For information regarding visas and travel documentation, please visit the Immigration page.
As a Tourist
St Helena is a place of striking natural beauty, notable historic heritage and is a truly significant conservation player. This remove island is emerging as one of the world’s newest ‘bucket list’ tourism destinations as the island, although small, combines outstanding scenery, pristine warm marine waters, spectacular hiking with authentic, 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 the British Pound and the St Helena Pound can be used interchangeably on-island, the St Helena Pound is only accepted on St Helena and Ascension islands.
Acceptance of International banking cards such as Visa and Mastercard is growing, however, they are still not universally accepted. 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 Economic 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). British Pounds can be used freely on the island.
What is the time zone on St Helena?
St Helena is always on GMT. Unlike other British Overseas Territories, 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.
Eating – there are various Cafes, Restaurants and Bars are available although opening times may vary and it is advisable to book in advance.
Shops: shops stocked with local and imported produce are located around the island. Most operate between 0900 and 1700 although Wednesday afternoons and weekends may be closed.
Sports Facilities -Public Swimming Pool located in Jamestown seafront. There is also a multi-purpose sports fields are located at Francis Plane including squash court, cricket field, football field and athletics track. A gym is located at the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre.
Museum – The small St Helena Museum is located in Jamestown
Hiking – 25 maintained and Green Flag accredited Post-Box walks. Although some of these trails maybe closed at certain times for conservation purposes, more information can be found on Outdoor Active The most beautiful hiking trails on St Helena Island | Outdooractive offers more information.
Running – The Worlds Most Remote Marathon is held on St Helena annually
Marine – an ocean playground offering scuba diving, free diving, snorkelling, paddleboards, marine trips and sports fishing. St Helena Diving, Whale Shark and Dolphin tours.
Thinking of visiting St Helena view our Travel Checklist to ensure you are prepared before you travel.