ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Passports: Should be valid for six months prior to the date of departure from Argentina. Two blank pages required for entry stamp.

Visas:

Argentina Visa (Requirements & forms available on request)

Visa Fees:  USD 220/- visa fees + INR 5000/- service charges of the consulate & processing fees of the agency (Subject to change).

Processing time: 15 working days (Personal appearance required)

Note: The information on visa is best to the present information with Countryside as on.

• Solar damage: As a result of the depleted ozone layer over Antarctica, travelers are at increased risk of solar skin and eye damage. Protective clothing and eyewear are essential.
• Hypothermia: Needless to say the extreme temperatures demand respect.
• Physical fitness: The Drake Strait between Cape Horn and Antarctica has notoriously treacherous sea conditions, making the crossing perilous for those lacking in physical stamina. Most tourists will be reliant on sea-sickness medication for the rough conditions. Cabin doors should remain closed in the worse conditions since sudden shifting of the vessel can lead to the forceful striking of heavy doors against soft body parts.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: The isolation of the destination makes management of unstable medical conditions problematic. Evacuation to safety may be impossible in required time frames.
• Common medical conditions: It is advised to carry a comprehensive medical kit for the self-treatment of common traveller’s ailments such as respiratory or gastric infections and sea sickness. Most Antarctic Cruises will have a physician on board.

The baby penguins will start to show up in December, so a trip in late December & January is ideal. This is also at the height of the Austral summer when the weather is the most reliable (although keep in mind that the weather in Antarctica is very unpredictable!).

Some essentials include, a variety of casual clothes that you can layer; fully waterproof rubber boots; a waterproof rain jacket; waterproof pants (worn over other pants or long underwear and needed for almost every landing); one or two sets of thermal underwear; two pairs of gloves (they will get wet) and a bathing suit (for that hot tub!).

On the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures generally range from -5°C to +5°C degrees Celsius in summer and from -32 to -15°C in winter. The annual cruise season runs from December until February; it generally stays light until midnight or later in summer, and visitors can expect about 20 hours of daylight a day.

All guests are required to have travel insurance coverage including medical, evacuation. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation.

Countryside strongly recommends a comprehensive cover of at least $200,000 Emergency Medical/Evacuation coverage which includes coverage for cancellation, trip disruption, baggage and personal property.

Emergency Evacuation Insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $500,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only while traveling with the shipping company between the first and last day of the expedition. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition, including pre- and post-packages/hotels/flights, purchased from the shipping company or from suppliers other than the shipping company, are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.