The beautiful island of Montserrat has a distinctly explosive history that has drawn intrepid travellers to its awe-inspiring shores. It seems quite clear the earth is trying to rid itself of this small Caribbean island, as its recent history is a list of major natural disasters.
A hurricane swept over the island in 1989, damaging 90 percent of the buildings. Following a hurricane in 1989, Montserrat's volcano, the Soufriere Hills, erupted in 1995 after staying dormant for hundreds of years.
It erupted again two years later, covering the capital city, Plymouth, in ash and mud, while limiting the 39 square mile (101km) island to a much smaller, inhabitable safe zone in the north of Monserrat. Most of the 12,000 inhabitants got the message and emigrated.
For those that stayed, tourism on the island is slowly growing and curious visitors are now eager to take tours of the active volcano where an
ominous dome over the volcano's crater rebuilds and periodically collapses sending great plumes of ash into the air. Much of the island is within the 'volcanic exclusion zone' which was previously inaccessible; however, Montserrat tourism now conducts guided tours into the ashen wasteland in the south.
Despite the destruction caused by the Soufriere Hills, the volcano has also made some fascinating changes to the natural environment. Divers can see unique coral formations that have grown healthier from the volcano's substrate; sun lovers can relax on soft, volcanic sand at a number of beaches; and the nature walks and hikes have lush vegetation from the fertilised soil. As a result, Montserrat is looking to establish itself as a major player in global ecotourism.
The country often refers to itself as the Emerald Isle, an homage to its Irish settlers escaping religious oppression. The Caribbean is an unlikely place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day,
but the national holiday highlights Monserrat's unique charm. Unlike Columbus, who sailed right past the islands, visitors to the Caribbean should make this a place to explore. Flights from Antigua and some surrounding islands arrive daily.
Key Facts
Language:
English is the official language.
Passport/Visa:
All foreign passengers to Montserrat must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Visa exemptions are for a maximum period of six months, though extensions are possible by applying to the Immigration Department. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 60Hz. They use two-flat-pin plugs and three pronged plugs with two flat pins and one round pin (Plug types A and B).
Travel to Montserrat
Overview
Pivoting around a volcano, bordered by beautiful black sand beaches and crisscrossed by rugged hiking trails, Montserrat is a unique island getaway in the Caribbean that is both thrilling and serene. Immediately following a volcanic eruption in 1997, most locals left the country and Montserrat fell silent. However, people are slowly returning.
Today, intrepid travellers relish its rugged trails and, though most of the southern part of the island is a restricted zone, will find some daring spots for photo-ops with the Soufriere Hills Volcano close in the background. Verdant paths wind through endangered flora set among orchards, willows, and fascinating wildlife, all contained by some of the most pristine and quiet beaches in the Caribbean.
These are not the traditional bleached Caribbean beaches found in movies, as rather dense vegetation leads out to quiet stretches of dark sand dipping into choppy waves.
Montserrat is also a diver's paradise, where coral bursting with colour lies beneath the water's surface.
Climate in Montserrat
The climate in Montserrat is typically humid and hot, being tropical. However, Montserrat becomes slightly cooler from December to April, during their dry season and winter. Visitors can expect high rainfall and increased temperatures from April to November. Summer also brings hurricanes and tropical storms; so it is generally better to visit during the winter months.
Health Notes when travelling to Montserrat
The most common ailment for visitors is traveller's diarrhoea, which is easily avoided by following basic food procedures. Travellers should drink only bottled water, or boiled, disinfected and filtered tap water, eat only hot foods, and avoid street food and uncooked, or unwashed fruits. It is recommended that travellers get an update on an MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, and get vaccines for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and a yearly flu shot. Those travelling from a yellow fever zone will be required to produce a certificate of proof of receiving a yellow fever vaccine. People who are likely to come into contact with animals should consider a rabies vaccine. Taking along a set of basic medication and insect repellent is necessary because visitors are at risk of dengue fever. All medication should have a doctor's letter in explanation of medical problems and medications required for
treatment. There are adequate medical facilities, but visitors should expect to pay in cash regardless of whether or not they have medical travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Montserrat
Crime against tourists is rare, but basic travel precautions are still necessary. Among them, if there is no safe in their hotel, it is better that travellers carry their valuables with them rather than to leave the items in their room. The biggest safety concern in Montserrat is not from the locals, but from the environment.
While the Soufriere Hills Volcano is active and dangerous, the last major activity was in 2012. As a result of the volcanic activity, a third of the island is considered safe and inhabitable. It is advisable that visitors stay out of the other two-thirds, and only explore it with explicit permission and guidance from local authorities. Travel insurance with provision for emergency evacuation is highly recommended (both for natural disaster or medical emergencies).
