You can't go to Antartica

I live in Australia and I contacted the Australian Antarctic Division - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (website https://www.antarctica.gov.au/) - to ask about permission to sail to Antarctica.

They pointed me to this page with forms for approval: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/environment/environmental-impact-assessment-approvals-and-permits/

The page says: 

If you are an Australian citizen, organisation or expeditioner that wishes to conduct scientific, management or recreational and other non-government activities in the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic you will need to be aware of and comply with all national and state legislative requirements.

More specifically:

For tourist and non-government operators, the application form includes a section which relates to safety and contingency planning for tourist and non-government operators (Section E). The collection of this information is in accordance with Resolution 4 (2004) and while providing the information to the Australian Antarctic Division is non-mandatory, it is considered best practice.

The forms (page linked above) to use are:

1) Environmental Approval Application Form.

This form is mostly for scientific expeditions and asks for details of activities. For tourists it says on page 2, section 3: Are you a private expedition, non-government organisation, or tourist operator? If Yes, please provide the information below.

a) Name of vessel:

b) Vessel registration number:

c) IMO (if relevant): 

d) Vessel call sign:

e) Vessel Port/Country of registry:

f) Carrying capacity:

2) Report of Activities Form.

Self explanatory. It’s related to the environmental impact of your intended activities.

3) Guide For Safety and Contingency Planning

Self explanatory, NOT a form to submit

4) Advance Notification Form

Which contains info about Name, nationality, contacts details, name and type of vessel, itinerary, insurance, safety equipment.

That’s it folks!

Basically, you have to demonstrate that you will not cause damage to the environment and that you have all necessary equipment, and plans, and insurance, for emergencies. You have to show that you know what you are doing.

You can go to Antarctica.

The End.