients of the Badge of Honour to feature King Charles III’s effigy.
The reception at Plantation House brought together colleagues, and family members to honour two exceptional individuals whose careers reflect the peak of civic duty and excellence on the island.
Photos
Recipients of the Badge of Honour, Linda Glanville and Gwyneth Howell with HE the Governor, Nigel Phillips
The Badge of Honour with the King’s effigy
Badge of Honour recipients with HE the Governor and invited guests
Mrs Gwyneth Howell and invited guests
Mrs Linda Glanville and invited guests
#StHelena #BadgeofHonour #PublicService