BIOT (Chagos) - Facts

ALERT: 31 March 2026

Yachts applying for a permit since March 31st are now receiving the below automated response from BIOT. Yachts that submitted an application for a permit prior to March 31st are having them dealt with. However, it seems if you have not already applied, you may not be so lucky.

From Visiting | British Indian Ocean Territory

Permit Applications – Important Update – 31/03/2026 ⚠
In light of ongoing litigation relevant to the circumstances in which the BIOT Administration may issue permits for people to enter BIOT (except for permits to enter Diego Garcia necessary for the operation of the military facility or those on official BIOTA business), we have as of 31 March 2026, paused substantive consideration of new applications for permits to enter the Territory whilst the BIOT Administration considers its position. We will update this notice as soon as there are any developments.

Find out more in this news item.

British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos) FAQs:

Pre-Arrival Boat:  Yachts wishing to visit BIOT/Chagos MUST apply for a permit at least six weeks prior to the intended arrival date as the application process can take several weeks and space is limited (much more in 2026 - see news item link above for more details).   See Formalities for all the details.
Pre-Arrival Crew: All crew details must be included in the initial permit application.  No Visas are needed.  See Immigration for more details.
Where can I enter? Île Boddam or Île Fouquet/Takamaka in the Salomon Islands are the only anchorages permitted for visiting yachts.
Are there any fees payable to visit by yacht?   There is a set rate per week charged for each permit granted.  See the Fees section for more information.
What security concerns should I know about? There are no known security concerns here.

BIOT/Chagos Facts for Sailors:

• The Chagos Archipelago is constituted as a British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which is one of 14 UK Overseas Territories.
• In May 2025, the British government finalised their deal to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after a court-ordered injunction briefly delayed the signing.  See this news item for more information.
• The archipelago consists of 58 islands covering approximately 640,000 sq kms of ocean located in the Indian Ocean halfway between East Africa and Indonesia.
• The Territory is administered from London, England and it is not a tourist destination.
• Access is restricted and a permit is required in advance of travel. There are no commercial flights and mooring permits are only issued to yachts in transit.
• BIOT/Chagos is extremely remote. There are no banks, electricity, Wi-Fi, stores, diesel mechanics, sail lofts, cafes, stores, or health clinics. When you visit Chagos you should plan on being 100% self-sufficient.
• Access to Diego Garcia is only permitted to those on pre-authorised official duty.  However, cruisers report that it MAY be possible to stop here in emergency situations but it is advisable to contact British Police on the atoll in advance.
• The islands are uninhabited except for Diego Garcia which has about 3,000 military and civilian personnel stationed there. A brief history of the Territory can be found at http://biot.gov.io/about/history/
• BIOT Customs and Immigration officials visit the approved mooring sites on their patrols to check permits and passports (and spotter planes are also used). The passports of all passengers/crew will be checked against the permit issued. You will be asked to explain any discrepancies. People on visiting yachts are not allowed to spend the night ashore.
• BIOT hosts the world’s largest contiguous Marine Protected Area and the largest expanse of undisturbed coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, as well as globally significant populations of endangered species of birds and other wildlife. There are strict conservation rules, which must be observed in order to preserve this unique sanctuary in its present state (see Restrictions).
• It is not recommended to enter BIOT at night, there are simply too many interior reefs and coral heads to avoid (charted and uncharted). Good light and eyeball navigation are required within the lagoon.
• WARNING: Legal action will be taken for anyone found vandalising BIOT’s natural resources.