One of the world's most remote islands: Home to Napoleon and Jonathan
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 22
- 23 min read
Updated: Mar 15
St. Helena, one of the world’s most remote islands, lies 2,000 kilometers from the nearest land in the South Atlantic. Known for being Napoleon’s exile home and final resting place, it offers a mix of history, isolation, and stunning natural beauty.
With a rich culture and diverse wildlife, St. Helena offers a rare glimpse into a forgotten part of history. The island in the South Atlantic is part of the British Overseas Territory of St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.
With the introduction of weekly commercial flights and the recent availability of high-speed internet, both the British government and the local administration on St. Helena have prioritized developing the island's emerging tourism sector. In 2023, approximately 2,100 leisure travelers visited the island, a number expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
Napoleon and Jonathan
St. Helena is best known for its historical significance as Napoleon Bonaparte's place of exile following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The island is also renowned for its unique nature, wildlife, and remote location, all of which have shaped its distinctive culture and society. After Napoleon's death, St. Helena remained a vital maritime stop during British colonial times.
One of the island's most famous residents is Jonathan, a giant tortoise believed to be over 190 years old, making him one of the world's oldest living creatures. Although he has lost both his sight and sense of smell, Jonathan attracts countless visitors annually. Over the years, he has even encountered members of the British royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, as well as King George VI, Princess Margaret, and the Queen Mother. Most recently, Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Jonathan and the island in January this year.
Extremely remote
St. Helena is located approximately 1,874 kilometers west of mainland Africa and measures about 16 x 8 kilometers. It lies roughly 1,950 kilometers west of South Africa’s southwestern coast and an incredible 4,000 kilometers east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ascension Island is about 1,300 kilometers northwest of St. Helena.
The island is renowned for its volcanic landscape, unique wildlife, and historical military presence. When the Portuguese discovered St. Helena in 1502 during their voyages to the Indian subcontinent, it was uninhabited. For nearly four centuries, it served as a critical stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia as they rounded the African continent, a role that diminished after the opening of the Suez Canal. St. Helena is the second-oldest British Overseas Territory, surpassed only by Bermuda.
Tristan da Cunha, a remote archipelago, lies approximately 2,400 kilometers southwest of St. Helena. This group of islands includes several smaller islets alongside the main island of Tristan da Cunha. It is among the most isolated inhabited locations on Earth, with a small, dispersed population primarily of British descent.
St. Helena itself is a volcanic island featuring diverse terrain, including towering cliffs, lush valleys, and beaches. The island is home to a variety of unique plant species found nowhere else, along with rich biodiversity encompassing birds and insects.
–Come with an open mind
St. Helena has a population of just over 4,000 residents, who refer to themselves as «Saints,» and it likely attracts a specific type of visitor.
–There are people with a genuine desire to travel and learn, rather than those simply seeking sunshine and good food, says Emma Phillips, wife of Nigel Phillips, the island's governor. Nigel Phillips, a former Royal Air Force officer, has also served as the Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. He has been Governor of St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha since August 13, 2022.
Nigel Phillips told Associated Press that the weather can be unpredictable, and supplies are limited when you're 1,900 kilometers from the nearest continent.
–You must be prepared to embrace all of this, he says, praising the island's welcoming locals, rich history, and natural wonders. –Come with an open mind.
Discovered in 1502
On their way to the Indian subcontinent, the Portuguese discovered an uninhabited island. It was first sighted on May 21, 1502, by the four ships of the Third Portuguese Armada, led by João da Nova, a Galician navigator in Portuguese service, on his return journey to Lisbon. He named the island Santa Helena in honor of Saint Helena of Constantinople. The Portuguese introduced livestock, fruit trees, and vegetables, and built a chapel and one or two houses. Although no permanent settlement was established, the island served as an important meeting point and source of food for ships traveling along the «Cape route» from Asia to Europe. St.
Helena was also a stopover for replenishing fruit supplies to prevent scurvy, a potentially deadly disease caused by a long-term lack of vitamin C, which frequently affected sailors at the time.
However, it was not until the Dutch navigator Jan Huyghen van Linschoten arrived on May 12, 1589, that the island was properly mapped.
