Living in Diego Garcia as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expat families moving to Diego Garcia without military or naval ties may need a three-month permit before obtaining a residence permit, which requires a background check and a relevant information report from the United Kingdom or another Commonwealth country. The duration of the residence permit must be linked to the holder's employment. The processing period for the residence permit is six weeks from its submission, according to the Chagos Regional Council.

Language resources

English is the official language in Diego Garcia, influenced by Bentinck Creole English, whose origin is Scotland or Ireland. Resourceful expats could learn some Creole words and phrases, in particular, 'Bonjour' (Good morning) and 'Mesie' (goodbye), alongside the use of appropriate British or North American English, which could provide easier communication flow with the island's population.

Housing

As a remote and scattered community, accommodation options in Diego Garcia are primarily located in the British military base. The rental charge for a single room in a shared house would be around £70 - £90 weekly, depending on the location and facilities provided like telephone, Internet access or cable TV. A one-bedroom apartment would cost approximately £215 - £280 weekly or £770 - £1,080 monthly, while a two-bedroom house would cost between £360 - £450 weekly or £1,350 - £1,800 monthly. A three plus bedroom house would cost around £595 - £875 weekly or £2,100 - £3,560 monthly.

Groceries

Diego Garcia's grocery shops and food stores are primarily located within the military base, so imported goods would drive the prices higher. A gallon of whole milk would cost around £3.10, while eggs would cost £1.80 for six, and a loaf of fresh white bread would cost £1.02. A 200g packet of butter would cost £1.40, while a 1kg packet of sugar would cost £1.30. A dozen apples or freshly squeezed orange juice could cost around £4.20 or £3.50, respectively.

Transportation

Transportation in Diego Garcia is limited to the military and naval base shuttle services and the base-owned vehicles for military and naval personnel. Alternatively, an official permit is necessary for the use of any privately-owned transportation for movement on the island. A driving license issued by the United Kingdom or another Commonwealth country is valid in Diego Garcia without any other requisites, but an international driving permit might be required when driving a motor vehicle overseas.

Diego Garcia has a tropical savanna climate which is moderated by oceanic breezes. The island lies in the north-western end of the Chagos-Maldives Ridge, a submarine mountain range that shelters it from the monsoonal winds blowing from the south-west. Its position in the Indian Ocean brings occasional cyclones, mostly during November to April. The sun shines year-round, and the humidity is consistently high, dropping just a degree or two dew point from December through April. The temperature is moderately high, ranging from 28°C in February through March to 25°C in October through November.

The primary industry on the island is defense, largely due to the presence of the British Military Base since the 1960s. The U.S. Navy has also been registering their presence since 1971, with commitments to the joint development of the island's infrastructure through 2066. Several private companies also operate in Diego Garcia's jurisdiction on logging and construction-related activities, providing job opportunities for expats with expertise in such fields. Careers within the service or related sectors, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs in niche areas like media and transport, are also possible.

Diego Garcia's healthcare providers are primarily the British Military Base, which has an extensive medical facility for its staff, and the Diego Garcia Hospital attached to the base. The hospital has two medical centers that serve as primary and secondary health centers, respectively, a laboratory, and a pharmacy. Ambulance services are available from the hospital's base, to prioritize emergencies and urgent cases. A resident health staff with experience in multiple medical disciplines also handles health checks, vaccination programs, and preventive healthcare campaigns.

Public transportation in Diego Garcia is limited to the base's Navy shuttle bus services, which operate around the clock, and the base's motor vehicles, available to military and naval personnel and their associated contractors. Access to the island's interior is also available via small vessels and speedboats, which can transport goods, passengers and building materials to neighbouring islands like Farquhar and Salomon's; however, the permits for such trips require meticulous security clearance by Chagos Regional Council.

Diego Garcia has a low crime rate due to the island's small and peaceful population. The British military base is the largest settlement with the fewest acts of criminality recorded. Expat families intending to live in this tranquil setting must have a minimum background check and beneficial information report from their government of origin. Access to neighbouring islands, in particular, Farquhar and Salomon's, might pose potential risks to personal safety due to undocumented residents, so cautionary measures are advised.