Health Information for Travelers to Antarctica

Travel Notices in Effect

• Measles UpdateSeptember 21, 2012

Top of Page

Safety and Security Abroad

• Registration of Traveler Emergency Contact and Itinerary InformationJanuary 13, 2011
• Transportation Security Administration
• U.S. Department of State

Top of Page

Preparing for Your Trip to Antarctica

Before visiting Antarctica, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, itinerary, and planned activities.)

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, medications, and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

If your travel plans will take you to any other destinations besides Antarctica during your trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those traveling to Antarctica for work or research, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or organization.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. People joining tour groups to visit Antarctica may come from many different parts of the world and can carry diseases common in their home country with them. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Vaccine recommendations are based on the best available risk information. Please note that the level of risk for vaccine-preventable diseases can change at any time.

Medicines you may need:

• The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.
• Motion sickness medicines, if you will be traveling by cruise ship.

Note: Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Since most travelers to Antarctica will transit through a country other than the United States, check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to transit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.

Other items you may need:

See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit. 

Note: Check the Air Travel section of the Transportation Security Administration website for the latest information about airport screening procedures and prohibited items.

Top of Page

Other Health Risks

For travel to Antarctica, severe low temperatures and high winds are the greatest health hazard. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest place on earth. Temperature patterns vary widely because the continent is covered in continuous darkness during the austral winter and continuous sunlight during the austral summer, with a few weeks of sunrises and sunsets between seasons.

The Antarctic Peninsula climate is the most moderate of the region; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing. Most tourist trips are around the Antarctic Peninsula. The average annual temperature at South Pole Station is -56° F, with its highest temperature reaching 0° F. During the austral summer, temperatures may reach as high as 50° F at McMurdo Station and 55° F at Palmer Station, which has a milder climate.

The effects of the sun in Antarctica (because of the sun reflecting off the snow) can be damaging to the eyes and skin, and protective measures should be taken.

The risk of influenza, measles, mumps, and other diseases easily spread from person-to-person is related to travel and living conditions. People from all over the world may travel together on tours such as on cruise ships. Close living quarters with people from many different places increases the risk of exposure to illnesses. It is important that travelers are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including influenza vaccine.

Minor injuries, such as sprains and bruises, have been reported. These types of injuries primarily result from the slippery ice conditions of Antarctica.

The risk of food and water-borne infections is low in Antarctica.

Top of Page

Staying Healthy During Your Trip

General Health Tips

• Getting to Antarctica may involve transiting other countries, most often Chile or New Zealand. Be sure to check the health information for any other destinations you may be traveling through.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Wear clothing and gear specifically for extreme cold conditions. It is best to dress in layers, since the tendency is to overdress, which sometimes results in overheating. Follow clothing recommendations of tour officials.
• Protect your skin from the effects of the sun by wearing sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) on exposed skin and protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; dehydration is a risk since Antarctica is the world’s windiest, driest, and coldest region.
• To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis, do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections.
• To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, always use latex condoms.

Healthy Cruise Ship Travel

If traveling to Antarctica on a cruise ship, remember the following tips:

• Learn more about safe and healthy cruise ship travel on the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program website and the Cruise Ship section of the CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008.
• Prevent or treat motion sickness. Talk to your doctor about which medicine is best for you.
• Avoid drinking alcohol excessively.
• Practice respiratory hygiene by using a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash hands often and well.
• Avoid contact with travelers and staff who are sick and report illnesses to cruise staff.

Top of Page

After You Return Home

If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently traveled.  Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

Top of Page