During the final leg of his global journey (1577–1580), Sir Francis Drake, an Englishman, is believed to have encountered the island. This was followed by visits from other British explorers. As St. Helena's location became better known, British warships began patrolling the area to attack Portuguese trade ships returning from India.
Alongside the rise of trade in the Far East, the Dutch also began visiting the island regularly. The Portuguese and Spanish soon ceased regular visits, partly due to their use of harbors along the West African coast, but also because of attacks on their trade routes, the destruction of religious buildings and icons, the loss of livestock, and the burning of plantations by Dutch pirates.
In 1659, the first governor, Captain John Dutton, arrived and established St. Helena as Britain's second-oldest Overseas Territory, second only to Bermuda. Under his leadership, a fort and several houses were built, and Jamestown was founded «in the narrow valley between steep cliffs.»
For nearly four centuries, the island served as a crucial stopover for trade routes between Europe and Asia as ships navigated around the African continent, up until the opening of the Suez Canal.
Stable climate
St. Helena has a mild, subtropical climate with little temperature variation throughout the year. Average temperatures typically range between 17°C (63°F) and 22°C (72°F). The island's proximity to the equator and the surrounding ocean moderates temperature extremes. Summers (December to February) are slightly warmer, while winters (June to August) are cooler but rarely drop below 14°C (57°F). The climate is generally pleasant year-round, making it a comfortable destination for visitors.
Agriculture, fishing, and tourism
Traditionally, St. Helena's economy has been based on agriculture and fishing, but in modern times, tourism and the public sector have become important drivers of the economy.
The island's community is characterized by a blend of cultures and ethnicities, including descendants of the original European settlers, African slaves, and Asian contract workers.
St. Helena has a small, but friendly community where everyone knows each other.
Jamestown from the 1600s
Jamestown is the capital and largest town of St. Helena, located at a bay on the island's northwest coast. The town was founded in the 1600s when St. Helena was established as a British colony. It was named after the Duke of York, who later became King James II.
Jamestown has a rich history as a significant trade center and administrative hub for the island. The town features distinctive architecture with historical buildings that reflect the island's colonial past. Many of the structures are well-preserved and have been restored to maintain their historic charm.
The capital offers several tourist attractions, including St. James' Church, built in the 1700s, and the historic fortress that has served as the island’s administrative center.
Jamestown functions as the island's commercial center, with shops, restaurants, banks, and other businesses serving both locals and visitors.
RS «St. Helena»
Due to its remote location, transportation to and from St. Helena has always been a challenge. In the past, the island relied on ship routes, but this changed with the opening of St. Helena Airport in 2016. Built with British funding, St. Helena Airport was an attempt to improve the island's accessibility and boost tourism and the economy. Boat connections are still available but are less frequent than before due to the availability of air travel.
The RMS «St. Helena» was a passenger and cargo ship that operated between St. Helena and Cape Town, South Africa. It was built in 1989 specifically for the island's needs. The ship operated with 56 officers and crew members and had accommodation for 155 passengers, along with a swimming pool, shop, and lounges. It also had a sickbay and a doctor onboard. The ship was more than just a means of transport; it symbolized the island's isolation and its reliance on sea travel. The RMS «St. Helena» held a special place in the hearts of many on the island and was an important part of the island's cultural heritage.
The ship was about 105 meters long and could carry up to 156 passengers in addition to its cargo.
Five to six days' journey
The time it took for the RMS «St. Helena» to sail from Cape Town to the island varied depending on weather conditions and other factors. Normally, the journey took around five to six days, with an average sailing speed of about 12 knots (roughly 22 km/h). However, this could vary depending on wind conditions, wave heights, and other maritime factors. It was not uncommon for the journey to take longer if unexpected obstacles arose along the way. Despite the ship being a crucial link between St. Helena and the outside world, the voyage from Cape Town to the island was long and often challenging due to the island's isolated location.
The RMS «St. Helena» served the island for nearly three decades, from its first voyage in 1990 to its final trip in 2018, when the airport opened, and the ship was retired.
After the opening of St. Helena Airport and the shift to air transport as the preferred means of travel, the RMS «St. Helena» was retired. The ship was sold to private owners and is no longer used for passenger and cargo transport between St. Helena and Cape Town.
