- Destinations
- Africa
- St Helena
St Helena
A volcanic island rising out of the South Atlantic Ocean, the
British territory of Saint Helena is one of the most isolated
islands in the world, located 1,200 miles (nearly 2,000km) from the
west coast of Africa with Ascension Island its nearest landmass,
703 miles (1,131km) away. Ascension Island is one of its
dependencies along with Tristan da Cunha.
Despite its small size and remote location, St Helena has been
described as a 'beautiful emerald set in bronze', with its lush
subtropical forests and rolling hills almost entirely enclosed by
sheer volcanic cliffs. Instead of bright lights, sandy beaches and
shopping, the island offers tranquil beauty, and 19th century
values imbued with 300 years of colonial history. Chief attractions
include the island's Napoleonic history, the endemic Wirebird and
various plants, Jonathan the ancient Giant Tortoise, and the Tungi
distillery.
The Saints, as the islanders are called, are friendly and
charming, a mixture of descendants from British settlers, African
slaves and contracted workers from the East.
St Helena was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, and lying
directly in line with the trade winds that took ships rounding the
southern tip of Africa into the South Atlantic, it soon became a
preferred stopover for its supplies of fresh water and fruit trees,
and a rendezvous point for homebound voyages from Asia. It became a
British dependency in 1834 and for many years was used as a place
of exile, most famously for Napoleon after his defeat at the Battle
of Waterloo, as well as for Chief Dinizulu and thousands of Boer
prisoners from the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa. Tourism promotes
the life of Napoleon on the island where he lived in Longwood House
for six years until his death in 1821, and the residence is now a
museum owned by the French government.
St Helena's capital and only town is the Georgian seaport of
Jamestown, nestled between towering cliffs and protected from the
sea by 18th-century fortifications. The town's most prominent
feature is Jacob's Ladder, 699 steps embedded into the near
vertical cliffs that connects the valley floor to the top of Ladder
Hill. It is popular with tourists, as well as runners who come from
around the world to compete in the timed run every year. Other
attractions in St Helena include the Heart-Shaped Waterfall, the
castle and its gardens, Sandy Bay, and the Central Peaks. St Helena
has no airport, though plans are in place to construct one, and can
currently only be reached by ship.
Information & Facts
Business
Business would be conducted much the same as in the UK. Business
hours are usually weekdays from 8.30am to 4pm.
Climate
St Helena has a pleasant year round climate with very little
variation in temperature. Summers are warm and sunny, and winters
are mild with rain. Temperatures do vary between Jamestown on the
north shore and the higher central areas with inland temperatures
averaging about 41-43°F (5-6°C) cooler and a higher rainfall.
Communications
The international dialling code for St Helena is +290. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the UK). There are no city codes. Internet and email
facilities are available, and international direct dialling is
possible. Phone cards can be bought from the Cable and Wireless
office in Jamestown and there are public phones around.
Customs
Most roads are single lane, and driving etiquette requires
traffic coming down to make way for up-coming traffic.
Duty Free
Passengers over 18 years may bring two litres of wine, 12 cans
of beer or one litre of spirits; 200 cigarettes; or 250ml of
perfume onto the island without paying duty.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are the
standard flat pin variety as used in the UK.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from
passengers arriving from an infected country. The island has a good
standard of medical care, but costs can be high and travellers
should be covered for medical evacuation for serious conditions.
Travellers should bear in mind that there is no airport on the
island and the only means of accessing the island is via the Royal
Mail Ship RMS St Helena. Jamestown has a well-equipped hospital,
but there is no National Health Service, so even British passport
holders will be required to pay for medical aid, at reduced
rates.
Language
English is the official language.
Money
The official currency is the Saint Helena Pound (SHP), which is
divided into 100 pence. It is on a par with the Pound Sterling, but
has its own banknotes and coins, which are not accepted in UK
banks. Pounds Sterling are however accepted on the island. There
are no international banks on the island, but some places accept
credit cards. The Bank of St Helena changes travellers cheques and
major currencies. The bank is closed on Sundays.
Passport Visa
All foreigners should have at least six months validity
remaining on their passports. No visas are required to visit St
Helena. A return ticket, travel insurance and pre-booked
accommodation are required. Proof of medical insurance is also a
requirement if intending to stay longer than 48 hours. It is highly
recommended for all travellers that passports have at least six
months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources. There is an entry fee charge of £12 for up to four days,
£14 up to ten days, £16 up to 21 days, £20 up to 60 days, and £25
up to 90 days. If you wish to stay for longer than 90 days you
should apply to the St Helena Immigration Control Board for a
Residents Permit.
Safety
The level of crime is very low on the island. Visitors should be
aware that the only access is by the Royal Mail Ship RMS St Helena,
which anchors offshore meaning that passengers must be ferried to
shore by smaller boats; this can be hazardous in stormy
weather.
Time
Tipping
A tip of about 10% is standard, but tipping is very much the
individual's choice according to standard.