Ascension - Scientific or Research Visitor Visa

This is applicable for persons visiting Ascension Island to undertake scientific activities, research or environmental conservation related activities.

Before applying for a Scientific / Research Visitor visa the applicant must have an approved Research Permit.

3) Scientific / Research Visitor This allows a single stay of up to a maximum of three months. This is applicable for persons visiting Ascension Island to undertake scientific activities, research or environmental conservation related activities. A short term extension may be possible on application. The holder must present evidence of their medical insurance and proof of suitable and recognised accommodation during their stay in Ascension prior to arrival. The holder’s entry visa ceases to be valid if the holder leaves Ascension prior to the expiry date. The holder may arrive up to 72 hours after the start of the visa. Provided their medical insurance remains valid, the holder may also depart up to 72 hours after the stated departure date of Policy on Entry Control to Ascension | Annex A – Categories of Visas 8 the visa, as long as the circumstances relate to unforeseen changes, such as delays to flight or shipping schedules. Before applying for a Scientific / Research Visitor visa the applicant must have an approved Research Permit. This can be obtained by emailing conservationenquires@ascension.gov.ac or can be found through the AIG Website at www.ascension.gov.ac/public-document/ascension-island-research-permit-application.

18. Applications must be made in the prescribed form and submitted to the Royal St Helena Police Ascension Island Detachment, and payment made in accordance with the fee specified. 19. When making an application, an applicant must detail which category of visa it is they are applying for. The categories of visas are detailed in Annex A. 20. Depending on the type of visa being applied for, the applicant may be asked to provide documentation in support of that application. 21. During the application process, an applicant may be asked to provide a background criminal record check. The requirement to provide such evidence will be considered against any pre- employment or pre-arrival checks undertaken by the employing or sponsoring organisation of the applicant. 22. If the application does not clearly fall into one of the categories outlined in Annex A, or there are doubts about the applicant's character or any of the information submitted in support of the application, then a decision maker may request further information from the applicant or an interview in order to confirm their final assessment of the application.

Environmental and non-environmental activities permitting policy enacted – Ascension Island Government Ascension Island Government Government Governance The Governor The Administrator Island Council News Employment Living Here Working Here Vacancies FAQ Travel Immigration Travel by Air Travel by Sea Shipping e-Visa Application Biosecurity Conservation About Conservation Explore the Island Flora and Fauna Marine Protected Area Projects Postal Service Post Office Shop Government > News Environmental and non-environmental activities permitting policy enacted 5 December 2025 Council, Government, Press Release The Ascension Island Government (AIG) would like to inform the public that on 04 December 2025 the Island Council referred the environmental and nonenvironmental activities permitting policy to be approved by the acting Governor, Tasha Harris, at a formal council meeting. This policy applies to off-island applicants wishing to obtain a permit to conduct research or commercial film or photography projects in Ascension. Under the revised system: • Activities assessed as having no or low environmental impact will be reviewed directly by the Administrator’s Office. • Activities with potential environmental effects will continue to receive full evaluation by AIG’s Conservation Department. The policy also introduces a standard permit fee of £250, bringing Ascension Island in line with comparable charges in other territories, including St. Helena. There will be discretion available to waive supplementary fees where appropriate. The updated framework provides a clearer, more accessible, and more efficient permitting process. The environmental and non-environmental activities permitting policy has been approved by the acting Governor and is now in effect.

3. Scope This policy applies to all off-island external individuals or organisations intending to obtain a permit to conduct on-island activities, including research, commercial filming, or photography. This policy does not apply to photography or filming for non- commercial or personal use, or for recreational fishing. 4. Definitions Research: Any structured activity undertaken to collect data, conduct experiments, undertake monitoring, or evaluate environmental, cultural, social, or physical conditions. Includes academic and private-sector studies. Commercial Filming: The recording of motion images for sale, promotion, broadcast, advertising, monetised online content, or other profit-driven purposes, regardless of crew size or production scale. Commercial Photography: Still photography produced for commercial sale, advertising, promotional use, product marketing, or any activity intended to generate revenue or commercial exposure. 5. Permit Types AIG issues two types of permits: a. Environmental Activity Permit (EAP) AIG Environmental and Non-Environmental Permitting Policy Date of Issue: December 2025 Required for any activity interacting with the natural, physical, or human environment. Activities involving protected species also require a Protected Wildlife Activity Licence, issued through the EAP process. This includes: environmental research and monitoring, commercial filming/photography involving environmental subjects, and other activities that may affect wildlife or habitats. b. Non-Environmental Activity Permit (NEAP) Required for external individuals or organisations carrying out activities on-island, including research and monitoring, commercial filming/photography, that do not directly interfere with or are considered low-impact upon the environment. 6. Roles and Responsibilities • The AIG Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) reviews EAP applications, issues decisions, and enforces environmental safeguards. • Administrator’s Office reviews and issues NEAP applications. • The Administrator reviews and has final decision on all appeals.