Forced into exile by the allies
Napoleon’s time on St. Helena was marked by both political and personal drama as the former French emperor spent the final years of his life in exile on this remote island in the South Atlantic.
The isolation of St. Helena was the ultimate manifestation of Napoleon's downfall, a man who once commanded the European continent now living on a barren, windswept island. Andrew Roberts (Historian and biographer of Napoleon) Roberts reflects on the final chapter of Napoleon's life on St. Helena, emphasizing its role in his dramatic decline.
After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte was deposed as Emperor of France and forced into exile by the Allies. His final place of exile was St. Helena, chosen for its distance from Europe and difficult accessibility. Napoleon arrived on St. Helena on October 15, 1815, after a journey from Europe aboard the British warship HMS Northumberland. He was accompanied by a small group of officials and his closest companions, including his loyal adjutant, Général de Montholon, and his doctor, Dr. Barry O'Meara.
Napoleon was placed in exile at Longwood House, a modest residence on the island that was transformed into a prison for him and his entourage. Despite assurances that he would be treated with respect and dignity, Napoleon's stay on St. Helena was marked by strict surveillance and control from the British authorities, with limitations on his movement and communication with the outside world. He lived a relatively isolated life at Longwood House, where he continued to hold court and receive visits from local and foreign dignitaries, as well as write memoirs and correspondence. Despite his limited freedom, Napoleon used his time on St. Helena to continue discussing political ideas and reflect on his life and career.
I am alone, and it is the end of everything. Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon said this during his time in exile on St. Helena, reflecting his isolation after being banished to the remote island.
St. Helena is a prison, and I am the jailer. Sir Hudson Lowe Sir Hudson Lowe was the British governor who was assigned to oversee Napoleon’s captivity. This quote captures his role in maintaining Napoleon’s confinement.
On St. Helena, the island itself feels like the last chapter of a great novel, with Napoleon as its tragic hero. Peter Moore (Author of St Helena: A Memoir of Napoleon’s Exile) Moore’s words reflect the powerful sense of history and melancholy associated with St. Helena, particularly regarding Napoleon's final years.
Body transferred to France
Napoleon died on May 5, 1821, at Longwood House after falling ill with stomach cancer. His death triggered an international reaction, and he was buried on St. Helena, though his body was later transferred to France at the request of his family.
Napoleon’s time on St. Helena left a legacy of political controversy and historical interest, and his exile on the island has been studied and discussed by historians and scholars. This period marks an important epoch in both his life and world history, and his exile on the island remains a fascinating chapter in the history books.
Slavery and contract labor
St. Helena had a history of slavery and the use of contract labor, which significantly impacted the island's society and economy. Slavery was introduced to St. Helena in the 1600s when the island was established as a British colony. Slaves were primarily brought from Africa to work on plantations, in households, and in other sectors of the economy. Slavery played a key role in driving the island's economy, particularly in agriculture.
Honored and remembered
The slaves on St. Helena were often subjected to harsh working conditions and brutal treatment by their owners. They were forced to work on plantations with crops such as sugar, cotton, and indigo, as well as in mining and construction.
In 1792, the importation of slaves to St. Helena was banned. The UK passed the Slave Trade Act in 1807, which prohibited British ships from transporting slaves. This was a significant milestone in the fight against the transatlantic slave trade, though slavery continued to exist in British colonies until it was formally abolished with the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.
In 1818, the governor of St. Helena took a notable step by freeing children born to slaves on the island. The slow process of freeing over 800 resident slaves occurred in 1827.
After abolition, the freed slaves remained on the island as contract workers. Most of the freed slaves were housed in Ruperts Bay, while those suffering from infectious diseases were isolated in Lemon Valley, which served as a quarantine station.
Contract laborers and the cultural impact
After slavery was abolished, contract laborers were recruited from other parts of the British Empire to work on St. Helena. These laborers, primarily from India, China, and the Atlantic islands, were employed in agriculture, public works, and other sectors.
Slaves and contract workers contributed to the cultural diversity on St. Helena. Their cultural influence remains visible in the island's food, music, language, and traditions.
Although slavery has been abolished and the use of contract labor has diminished, the memories and legacy of this period are still an important part of St. Helena’s history and identity. Through cultural heritage and memorials, the story of the slaves and contract workers on St. Helena is honored and remembered.
