Ascension - Visitor Visa

1. The UK government has in force a policy that there is no right of abode in Ascension. As such, there is no automatic right to remain in Ascension and the right of entry to Ascension is subject to certain conditions. This principle is established in Section 4(1) of the Entry Control Ordinance 2007. The Entry Control Ordinance 2007 is in place to provide authorities with the powers necessary to manage entry to the territory in most instances. It does however exempt certain categories of individual from the requirement to seek permission prior to entry to Ascension, as does the Bahamas Agreement1.

This condition is applicable for persons wishing to come to Ascension Island purely for a holiday, visiting family and friends, for a general visit, or if they are awaiting transport to another destination and the period is longer than the seven days transit criteria.

This allows a single stay of up to a maximum of three months, or up to the earliest available departure from Ascension following the three month period. Multiple Visitor visas can be issued to the same individual, however no individual may remain in Ascension for more than a cumulative total of over six months’ duration in any 12 month period.

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.

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.

1) Visitor This allows a single stay of up to a maximum of three months, or up to the earliest available departure from Ascension following the three month period. Multiple Visitor visas can be issued to the same individual, however no individual may remain in Ascension for more than a cumulative total of over six months’ duration in any 12 month period. This condition is applicable for persons wishing to come to Ascension Island purely for a holiday, visiting family and friends, for a general visit, or if they are awaiting transport to another destination and the period is longer than the seven days transit criteria. Someone may apply for a Visitor visa at the expiry of another type of visa, such as an employment visa. A person on a Visitor visa may seek employment with the prior permission of the Policy on Entry Control to Ascension | Annex A – Categories of Visas 7 Administrator, which would ordinarily be approved, but employment itself is prohibited without a relevant visa. 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 the visa, as long as the circumstances relate to unforeseen changes, such as delays to flight or shipping schedules.

Visa Requirements All travellers to Ascension Island require an entry permit visa unless exempted by their occupation, such as active members of His Majesty's Armed Forces. Failure to enter with a valid visa is an offence under the Entry Control (Ascension) Ordinance and may result in a fine and imprisonment. Individuals may also be refused permission to land and be required to leave on the aircraft or vessel that they arrived on. Applications for entry visas should be made well in advance, at least 14 days before the intended date of travel, except in cases of genuine emergency. Late applications, without a valid reason, may be refused. For more information please visit the Ascension Island Government e-visa application portal . Please note that a valid e-visa may only be purchased from AIG directly through the e-visa portal. No third party firms are permitted to handle e-visa applications. Any firm claiming to do so should be considered fraudulent and reported to AIG.