8. Fees • Environmental Activity Permit (EAP): £250 • Non-Environmental Activity Permit (NEAP): £250 • Conservation staff time for activities in protected areas: set by AIGCFD • Fees may only be waived with written approval from the Administrator. 9. E-Visa Entry Requirements In addition to activity permits, all applicants must meet the Entry Control Ordinance, 2017 requirements and obtain the appropriate entry permit: • Business Visitor permit for commercial filming/photography • Scientific/Research Visitor permit for research activities

Environmental Activity Permit (EAP) Any external individual or organisation wishing to undertake environmental-related activities, including research, commercial filming, or photography on the physical, natural or human environment on Ascension Island must obtain a valid EAP before travelling to the island. Any activity that involves harassing, capturing, harming, or killing a Protected Species as defined under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 2013, will require a Protected Wildlife Activity License that can be applied for via Section D of the EAP application form. The EAP programme is coordinated by AIG Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD), who will review applications and return a decision to the applicant within 2 weeks of submission. AIGCFD may approve, request amendments to, or decline environmental activity proposals and must explain the reasons for its decision in its response to the applicant. Reasons for declining an application may include an excessive risk of damage to protected wildlife or habitats, or the failure of the applicant to adhere to the terms of previous EAPs. Appeals may be submitted to the Administrator, who holds the final say over permitting access. However, individuals and organisations are encouraged to contact AIGCFD (conservationenquiries@ascension.gov.ac) at an early stage in project planning to prevent any unforeseen problems.

Non-Environmental Activity Permit (NEAP) Any external individual or organisation wishing to undertake non-environmental-related activities on Ascension Island must obtain a valid Non-Environmental Activity Permit (NEAP) before arrival. The NEAP process is assessed directly by the AIG Administrator’s office. Decisions will be returned to an applicant within 2 weeks of submission. Individuals and organisations intending to obtain a NEAP are advised to contact the AIG Administrator’s Office (aigenquiries@ascension.gov.ac) at an early stage in project planning to prevent any unforeseen problems.

Entry Visa In addition, the external individual or organisation must also obtain an entry permit to travel to Ascension, in accordance with the Entry Control Ordinance, 2017. Applicants intending to conduct commercial photography or filming must apply for a Business Visitor Entry Permit, whereas researchers must apply for a Scientific/Research Visitor Entry Permit. Subject to approval, the applicant must then submit their permit (NEAP, EAP) along with their respective completed Visa Application through the standard Ascension Island Government entry control system. For more information please visit: https://www.ascension-visas.com/ Visa applications must be received at least 4 weeks prior to the proposed arrival date to enable them to be processed and returned to the applicant.

Required for any activity interacting with the natural, physical, or human environment. Activities involving protected species also require a Protected Wildlife Activity Licence, issued through the EAP process. This includes: environmental research and monitoring, commercial filming/photography involving environmental subjects, and other activities that may affect wildlife or habitats. b. Non-Environmental Activity Permit (NEAP) Required for external individuals or organisations carrying out activities on-island, including research and monitoring, commercial filming/photography, that do not directly interfere with or are considered low-impact upon the environment. 6. Roles and Responsibilities • The AIG Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) reviews EAP applications, issues decisions, and enforces environmental safeguards. • Administrator’s Office reviews and issues NEAP applications. • The Administrator reviews and has final decision on all appeals.

11. Military and Restricted Site Activities Any proposals involving activities on or near sensitive military sites or installations must obtain clearance from the Commander Ascension Island Base (CAIB) and the US Installation Commander during the assessment process. Such clearance is required in addition to EAP or NEAP approval and may affect processing timelines.

Section 2: These should be the dates of arrival on and departure from Ascension Island. The permit (EAP / NEAP) is valid for one visit only (maximum duration of 3 months under a Scientific Visitor Entry Permit, but with possibility for extension). The AIGCFD or Administrator’s Office may waive additional permitting fees for subsequent visits for the same project, at their own discretion. Applicants must receive written confirmation of any waived permitting fees directly by the AIGCFD. Applications for multiple or on-going permits at the initial stage may not be considered because aims and methodology may change over time.

3) Scientific / Research Visitor This allows a single stay of up to a maximum of three months. This is applicable for persons visiting Ascension Island to undertake scientific activities, research or environmental conservation related activities. A short term extension may be possible on application. The holder must present evidence of their medical insurance and proof of suitable and recognised accommodation during their stay in Ascension prior to arrival. The holder’s entry visa ceases to be valid if the holder leaves Ascension prior to the expiry date. The holder may arrive up to 72 hours after the start of the visa. Provided their medical insurance remains valid, the holder may also depart up to 72 hours after the stated departure date of Policy on Entry Control to Ascension | Annex A – Categories of Visas 8 the visa, as long as the circumstances relate to unforeseen changes, such as delays to flight or shipping schedules. Before applying for a Scientific / Research Visitor visa the applicant must have an approved Research Permit. This can be obtained by emailing conservationenquires@ascension.gov.ac or can be found through the AIG Website at www.ascension.gov.ac/public-document/ascension-island-research-permit-application.

Change of circumstances or purpose grounds Entry clearance or permission held by a person may be cancelled where there has been such a change in circumstances since the entry clearance or permission was granted that it should be cancelled. Entry clearance or permission to enter held by a person on arrival at Ascension may be cancelled where the person’s purpose in seeking entry is different from the purpose specified in their entry clearance. Ceasing to meet requirement of rules Entry clearance or permission held by a person may be cancelled if they cease to meet the requirements of the rules under which the entry clearance or permission was granted.