Demanding a memorial and national heritage area
Despite the memorials dedicated to the slaves, there is currently a campaign to ensure the remains of 325 former slaves are returned to their homeland in Africa. These remains were excavated in 2008 when the access road for the new airport was being constructed. They were stored for 14 years before being reburied.
A master plan has been developed for a «dignified reburial" and a memorial to protect up to 10,000 other remains from an African burial site in Ruperts Valley, from which they were removed. The burial site is described as «the most significant physical remaining trace of the transatlantic slave trade in the world" by the UK’s The Guardian. Annina van Neel and Peggy King Jorde, the co-authors behind the demand, state that the St. Helena government lacks a plan to secure a memorial marking the site where the 325 remains were reburied, and the fact that no national heritage area has been established to protect the original burial ground.
Van Neel, who was the environmental manager for the airport project when the bones were uncovered, has received support from the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) to repatriate the 325 remains and prevent further desecration of the site. If their demands are not met, they intend to take legal action against the British overseas territory.
Historical landmark: Prince's lodge
St. Helena boasts several historical sites that bear witness to the island's fascinating past. One such site is Prince's Lodge, a historic property located in the Longwood district of the island. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it offers breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape.
St. Helena is an island suspended in time, with a rich tapestry of history, from Napoleon’s exile to the tranquil beauty of its unspoiled nature. David Stanley (Travel writer and photographer) Stanley, a travel photographer, captures the essence of St. Helena as both a historical and natural marvel.
Prince's Lodge has a rich history and is one of the oldest estates on St. Helena. Originally built as a hunting lodge in the 1700s, it became a popular retreat for colonial administrators and aristocrats. During Napoleon's exile on St. Helena, Prince's Lodge served as a temporary residence for some of Napoleon’s companions and officials while Longwood House was being prepared for his arrival.
After Napoleon's death, parts of Prince's Lodge were torn down, but sections of the building and the surrounding area have been preserved as a historical landmark. Today, Prince's Lodge is a key part of the island's historical and cultural heritage. It has been restored and maintained as an important cultural site on St. Helena.
Visitors to the island can explore the property and learn about its history through guided tours or self-guided experiences.
Many historical traces
St. Helena is home to numerous historical landmarks that reflect its rich past, particularly from the era of Napoleon's exile.
Longwood House: Most famous as the residence where Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile from 1815 to 1821. The house is now a museum showcasing items and artifacts from his time on the island.
Jamestown: The island's capital, with a history that dates back to its earliest days as a British colony. Historical sites include St. James' Church, the oldest Anglican church south of the equator, and The Castle, a historical fort and administrative center.
Plantation House: The residence of the island's governor, known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens. It has hosted numerous notable guests, including members of the British royal family.
Briars Pavilion: The site where Napoleon stayed during the first months of his exile in 1815. The building is now open to visitors, displaying exhibits about Napoleon's time on the island.
High Knoll Fort: A military fort built in the 1700s to protect the island from potential attacks. The fort offers stunning views of the island and sea, making it a popular spot for visitors interested in military history.
Rupert's Valley: A historical area once home to a thriving settlement of slaves and contract workers. The valley is home to several historical structures, including St. John's Church, built by slave labor in the 1800s.
Deadwood Plain: A significant historical site as the location of Napoleon's temporary burial after his death in 1821. A simple grave marker marks the spot where his body was initially laid to rest before being transferred to France.
The Saint Helena Distillery: Known for producing gin, rum, and other spirits, the distillery offers visitors the chance to learn about the production process behind the island's beverages.
St. Helena Coffee Plantation: A coffee plantation operational since the 1700s, where visitors can explore the long history of coffee cultivation on the island. The first coffee seeds arrived on February 10, 1733, from Mocha, Yemen, brought by The East India Company.
Whale watching, diving, and swimming
St. Helena offers a diverse and stunning natural environment that you can explore on foot or with guided tours. The island features fantastic hiking trails that wind through impressive landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and coastlines.
The island is also known for its vibrant marine life and exciting underwater landscapes, with great diving spots to explore. Visitors can discover coral reefs, shipwrecks, and beautiful marine areas. Additionally, the waters around St. Helena are known for migrating whales, making it an excellent destination for whale watching. You can also spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
For fishing enthusiasts, the island offers opportunities for both deep-sea and coastal fishing. The waters are teeming with various species, including tuna, dorado, and mackerel.