Customs in Montserrat
By all accounts, Montserrat might be one of the easiest places for western travellers to visit, with many tourists reporting that they felt like they couldn't have offended the locals they encountered, even if they'd wanted to! While, of course, this theory shouldn't be tested by visitors to the 'emerald isle of the Caribbean', travellers can look forward to a pleasant mix of typically European manners and customs, and a laid-back, relaxed and accepting social atmosphere. Visitors should be aware of the dangers posed by the Soufriere Hills Volcano, and make sure they stay out of restricted areas. They should also ask permission before taking photographs of locals, although more often than not, locals will indulge their request with a suitable pose.
Duty Free in Montserrat
Travellers who are 17 and older may bring up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 40 ounces (1.14 litres) of liquor, six ounces (168g) of perfume, and gifts valued to XCD 250.
Tipping in Montserrat
A five percent bonus over and above normal service charges will show appreciation for excellent service at restaurants. Porters are given $1 per bag and cleaning services are often tipped at $2 to 3 per night. Taxi drivers will expect a ten percent tip and it is a good idea for passengers to arrange a flat rate from the start. All tour guides appreciate gratuity, which should be between 10 and 20 percent.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Montserrat must hold return or onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Visa exemptions are for a maximum period of six months, though extensions are possible by applying to the Immigration Department. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid at the time of entry. No visa is required for stays of up to six months. Those traveling to Montserrat on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Montserrat. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Montserrat. No visa is required for British citizens and British Overseas Territories citizens for stays of up to six months. British passport holders with other endorsements should confirm entry requirements before travel.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Montserrat. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Montserrat. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Montserrat. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the expected duration of their stay in Montserrat. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Montserrat (U.K.)
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Montserrat, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Montserrat. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Montserrat. The government of Montserrat requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Montserrat, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Montserrat. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Montserrat. The government of Montserrat requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Note: Zika is a risk in Montserrat. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Montserrat. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Montserrat, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Montserrat. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Montserrat include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Montserrat’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Montserrat may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Montserrat, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Montserrat. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Zika Virus in MontserratAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
Overview of the Attractions in Montserrat
Pivoting around a volcano, bordered by beautiful black sand beaches and crisscrossed by rugged hiking trails, Montserrat is a unique island getaway in the Caribbean that is both thrilling and serene. Immediately following a volcanic eruption in 1997, most locals left the country and Montserrat fell silent. However, people are slowly returning.
Today, intrepid travellers relish its rugged trails and, though most of the southern part of the island is a restricted zone, will find some daring spots for photo-ops with the Soufriere Hills Volcano close in the background. Verdant paths wind through endangered flora set among orchards, willows, and fascinating wildlife, all contained by some of the most pristine and quiet beaches in the Caribbean.
These are not the traditional bleached Caribbean beaches found in movies, as rather dense vegetation leads out to quiet stretches of dark sand dipping into choppy waves.
Montserrat is also a diver's paradise, where coral bursting with colour lies beneath the water's surface.
Soufriere Hills Volcano
The Soufriere Hills Volcano is Montserrat's greatest tourist attraction and its most dangerous natural feature. After a long period of dormancy, the volcano erupted again in 1995 and has been erupting ever since, laying waste to the capital, Plymouth, and causing nearly two-thirds of the local population to evacuate the island. Still, for visitors to Montserrat, Soufriere Hills offers an unforgettable glimpse of nature at its most powerful. Tourists can view the volcano from many sites, but the best ones include from the top of Jack Boy Hill, which overlooks the former site of the airport before it was buried, and from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, which provides some good interpretive information.
Beaches in Montserrat
For a Caribbean island, Montserrat is blessed with a truly interesting collection of beaches. Thanks to the Soufriere Hills Volcano, which dominates the topography of the island, Montserrat's beaches have all been given a different character and visitors are urged to explore them all. The volcano's chief contribution has been in the creation of black and grey-sand beaches, which make for a surreal beach experience. The best of these include Woodlands Beach (featuring the blackest sand), Little Bay Beach (the best for swimming), and Lime Kiln Beach (which offers fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities). The island's only white-sand beach, Rendezvous Beach, is remote, and only accessible by boat or a tough trek.
Hikes in Montserrat
Montserrat may lack creature comforts such as gourmet eateries and trendy nightclubs, but it more than makes up for that in natural bounty. Lovers of the great outdoors will be in heaven on an island that is crisscrossed by spectacular hiking trails, most of which begin in the Centre Hills and wind through areas of lush vegetation teeming with bird life. Visitors should keep an eye out for Montserrat's national bird (the Montserrat Oriole) and the national flower (the Heliconia).
Seen from above, the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe look like the emerald wings of a butterfly. Located within the lower crescent of the Caribbean archipelago between the islands of Montserrat and Dominica, these twin islands and a smaller cluster of satellite islets don't just offer intrepid travelers spectacular white sand beaches.