The Chagos Archipelago

"The law has been broken, self determination has not been respected, human rights have been violated. Mauritius, is entitled to exercise control, sovereignty if you like, over these islands, as rapidly as possible. Faced with that, I suspect the United Kingdom will say to itself, what resistance can we put up to moving forward, and particularly in the context of Brexit, as the United Kingdom finds itself a little bit isolated in the world." Philippe Sands QC, Mauritius Counsel at the International Court of Justice and ITLOS

Map of Indian Ocean showing location of Chagos Archipelago and Environment (Preservation & Protection) Zone which was proclaimed as a Marine Protected Area on 1 April 2010.

Background

The Chagos Archipelago, which was claimed by the United Kingdom as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) in 1965 lies about 1,770km east of Mahé (the main island of the Seychelles). It consists of about 60 low-lying coral islands, and covers some 640,000 sq km of ocean. The total land area is only about 60 sq km.

Diego Garcia, the largest and most southerly island, is 44 sq km in land area. It houses the US Naval Support Facility, a Naval and Airbase with a small (circa 40) Royal Naval and Royal Marine contingent from the United Kingdom.

Access to BIOT

The United Kingdom controls all access to the Territory, for which a permit is mandatory. There are no commercial flights and permits are only issued to yachts in safe passage. Tourism and visits are not encouraged by the UK or US Governments.

Yachts are normally permitted to moor at specified locations in Salomon and Peros Banhos atolls for a maximum stay of 28 days at a fee of £100 for each 7 days - for full up-to-date regulations see BIOT Administration - Yachts .

Access to Diego Garcia

Access to Diego Garcia is further restricted and is only permitted to those with connections to the military facility. No unauthorised vessels or yachts are permitted to approach within 3 nautical miles (the limit of the Territorial Sea).

The US/UK Exchange of Notes 1976 [see page US/UK Agreements] defines those who may enter the island:

                  • Members of the Forces of the UK and US

                  • The BIOT Commissioner and public officers of the BIOT

                  • Representatives of the UK and US Governments

                  • Contractor Personnel (subject to normal immigration requirements)

In addition, the UK Government is permitted to grant access to "members of scientific parties wishing to carry out research on Diego Garcia and its environs, provided that such research does not unreasonably interfere with the activities of the facility". Prior consultation for this is required with the US.

Aside from these groups, any access requires prior consultation with US authorities.

Page last edited 23 Oct 2020