St. Helena also boasts stunning beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Some beaches offer watersports such as kayaking and kitesurfing.
And don’t forget to take time to meet the locals. Many St. Helenians are friendly and welcoming, eager to share their knowledge and experiences about the island's lifestyle, history, and culture.
From Seychelles or Aldabra atoll?
The story of how Jonathan, the world’s oldest known living land animal, came to St. Helena is not fully documented, but it is believed he was brought to the island as part of a turtle introduction program in the 1800s. The most widely accepted theory is that he was brought from the Seychelles or Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean by sailors or traders.
In the 1800s, turtles were often transported on ships as a fresh source of meat for the crew. It is possible that Jonathan was part of such provisions and was left behind on St. Helena when the ship departed. At that time, it was common practice to introduce animals to islands like St. Helena to create a sustainable population of useful species.
Regardless of how he arrived, Jonathan has become an iconic and beloved figure on St. Helena due to his incredible age and his connection to the island’s history. He is now one of the island's top tourist attractions and a symbol of survival and resilience.
Jonathan and endangered species
St. Helena is deeply committed to preserving its unique ecosystem and protecting endangered species. The island has established several conservation areas and nature reserves dedicated to the preservation of its flora and fauna. The island has also taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable development, such as investing in renewable energy and supporting organic farming.
Around 94 percent, or 1,547 species, of the UK’s endemic species are found within its overseas territories, with St. Helena accounting for the majority of these. The number of endemic species on the island continues to rise, and St. Helena is home to more than 500 of these species, making it a global hotspot for biodiversity.
St. Helena’s isolation over the past 12 to 14 million years has led to the evolution of a flora and fauna that is found nowhere else on Earth. Despite its small size of only 122 square kilometers, the island is home to nearly 30 percent of all the endemic species in the UK and its overseas territories.
The protection of Jonathan, the famous giant tortoise of St. Helena, plays a significant role in the island's conservation efforts. As one of the oldest living tortoises in the world, Jonathan is a symbol of the island's unique wildlife and history. Measures have been implemented to ensure his well-being and survival.
The island has taken steps to protect the natural habitats of tortoises, including grazing areas and living spaces. This is achieved by preserving natural vegetation types and regulating access to the tortoises’ habitats to ensure they have sufficient food and shelter.
Veterinarians and animal care staff on St. Helena regularly monitor Jonathan’s health to ensure that he remains healthy and free from diseases. Any health issues are promptly addressed to ensure his well-being. Jonathan is closely monitored by local authorities and caretakers, with regular health checks, weight and size measurements, and general behavioral observations.
The local authorities and the community of St. Helena have raised awareness about the importance of protecting Jonathan and other tortoises on the island. Educational campaigns have been launched to encourage respectful behavior and wildlife conservation among both residents and tourists.
St. Helena has also hosted research and conservation projects focusing on tortoises and other endemic species. These initiatives contribute to the understanding of the island’s ecosystem and help develop more effective conservation strategies.
Culture, health, and education
St. Helena boasts a vibrant cultural scene with regular events such as music festivals, art exhibitions, and theater performances. The island also celebrates traditional festivals that reflect its history, culture, and religious heritage, including St. Helena Day and Christmas.
Local artists and craftsmen produce a wide variety of art and crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and paintings, which are popular souvenirs for visitors.
St. Helena has a well-developed education system that offers primary, secondary, and vocational training. There are also opportunities for higher education through distance learning and exchange programs.
The island's healthcare is provided by public health services, along with some private clinics. The island has a hospital that offers a wide range of healthcare services to the local population.
Increased autonomy and local governance
St. Helena has historically had a complex relationship with Britain, which has colonized the island since the 1600s. Although there have been no major political issues between St. Helena and Britain, there have been concerns that have arisen over time.
There have been concerns among some on St. Helena about the lack of sufficient self-governance and representation within the British government. This has led to discussions about the need for increased autonomy and local governance on the island.
St. Helena has long been economically dependent on Britain, which has led to concerns about the island's economic sustainability and the need for diversification. There have been periods of worry among the island's residents about the quality of infrastructure and public services, as well as questions about adequate support and investment from Britain.
