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Falkland IslandsSouth America

Stanley / Port Stanley Cruise Port Safety Briefing

Medium

Is Stanley / Port Stanley Safe for Cruise Passengers?

Stanley / Port Stanley carries a moderate risk rating. Cruise passengers should take enhanced precautions, review current advisories, and stay in well-trafficked areas during shore excursions.

See the current cruise safety outlook

At a Glance

Overall Risk
Medium
Emergency Number
999 (or +500 28100; press 9 when prompted)
Cruise Port
The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority says only vessels with confirmed bookings may enter Port William/Stanley Harbour; cruise vessels must provide tender-operation risk assessments where applicable. Vessels over 10,000t may not berth at FIPASS. The authority says the harbour closes to cruise vessels and tenders at sustained, rising 30-knot winds.
Last Updated
September 5, 2026

Executive Summary

Stanley / Port Stanley is a Falkland Islands cruise destination. The current U.S. State Department Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory is for the United Kingdom due to terrorism; it is country-level and not Stanley-specific. This UK advisory is used because the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory.

Quick Facts

Risk Level

Medium

Country

Falkland Islands

Emergency Number

999 (or +500 28100; press 9 when prompted)

Cruise Port

The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority says only vessels with confirmed bookings may enter Port William/Stanley Harbour; cruise vessels must provide tender-operation risk assessments where applicable. Vessels over 10,000t may not berth at FIPASS. The authority says the harbour closes to cruise vessels and tenders at sustained, rising 30-knot winds.

Health Considerations

FCDO says to call 999 for an ambulance and warns that emergency coverage outside Stanley is limited and may be delayed. It advises appropriate insurance, including for unexpected medical evacuation. CDC’s UK Traveler View displays current global polio and measles notices.

Safety & Security

FCDO warns travelers not to touch or approach suspected unexploded ordnance, to clearly mark the area if safe, and to call 999. The U.S. advisory is UK-wide, not a Stanley-specific security assessment.

Port Tips

The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority says only vessels with confirmed bookings may enter Port William/Stanley Harbour; cruise vessels must provide tender-operation risk assessments where applicable. Vessels over 10,000t may not berth at FIPASS. The authority says the harbour closes to cruise vessels and tenders at sustained, rising 30-knot winds.

Local Emergency Number

999 (or +500 28100; press 9 when prompted)

Store this number in your phone before going ashore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Stanley / Port Stanley rated Medium?+
Medium maps to the current U.S. Level 2 advisory for the United Kingdom. It is country-level and not specific to Stanley or the Falkland Islands.
What is the emergency number in the Falkland Islands?+
The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority lists 999 or +500 28100 (press 9 when prompted); FCDO also directs travelers to call 999 for an ambulance.
Can every cruise ship berth at FIPASS?+
No. The Maritime Authority states vessels with displacement over 10,000t are not permitted to berth at FIPASS.
Can weather affect a cruise call?+
Yes. The Maritime Authority says Stanley Harbour closes to cruise vessels and tenders when winds reach sustained 30 knots and are rising.
What should I do if I see suspected unexploded ordnance?+
FCDO says do not touch or approach it, clearly mark the area, take a photo only if safe, and call 999.
Is Stanley / Port Stanley safe?+
Stanley / Port Stanley carries a moderate risk rating. Travelers should take enhanced precautions and review current health advisories before departure. Stanley / Port Stanley is a Falkland Islands cruise destination. The current U.S. State Department Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisory is for the United Kingdom due to terrorism; it is country-level and not Stanley-specific. This UK advisory is used because the Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory.
Is Stanley / Port Stanley safe for cruise passengers?+
Stanley / Port Stanley carries a moderate risk rating. Travelers should take enhanced precautions and review current health advisories before departure. FCDO warns travelers not to touch or approach suspected unexploded ordnance, to clearly mark the area if safe, and to call 999. The U.S. advisory is UK-wide, not a Stanley-specific security assessment.
How safe is Stanley / Port Stanley?+
Stanley / Port Stanley carries a moderate risk rating. Travelers should take enhanced precautions and review current health advisories before departure. Most cruise passengers visit Stanley / Port Stanley without incident when they stay in port and tourist areas and use licensed transportation. FCDO warns travelers not to touch or approach suspected unexploded ordnance, to clearly mark the area if safe, and to call 999. The U.S. advisory is UK-wide, not a Stanley-specific security assessment.
Is there a travel warning for Stanley / Port Stanley?+
FCDO warns travelers not to touch or approach suspected unexploded ordnance, to clearly mark the area if safe, and to call 999. The U.S. advisory is UK-wide, not a Stanley-specific security assessment.
What health risks should cruise passengers know about in Stanley / Port Stanley?+
FCDO says to call 999 for an ambulance and warns that emergency coverage outside Stanley is limited and may be delayed. It advises appropriate insurance, including for unexpected medical evacuation. CDC’s UK Traveler View displays current global polio and measles notices.
Does CruiseAware have a full safety report for Stanley / Port Stanley?+
Yes. CruiseAware offers a personalized Country Intelligence Report for Stanley / Port Stanley — a detailed PDF briefing covering health risks, safety advisories, emergency contacts, vaccination recommendations, and port-specific tips tailored to your cruise itinerary.

Preparedness Checklist

Review Skip's "Before You Sail" tips and the CDC's traveler recommendations so you board prepared.