Planning a trip to Antarctica is an exciting time, but many potential travellers are unaware of the arduous journey they are about to embark upon – one which can take a serious toll on their bodies if they are not fit, healthy, and prepared.
Most cruise lines will require their passengers to provide proof of fitness to cruise with an expedition medical certificate from a registered GP.
Without a proper declaration from a GP, the majority of cruise lines will reject passenger applications on grounds of uncertainty, particularly as taking on passengers who have not completed an assessment poses a huge risk to both crew and passenger safety, and insurance liabilities.
For a cruise line to take passengers on this intense but rewarding journey, they need to consider the following for each person on board:
Antarctica is in a very remote location and passenger health and safety is paramount.
Remote Location:
Antarctica is an extremely remote location, with the closest major population centre, Ushuaia in Argentina, being around 1000km away. This puts all passengers a considerable distance away from advanced medical care facilities.
Limited Facilities:
Space and facilities onboard expedition vessels is limited, and they lack the ability to handle all types of medical emergencies. Whilst general medical care is available onboard, this cannot facilitate complicated medical emergencies.
Potential Delays for Evacuation:
Evacuations often take a considerable amount of time from Antarctica, and are not always possible depending on factors like the ship’s current location or weather conditions.
Liability and Safety:
Cruise or expedition organisers need to make an assessment of all passengers and crew on board, which will often be an insurance requirement for the cruise company.
Informed Medical Conditions:
Gathering medical information on passengers and crew can help onboard doctors prepare for certain medical requirements, or determine a passenger’s condition cannot be accommodated.
Piece of Mind:
Being successful in your screening process means that medical professionals have determined you are fit-to-cruise, giving you less to worry about during your trip.
What are the Health Requirements for Antarctica?
The excursions can be exhausting, so passengers must be in good health, to make the most of the experience.
Whilst you do not need to be in exceptionally good health to visit Antarctica, or undergo extensive physical training, there are some specific health requirements that must be met before you can be accepted for an Antarctic cruise.
Your vaccinations should be up-to-date, such as tetanus, and hepatitis A and B, and it is also a good idea to ensure your Covid 19 vaccinations are valid, or you can provide proof you do not have Covid.
It can also be a good idea to consult with your doctor or GP to discuss your travel plans and determine whether any specific vaccinations or medical considerations should be taken. You should also be aware that motion and sea sickness are fairly common on Antarctic cruises, particularly when travelling through the Drake Passage, so adequate medication for sea sickness should be taken with your luggage.
ZoomDoc’s Expedition Cruise Medical Certificate provides peace of mind with a same-day letter confirming you are fit to travel on a remote cruise ship.
What Documents Do You Need to Visit Antarctica?
Generally, you will need a valid passport to travel to Antarctica, and you may also require a permit depending on your nationality or the nature of your visit. Antarctic cruises usually begin in a different country where the vessel is docked, often Argentina or Chile, so it is likely you will need a visa or permit to enter or pass through these territories.
Your tour operator will usually arrange these permits as part of your expedition package.
Health Checks for Antarctica Cruises
You will be required to complete a health assessment questionnaire when booking an Antarctic cruise, leading to a full assessment by a doctor, which helps to provide peace of mind to both passenger and cruise line to minimise any potential risks.
Health checks for Antarctic cruises often consider the following:
Doctor Validation:
The assessment form will usually require a doctor’s signature.
Assess Pre-existing Conditions:
Any pre-existing conditions should be declared, and a consultation with a doctor may be required to provide a fit to travel certificate.
Risk Assessment:
This medical screening process helps to minimise the risk of medical emergencies and evacuations.
Zodiac Landings:
Each passenger should be physically capable of completing Zodiac boat landing for shore excursions or navigating difficult terrain in varied weather conditions.
Medical Questionnaire:
Operators will provide you with a medical questionnaire to fill in.
Insurance Liability:
You will often be required to obtain medical insurance, particularly to cover the potential for medical evacuations.
How Fit Do I Need to Be to Travel to Antarctica?
a moderate level of fitness is recommended for enjoying the activities, particularly getting in and out of Zodiac boats.
There are no strict fitness requirements to travel to Antarctica, however, you should consider that this type of trip can be quite physically demanding over long-periods of time. At the most basic level, passengers will be expected to embark and disembark the ship under potentially unfavourable weather conditions, as well as navigate the ship deck itself.
Depending on your involvement in the expeditionary nature of a trip to Antarctica, you may be required to make long walking trips over several hours if you are to disembark the vessel for exploratory purposes; usually during a guided tour or expedition.
Whilst you do not need to be in peak physical condition, you should be comfortable and familiar with physical exertion and cardiovascular exercises to get the most out of a trip to Antarctica.
Do All Antarctica Cruises Require a Health Form?
All Antarctic cruises require a health form to be completed, which is standard procedure to ensure the safety of all passengers, and adhere to insurance liability requirements. However, the specific requirements and evidence required will be different depending on the cruise line. Check in with your cruise line first to get an idea of the evidence required to complete your form.
ZoomDoc provides Expedition Medical Certificates for Antarctic cruises from registered UK doctors. Get your same-day certificate today for up to EXPEDITION10 – 10% off.