The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), an archipelago of 58 islands covering some 640,000 sq km of ocean, is a British Overseas Territory. It is administered from London and is located approximately halfway between East Africa and Indonesia.
Access is restricted and a permit is required in advance of travel.
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⚠ Yacht Permit Applications – Important Update – 18/02/2026 ⚠
Please be advised that yacht permit applications are currently subject to delay.
In May 2025 the UK signed an agreement with Mauritius concerning sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. When the Treaty enters into force, sovereignty for the Archipelago will transfer from the UK to Mauritius. Mauritius will thereafter be responsible for issuing permits for travel through the region. Work is underway to determine the appropriate procedures for handling permit requests following a transfer of sovereignty. Updates will be provided as soon as further information is confirmed.
As a precaution, applicants are advised to plan for alternative travel routes where feasible.
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CSA’s Report on Coral Bleaching
A new report has just been released by our Chief Science Advisor and the environment team at BIOT describing the coral bleaching event that took place…
New Website for Historical Chagossian Records
The BIOT Administration is excited to announce the launch of a new website designed to provide public access to historical Chagossian records. The rec…
BIOT Joins Pioneering Underwater Camera Network
The British Indian Ocean Territory has become one of ten UK Overseas Territories to join a major network of underwater camera deployments covering the…
News
Sliteye Shark Recorded in BIOT for First Time
Over the past year the BIOT Administration has been working with Swansea University on a project to study the extent and importance of seagrass meadow…
CSA’s Report on Coral Bleaching
A new report has just been released by our Chief Science Advisor and the environment team at BIOT describing the coral bleaching event that took place…