Environmental and resource management has also been an area of concern and debate about Britain's role and responsibility, particularly regarding the conservation of St. Helena’s unique ecosystem and natural heritage.
In recent years, there has been increasing focus on democratic reforms and strengthening local self-governance on St. Helena. This has led to increased dialogue and cooperation between the island's authorities and Britain. Overall, the relationship between St. Helena and Britain has been marked by a desire for cooperation and development, even though political tensions and challenges have arisen along the way. The island's history as a British colony has shaped this relationship and influenced the dynamics between the two parties.
Commitment with the airport
The British investment in a new airport on St. Helena has had several implications for the complex relationship between the island and the United Kingdom. The opening of St. Helena Airport marked a significant improvement in accessibility to and from the island. This has made it easier for both residents and visitors to travel to and from St. Helena, reducing the island's isolation from the rest of the world.
The increased accessibility brought by the airport has the potential to contribute to economic growth and development on St. Helena. Tourism, trade, and investment may increase as a result of improved access, potentially having positive ripple effects on the island's economy.
Britain's investment in the airport can be seen as a sign of its commitment to support St. Helena and its people. It has helped strengthen the relationship between the island and Britain by addressing some of the concerns and needs expressed by the residents of St. Helena.
The opening of the airport also holds the potential to contribute to political stability on St. Helena by providing the island with greater autonomy and opportunities for economic development. This could help address some of the political concerns and tensions that have previously existed.
Overall, Britain's investment in a new airport on St. Helena has had a positive impact on the complex relationship between the island and Britain, addressing some of the challenges and needs that have existed in the past. It has strengthened cooperation and commitment between the two parties and opened up new opportunities for development and growth on the island.
Significant billion-dollar investment
St. Helena Airport was a major project that involved substantial investments from the British government. However, the exact total cost of the airport is not always easy to determine due to the complexity and scale of the project, as well as potential changes to the budget along the way.
An official estimate from the British government put the cost at around £285 million, but it is worth noting that this amount not only covers the construction of the airport itself but also infrastructure improvements, environmental and consultation costs, and other related expenses.
There have also been reports of possible budget overruns and delays in the project, which may have increased the final costs. Regardless of the exact price tag, St. Helena Airport represented a significant investment from the British government to improve accessibility and economic development on the island.
St. Helena - general Information
Population: As of 2022, St. Helena has an estimated population of around 4,500.
Location: St. Helena is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 2,000 kilometers west of the coast of Africa.
Capital: The capital is Jamestown, which is also the largest city on the island.
Area: The island covers an area of approximately 122 square kilometers.
Official Language: English is the official language.
Currency: The St. Helena pound (SHP), although British pounds (GBP) are also accepted.
Tourist Fee: Visitors are required to pay a 20 British pound tourist fee.
Time Zone: St. Helena operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.
Flight to St. Helena
Airport: St. Helena Airport (HLE), which opened in 2017, offers weekly flights from Johannesburg, South Africa, operated by Airlink.
Flight Duration: The most practical way to reach St. Helena is by air. The flight from Johannesburg takes approximately 6 hours.
Prices: As of March 2024, a round-trip ticket from Johannesburg to St. Helena costs around 17,000 ZAR (january 2025: 901 American dollars).
New Routes: Starting December 2024, there will also be flights from Cape Town, running parallel to the Johannesburg route.
Aircraft: Airlink uses an Embraer E190 E-Jet with 98 seats. The flight duration is about 6.5 hours.
Visa requirements
Due to the island's isolated location and limited accessibility, St. Helena has specific visa regulations:
Entry Visa: All visitors (tourists and business travelers) are generally required to obtain a visa in advance.
Visa Issuance: Visas can be applied for through the St. Helena Immigration Department or the British High Commission in the applicant's home country.
Tourist Visa: For tourists, a visa is typically required, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
Application Process: The application process may vary depending on the nationality and purpose of the visit, so it's important to check the required documents.
Extension: It may be possible to extend your stay through the St. Helena Immigration Department, depending on the circumstances.
Work and Residence Visas: For longer stays or employment on the island, specific work or residence visas are required, with their own requirements and application processes.
