Expedition permit application Going South Today, technology and specialised travel organisations allow people to visit Antarctica more easily, not only as a scientist, but also as a tourist. There is much to do and prepare before you leave, such as getting the necessary equipment, permits, insurance, ... Here you find the information you need to know before you can depart to this unique and fragile place. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) developed specific guidelines for Antarctica tour operators along with guidelines for visitors. These guidelines were developed to ensure that:
The Antarctic Treaty Parties (ATCM) have also adopted site-specific guidelines for visitors which can be found in the Topics section under Environmental protection/tourism of the Antarctic Secretariat’s website. Provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and in particular its Environmental Protocol are implemented by each Treaty Party in their own legislative framework. Belgium has implemented the Madrid Protocol in the law of 7 April 2005 (Dutch/French version) which sets out its own policies and procedures. All visitors to Antarctica are expected to be familiar with the legal requirements that apply to them – e.g. the applicable laws may be those of the country where the expedition/campaign is being planned or the country from which it departs. Belgian scientific research programme Scientists working in Antarctica go there under the auspices of a national scientific programme. The programmes are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol in particular. Besides the information on the present website, the national programme administrator/operator can advise you on your obligations. Once the new Belgian research station “Princess Elisabeth” becomes operational, a special permit procedure will be worked out for research activities at or around the station. Research programme or activity organised by another country. All Belgian scientists are required to inform the National programme administrator when they are taking part in such a research programme or activity. Contact: National Programme administrator for Belgium: Mrs Maaike Vancauwenberghe You can visit the Antarctic under the auspices of a commercial tour operator. To be sure that the visit is planned and organised following the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty, the Madrid Protocol and the national legislation, check whether the tour operator is a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators). You can also make your own arrangements to go to Antarctica. The guidelines and the other regulations mentioned under “Introduction” apply to these activities. The Treaty Parties consult each other to ensure that private expeditions are organised and managed conform the Antarctic Treaty and the national requirements. Before you leave for Antarctica, you must apply as soon as possible and in an early stage for a permit by submitting detailed information (cfr permit application form ) on your expedition to the Belgian Federal Ministry of Environment. Remark: if the expedition mainly takes place in Antarctic waters, you also have to contact the Belgian Federal Ministry of Environment for special permit requirements. Additional information and the permit application form is available on the website of the Belgian Federal Ministry of Environment Or you can contact: Belgian Federal Ministry of Environment International Affairs Further information: - Belgian
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