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British Indian Ocean Territory
Official name: British Indian Ocean Territory
Capital city: Diego Garcia
Languages spoken: English
Population: Around 3,000 (mostly military personnel and contractors)
Currency: US Dollar (USD) and Pound Sterling (GBP)
Time zone: GMT+6
Driving side: Left
Climate: Tropical marine, hot and humid year-round
The British Indian Ocean Territory is a remote UK overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, made up of seven atolls and more than 1,000 small islands. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a joint UK–US military base and is the only inhabited part of the territory. Casual tourism is not permitted, and access is restricted to those with official authorisation.
The islands are generally flat, with Diego Garcia forming a natural atoll and lagoon. Much of the surrounding territory is low-lying and covered with coconut palms. The tropical marine climate brings consistently high temperatures and humidity, with occasional heavy rainfall but little seasonal variation.
Access to the British Indian Ocean Territory is heavily restricted and requires prior permission from the UK government. There are no commercial flights or ferries, and transport within Diego Garcia is mostly by bicycle or on foot. The surrounding seas are known for piracy risks, and private yachts require special permits.
Visitors require a permit issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to enter the territory, which is generally limited to military staff, contractors, or authorised researchers. There are no tourist visas available, and former inhabitants and media access are not permitted. Travellers must hold a valid passport and proof of insurance before permission is granted.
Both the US Dollar (USD) and Pound Sterling (GBP) are used on Diego Garcia. There are no commercial banking facilities, and transactions are limited to military and base operations. Visitors should not expect access to ATMs or financial services.
There are no civilian healthcare facilities in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Emergency medical treatment is limited to military services, and serious cases require evacuation. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential. Travellers should consult a health professional before visiting, particularly regarding vaccinations for tropical regions.
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