British Indian Ocean Territory - Britisches Territorium im Indischen Ozean

The British Indian Ocean Territory is a British overseas territory. Today it only consists of that Chagos Archipelago consisting of seven atolls.

background

This "state" is actually just a modest remnant of the once considerable British colonial possessions in the Indian Ocean. The other parts were called Seychelles or. Mauritius independently.

The reason why this "state" still exists is very simple: this is where it lies Diego Garcia, one of the most important US military bases with enormous strategic importance, because all the sources of fire in the world (Africa, Middle East, Afghanistan) can be reached from here within a very short time. Diego Garcia was leased from Great Britain to the USA on a long-term basis, and an end to military use is very unlikely.

Apart from Diego Garcia, this territory also includes six other atolls that are now uninhabited. The Chagossians, Descendants of 18th century African slaves were forcibly relocated to Great Britain in the 1960s. They fight bitterly to return to their homeland to this day, but so far without any significant success. The situation is different with Mauritius, which makes territorial claims over the entire area and made it with its claims to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. A decision on this matter is still pending.

On the islands you can see the remains of the settlements that are slowly being taken back by nature, in addition to residential houses, a church and a cemetery. Otherwise, the main attraction of these islands is their untouched nature.

getting there

Some of the uninhabited northern islands have been accessible again for some time. However, there are considerable restrictions that banish a vacation here in the realm of dreams in practice: you can only travel here with your own yacht (there are neither airports nor any regular ship connections). In addition, you are officially only allowed to moor on the islands as a stopover for a trip through the Indian Ocean (so you have to come up with a good and above all believable story if you only want to see the islands).

The other entry requirements (apply for a visa in advance, passport, proof of health insurance, etc.) are within the scope of what other countries require.

Official information

language

English, if you even see anyone here.

activities

Since the area is a protected area, most of the activities you would think of first are strictly prohibited. But you can walk across the islands and swim a little in the water and snorkel (but not dive).

kitchen

Fishing for self-sufficiency is allowed, but you should always bring enough provisions with you from the mainland. Please also think of the water, although there are some remaining freshwater wells on the islands, you should not rely on them to work and also carry water.

accommodation

Since there is no accommodation and you are not allowed to pitch your tent on the islands, you only have your own boat.

security

All buildings found on the islands are officially in danger of collapsing. So you should exercise enough caution.

Climate and travel time

Tropical.

Web links

• British Indian Ocean Territory Government website