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Visiting the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) is extremely restricted due to its status as a military base (Diego Garcia). Public access is generally prohibited. Activities are limited to authorized personnel, such as military or research staff.
The British Indian Ocean Territory is a British overseas territory in the central Indian Ocean. The entire territory is located south of the Maldives, between the east coast of Africa and Indonesia. It includes islands, reefs, shoals, etc. The islands are collectively called the Chagos Archipelago, which includes a total of 2,300 tropical islands of various sizes, with a total land area of about 60 square kilometers.
The Chagos Archipelago was discovered by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in the early 16th century. In 1965, the United Kingdom separated the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius. On November 8 of that year, the Chagos Archipelago and the Seychelles' Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches Islands were officially established as the British Indian Ocean Territory. On June 23, 1976, upon Seychelles' independence, the United Kingdom returned Aldabra, Farquhar, and Desroches to Seychelles. Thus, the British Indian Ocean Territory now consists of only six main islands, including the Chagos Archipelago.
The local climate is tropical, hot and humid
The British Indian Ocean Territory consists mainly of the island of Diego Garcia. It was established as a British territory in 1965 and leased to the United States for a military base. The islands are strategically important for military operations in the Indian Ocean region.
The territory is in the central Indian Ocean. Public access is not allowed; travel is only possible via military or authorized charter flights.
Not applicable. The territory is closed to the general public.
Not applicable. Public entry is prohibited.
Not applicable. Entry is restricted to authorized personnel only.
Not applicable for public visitors.
Not accessible for tourists. Diego Garcia hosts a U.S. military base and is off-limits to the general public.
No public tours or guides are available.
Photography and sightseeing are restricted due to security reasons.
Not applicable for public visitors.
No public night visits or special tours are available.
The territory is not accessible to the public, so crowding is not relevant.
Facilities exist only for military personnel and authorized staff.
No public access; not applicable.
Not applicable for tourists.
Only facilities for military personnel exist; no public restaurants or cafes are available.
Food options are provided for military personnel; public options are unavailable.
No public accommodations exist.
Not applicable due to restricted access.
Not applicable for public visitors.
Public transportation options do not exist; access is restricted to military flights and vessels.