Montserrat

[[file:Monserrat banner.jpg|1280px|Soufrière Hills volcano}}

Note: For the similarly-named mountain-top monastery in Catalonia, see Montserrat (Spain).

The British Overseas Territory of Montserrat is an island in the Caribbean, south-east of Puerto Rico.

This island was a very popular tourist destination until Hurricane Hugo caused widespread damage in 1989 and then in 1995 and the island's volcano, Soufrière Hills, became active. A large part of the island was evacuated as a result. There have been on-going volcanic eruptions in the southern half of the island since that time, and that part of the island (the exclusion zone) is now ash-strewn and inaccessible.

The northern half of the island is untouched, as beautiful as it ever was, green and lush; visiting it is perfectly safe. The active volcano (which can be viewed from a good distance) has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Montserrat is still well worth visiting, and the local residents go out of their way to be encouraging and welcoming to tourists.

Montserrat Halal Explorer

The northern zone of Montserrat has a number of different beaches. Each one has its own appeal and all are worth visiting.

The old capital town, Plymouth, was in the south and has been destroyed or buried by volcanic eruption. While the Soufrière Hills Volcano Hazard Zone in the south is (de-facto) never publicly accessible and the level of access to Central Montserrat Hazard Zones in the centre of the island is variable, based on current volcanic activity levels.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO)] has divided the at-risk areas of the island into zones as part of a Hazard Level System. A map on MVO's website (mvo.ms) updates frequently to indicate the level of permitted access for each zone by one of four colours: green (unrestricted), yellow (daytime access or transit), orange (controlled access), and red (authorised access only).

Travel to Montserrat

Visa policy of Montserrat - 600px|Visa policy of Montserrat

Entry requirements

Proof of citizenship is required, such as a passport. United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and CARICOM citizens may present a driver's licence or other government photo ID; all others require passports. All visitors must have tickets for departure, proof of accommodation, and funds to cover their expenses while on Montserrat.

Citizens from Afghanistan; Aland Islands; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Bahrain; Belarus; Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cape Verde; Central African Republic; Chad; China; Colombia; Comoros; Republic of the Congo|Congo; DR Congo; Côte d'Ivoire|Cote D'Ivoire; Croatia; Cuba; Djibouti; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Ethiopia; Gabon; Georgia; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Indonesia; Iran; Iraq; Jordan; Kazakhstan; North Korea; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Laos; Lebanon; Liberia; Libya; Madagascar; Mali; Mauritania; Mayotte; Moldova; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Nepal; Niger; North Macedonia; Oman; Palestinian territories|Palestine; Peru; Philippines; Qatar; Reunion; Russia; São Tomé and Príncipe|Sao Tome and Principe; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Serbia; Somalia; South Sudan; Sudan; Svalbard|Svalbard and Jan Mayen; Syria; Tajikistan; Thailand; Togo; Tunisia; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; Uzbekistan; Venezuela; Vietnam; Yemen

will require an eVisa, which can be obtained from the / Montserrat Government website]. The cost of applying is $50. Muslims visitors of other countries can travel to Montserrat visa-free.

Several tour operators in Antigua offer day excursions to Montserrat, including observation of the Soufrière Hills volcano. Charter helicopters from Antigua offer another way to view the volcano.

Montserrat — Little Bay port ferry terminal — immigration checkpoint inside - |Immigration checkpoint at the Little Bay ferry terminal Antigua-based day tours, such as Carib-World Travel and Jenny Montserrat Tours, typically package existing scheduled flights or ferry runs to reach Montserrat. Any same-day boat tour will therefore be limited to days with more than one scheduled ferry run (Tue, Thu, sometimes Sat). Once in Montserrat and the tours typically offer a view of the volcano sites or a boat tour to Plymouth.

Antigua's customs departure taxes are EC$37.50/US$15.00 per person. Montserrat departure taxes are EC$10.00/US$4.00 per person for same-day trips, higher for an overnight stay. Many of the advertised package prices do not include this extra cost.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Montserrat

• John A. Osborne Airport IATA Flight Code: MNI 1 6.791389, -62.193333 - John A. Osborne Airport Montserrat Airport (15632994595)

Fly Montserrat, +1 664 491-3434. Scheduled flights twice daily between Antigua and the John A. Osborne Airport (IATA Flight Code: MNI) near Gerald's. The Britten Normal Islander aircraft seat nine people with very limited luggage space for a 20 minutes flight with amazing views of Antigua, Montserrat and other islands in the distance. Approx US$118 (one-way, adult), US$201.90 (return). Private charters Antigua-Montserrat from US$950 (one way).

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Montserrat

The primary transportation harbour (the new port) is at Little Bay, north of Brades. Since 2014, Little Bay has been the target of redevelopment. Regular ferry service from Antigua was interrupted in April 2016, but has returned under a new operator; check the schedule in advance. On some public holidays there may be boat tours with fantastic views of the volcano, pyroclastic flows, abandoned and destroyed towns as well as beautiful scenery.

• Jaden Sunday - Port Little Bay, Montserrat ☎ +1 664 496 9912 EC$300/adult, half-price for under-12's Fast 218-passenger ferry to Antigua, runs 3-6 times weekly starting December 2016, provides luggage and small cargo services. Additional accommodation to dock at the Old Plymouth Jetty as required. One trip daily on Friday and Sunday, no service Monday, three trips daily on Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday may have one or multiple trips, depending on season. A special schedule applies on the St. Patrick's Day weekend. The crossing takes 90 minutes, but passengers are asked to check in 90 minutes before departure; additional charges apply for additional baggage beyond two bags.

