For information regarding visas and travel documentation, please visit the Immigration page.
As a Tourist
St Helena’s natural beauty and historic heritage are in turn stunning and dramatic, offering all visitors an extraordinary lifetime experience. Despite its small size, the Island has a huge amount to offer in terms of outstanding scenery, pristine marine waters, sub-tropical conditions and warm and friendly people. For more information on St Helena, what it has to offer and how to get here, visit the official St Helena Tourism website. We also encourage you to browse the pages of this website for key information about visiting the Island.
Money and Banking
While either the British Pound or St Helena Pound can be used interchangeably on-Island, the St Helena Pound is not accepted elsewhere in the world, except on Ascension Island.
St Helena has limited international card acceptance services for cards such as VISA and Mastercard outside of cash advances at the local bank (fees apply). There aren’t any ATM’s on-island. Bank of St Helena’s Tourist Card is a Virtual Prepaid GBP Cash Card that allows users to use a virtual bank card available on mobile devices and make payments on-island. For more information, click here
Working on St Helena
Current job vacancies within St Helena Government can be found on the Vacancies page.
Persons who do not hold St Helenian status but wish to work on St Helena for a short time, are allowed to stay here and work for up to six months. More information on Entry Permits, Work Permits, Points Based Assessment and Permission to work can be found on the Immigration page.
SHG’s Sustainable Development team is the lead body responsible for promoting and enabling private sector development on the Island and if you are interested in developing a business, please contact invest@sainthelena.gov.sh or +290 22470.
Investors and entrepreneurs who want to make a substantial financial investment in St Helena can apply to enter or stay in St Helena without needing a job offer. For more information please contact invest@sainthelena.gov.sh or +290 22470.
Maps
FAQS
What is the currency on St Helena?
The St Helena Pound is the Island’s official currency, equivalent to the British Pound (Sterling). While either the British Pound or St Helena Pound can be used interchangeably on-Island, the St Helena Pound is not accepted elsewhere in the world, except on Ascension Island.
What is the time zone on St Helena?
St Helena is always on GMT. Unlike other territories, such as some of those in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, St Helena does not adopt any daylight saving time.
What is the climate on St Helena?
St Helena boasts a sub-tropical climate kept calm and equable by the south east trade winds.
The hottest months are between January and March and the coldest are between June and September. For much of the year the temperature remains between 20-27 °C. The rainy season is usually from late March to early May and then again from July to September.
How do I travel around the Island?
St Helena has a public bus system. Taxis and hire cars are also available from private sector organisations.
Is Accommodation available?
A range of accommodation is available, from private self-catering, to guest houses and hotels. Visit the St Helena Tourism website for more information.
What facilities are available on the Island?
All the normal amenities are available. The Island offers Cafes, Restaurants, Shops, Bars, Community Centres, Public Swimming Pool, the Museum, and more.
St Helena’s environment is truly remarkable, from dramatic cliff tops to a sub-tropical interior – All of it surrounded by pristine seas. St Helena offers world class opportunities for activities such as walking/hiking, ornithology, marine trips and fishing. Incredibly clear skies also attract astronomers.
Thinking of visiting St Helena view our Travel Checklist to ensure you are prepared before you travel.