FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

23 December 2025

Reminder of the increase in the Rate of Embarkation Tax

As agreed in the Budget for 2025/26, the rate of embarkation tax payable by passengers departing the Falkland Islands by air, in accordance with the Embarkation Tax Regulations Ordinance 1999, will increase from £32 to £40 per passenger, with effect from Thursday Monday 1 January 2026. 

Payment of embarkation tax by passengers travelling northwards on the Airbridge, is included within the ticket price. In respect of passengers travelling by LATAM, payment must either be made in advance at the Customs and Immigration office or at their departure check-in at the Airport.

Persons exempted from payment of the embarkation tax includes:

• Any child under the age of two years at the time of departure
• Persons departing as a medical patient or patient’s carer under arrangements made or approved by or made by the Chief Medical Officer                

If any passenger has embarkation tax receipts at the former tax value of £32 they should visit the Customs and Immigration Office located at Ross Road. Passengers will either receive a refund or if they are intending to travel in coming months, a new tax receipt will be issued for the current tax value of 40 on payment of the additional £8.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

9 December 2025

Additional Voting Opportunity

The Falkland Islands Government would like to inform voters of an additional opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the General Election on Thursday 11December.

Due to an unforeseen change to this week’s cruise ship schedule, it has become apparent that some voters may face difficulty voting at the main polling stations on election day. To support those affected, one of the mobile polling stations will be made available in advance.

• Location: Town Hall
• Date: Wednesday 10 December
• Time: 10:45am – 11:45am

Voters who anticipate difficulty accessing polling stations on Thursday are encouraged to make use of this alternative option.

A reminder that urgent proxies remain available until 16:30 today, Tuesday 9 December, for those who may require them.

To help ease congestion around the Town Hall, the public is kindly asked to be considerate when parking while casting their votes.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Andrea Clausen

Returning Officer

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

9 December 2025

Parking During General Election Voting

In advance of the General Election on Thursday 11 December 2025, the Falkland Islands Government wishes to remind the public to take care when parking in the vicinity of the Town Hall.

A significant number of voters are expected throughout the day, and the Town Hall car park is frequently at capacity under normal circumstances. To maintain safety, ensure accessibility, and minimise congestion and disruption within the car park, the public is kindly requested to:

• Park considerately and refrain from obstructing the entrance and exit, footpaths, or neighbouring vehicles.
• Allow additional time to locate appropriate parking and be prepared to park further away and proceed on foot if required.
• Avoid parking vehicles in a manner that limits visibility for pedestrians or other vehicles.

Responsible parking will assist in maintaining traffic flow and reducing unnecessary disruption during the voting period.

The Falkland Islands Government also wishes to advise that a group of journalists from Uruguay and Brazil are currently visiting the Islands to report on the General Election and to highlight the internal self-governance of the Falkland Islands, strengthening our message of self-determination. They may be filming outside the Town Hall while the polling is taking place.

The Falkland Islands Government thanks the public for their cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth election day.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

5 December 2025

Quarry Operating Hours

The Public Works Department would like to inform the public of the upcoming closure of the Quarry.

The Quarry will be closed on the following dates and times:

• 3:00pm on Saturday, 6 December 5
• 12:00pm on Wednesday, 24 December 5

The Quarry will re-open after the Christmas break at 8:00am on Friday, 2 January.

We thank the community for their understanding and encourage anyone requiring quarry services prior to the Christmas break to plan accordingly.

For further information, please contact the Public Works Department on 27176 or email quarry@pwd.gov.fk

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

5 December 2025

Reminder about the Minimum Wage Accommodation Offset Changes

Changes to the Minimum Wage Accommodation Offset are due to come into force on 1January 2026. This specifically applies to any businesses that provide accommodation for employees and the changes take effect the same date the minimum wage increases to £9.66 per hour.

The changes will see the accommodation offset provide greater protection to employees who rent from their employer, as well as uprating values so they are more reflective of minimum wage levels and the costs to business of providing housing.

Further information for both employers and employees on the accommodation offset changes, including a spreadsheet calculator, can be found on the FIG website here: https://www.falklands.gov.fk/policy/statistics/living-minimum-wage/accommodation-offset.

Guides have also been produced by the Falkland Islands Tax Office for both employers and employees. Employees are encouraged to review this if they have any concerns about their pay meeting the minimum wage criteria. CAB Falkland Islands is also available to offer confidential advice and can be contacted at cab@horizon.co.fk

For further information please contact Senior Policy Advisor, Matt Daniel, at mdaniel@sec.gov.fk

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

4 December 2025

Update on avian influenza (bird flu)

On Wednesday 3 December 2025 swabs that were taken from dead albatross on Beauchene Island were tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Approximately 40 fresh carcasses were found with evidence of hundreds of old carcasses suggesting a more historic unusual mortality event from last season.

A Level 3 response will be followed with strict biosecurity measures being in place.

The Declaration will be reviewed on Friday 23 January.

FIG has prepared information and guidance about bird flu and preventative measures to try and reduce the spread of the virus. This has been approved by the Governor and must be complied with when an area or place is declared as infected. This guidance can be found here: https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza 

Public updates will continue monthly with live updates of cases as and when they are confirmed.

The public are reminded to NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds but report them to the Veterinary Services on 27366 or 55366 out of hours.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

4 December 2025

Withdrawal of Old Paper Banknotes from Circulation

The Treasury Department would like to inform the public that following the release of the new Falkland Islands polymer banknotes in August 2025, all remaining £20, £10 & £5 old style paper banknotes will be withdrawn from circulation and cease to be legal tender from 30 April 2026. 

£50 old style paper banknotes will remain legal tender and in circulation alongside the new polymer £20, £10 & £5 banknotes.

The Treasury Exchequer office, located in the Secretariat, will be able exchange the £20, £10 & £5 old style paper banknotes for new polymer notes after 30 April 2026.

For more information or if you have any concerns regarding the withdrawal of the paper banknotes from circulation, please contact Rebecca Ross on rross@sec.gov.fk or 28400.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

2 December 2025

Notice of Office Closure – Customs and Immigration Service

The Customs and Immigration Service wish to advise the public their office on Ross Road will be closed on the afternoon of Friday 12 December.  It will re-open as normal on Monday 15 December at 10.30 am.

The on-call phone will be operated during this time for emergency and operational purposes only. Should a member of the public have an urgent enquiry please contact the on-call Officer on 52255.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

2 December 2025

Update on avian influenza (bird flu)

Please note that the Yorke Bay colony can now be visited but visitors must remain at least 10m from any wildlife and beyond the ropes.

Since 1^st July 2025 21 suspect birds/animals have been reported, 13 sets of swabs have been taken. Seven sets returned positive results (some may be repeat tests from confirmed areas) and 5 sets of negative results. There are 1 set of swabs pending.

FIG have prepared information and guidance about bird flu and preventative measures to try and reduce the spread of the virus. This has been approved by the Governor and must be complied with when an area or place is declared as infected. This guidance can be found here: https://falklands.gov.fk/agriculture/avian-influenza 

Public updates will continue monthly with live updates of cases as and when they are confirmed.

The public are reminded to NOT TOUCH dead or sick birds but report them to the Veterinary Services on 27366 or 55366 out of hours.

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FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

1 December 2025

Closing Date for Receiving Passport Applications

The Customs and Immigration Service wish to advise the public of the upcoming deadline for the receival of passport applications before the Christmas break.

The closing date for receiving passport applications to be received by His Majesty’s Passport Office before the Christmas break will be Friday 12 December at 11am.  

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