How to get around in Montserrat

Traffic drives on the left. Montserrat has one main two-lane road that winds along the coast on the east and west sides of the island. Cars can be rented from several businesses. Traffic is light (there are no traffic lights) but there are only two gas/petrol stations on the island. In 2011, a 4-door Suzuki Vitara (residents would call it a Jeep) rented for approx $250 US dollars per week.

A temporary Montserrat driver's license can be obtained at the police station in Brades or Salem, all that is required is a completed form, presentation of your home country/territory license, and a payment of US$20 or EC$50.

Bicycle rentals are also available. Taxis and buses run, mostly during the day. Hitch-hiking, during the day and early evening is safe and considered normal - just point your finger in the direction you are going.

Walking, while safe and feasible to all points, is quite an arduous task, as the roads traverse very steep hills. Locals tend to walk within a local village or housing area, but find other transport from village to village.

Local Language in Montserrat

The people of Montserrat all speak English (British variety), albeit with a local accent.

What to see in Montserrat

Montserrat_volcano - Soufrière Hills volcano looms at the centre of the southern part of the island AIR Studio ruins Montserrat May 2013 - Ruins of George Martin's Associated Independent Recording (AIR) studio

The volcano! An observation area on Jack Boy Hill on the eastern side gives a view of the ash flows covering the old airport. Huge boulders may sometimes be seen, crashing down the slope in a cloud of dust. Tours into the exclusion zone are sometimes feasible, depending entirely on the official volcano risk level as assessed by the Montserrat Volcano Observatory staff. If you are able to go into the exclusion zone you will pass through a landscape of abandoned homes and fields, see the volcano close-up, and gaze down at the old capital of Plymouth, now buried in ash and mud. As of January 2012 no one other than government officials and scientists was permitted into what little remains of Plymouth.

• Boat tours around the island are one way to see what remains of the capital city and airport, although they are not permitted to stop or disembark in Plymouth. Various operators include Hubert ‘Buffy’ Buffonge in Little Bay (+1 664 492-1590) and Danny Sweeney in Old Towne (+1 664 496-0574); tour duration is about two hours.

• Montserrat Volcano Observatory - Olde Towne 16.7487, -62.2128 northwest of the volcano - Montserrat Volcano Observatory Montserrat Volcano Observatory MVO's observation deck and Visitors Centre are open Monday-Thursday with informative poster displays, interactive kiosks, a display of artefacts and a fabulous view of the volcano. A documentary (shown a quarter past every hour, 10:15 - 3:15) describes the history and impact of the eruption.

• AIR Studios Montserrat (abandoned) - near Waterworks Estate House, Frith 16.74111, -62.21444 - Associated Independent Recording (AIR), founded 1965 by Beatles producer George Martin, relocated here in 1979. Jimmy Buffett’s 1979 album "Volcano" was recorded here, as were albums by Dire Straits, The Police, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ultravox, The Rolling Stones, Lou Reed, Black Jumaat and Eric Clapton. The building still stands, in ruins, abandoned after 1989's Hurricane Hugo inflicted heavy damage. The swimmingpool is empty and the restaurant are closed. All recording equipment was removed and the studios returned to London.

• Montserrat Cultural Centre - Little Bay ☎ +1 664 491-4242 Conference centre with 500-seat auditorium and stage, cinema and concert venue, and banquet facility, recording studio, souvenir shop, outdoor stage for open-air performances. Constructed 2007 with funds raised by musicians who had recorded in Montserrat in its heyday; a ‘Wall of Fame' displays bronze hand-prints of famous performers including Elton John and Paul McCartney.

- Montserrat Museum - Little Bay - Montserrat’s history and culture, pre-Columbian to Modern day. An adjacent Little Bay Plantation site hosts an archaeological project.

• Centre Hills - Centre Hills Bird watching: thirty-four species of resident land birds and migrant songbirds including Montserrat's rare national bird and the Montserrat Oriole. Species near extinction include the Montserrat oriole, Montserrat galliwasp, mountain Chicken, forest thrush, yellow-shouldered bat and white-lined bat. Eight hiking trails. Guided Tours in Montserrat by ehalal.io (email for prices) and printed guides are available for a fee through the Montserrat National Trust or private operators.

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• Desert Storm Bar & Snackette Salem Centre ☎ +1 664 491-5136
• Gary Moore's Wide Awake Bar Salem ☎ +1 664 491-7156, +1 664 492-1357
• Misers Salem ☎ +1 664 491-4182
• ‘Ponts’ “Beach View” Bar & Restaurant Little Bay ☎ +1 664 496-7994, +1 664 491-5025 Sunday BBQ.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Montserrat

Montserrat - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Montserrat, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Montserrat. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Montserrat and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Montserrat. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Montserrat. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMontserrat: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Montserrat.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Montserrat: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Montserrat, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Montserrat.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Montserrat, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Montserrat, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Montserrat and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Montserrat, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Montserrat, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Montserrat without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Montserrat is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Montserrat.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Montserrat is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Montserrat, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Montserrat Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation on Montserrat is a bargain compared to many of its less geologically active neighbours, as the island is anxious to re-establish its tourism industry. The tourism board has listings of private villas for as little as US$700/week. Beware of hidden "service charges", as a few properties have been known to tack on an extra 10% in addition to the room cost and taxes.

Prices do not include the 7-10% tax on accommodations unless otherwise indicated.

• Essence Guest House - Old Towne Bluff Drive, Old Towne ☎ +1 664 491-5411 Guest house owned by friendly Belgian couple, beautiful rooms and apartment ($55 and $75, respectively). English, French, Dutch spoken.

• Gingerbread Hill - St. Peters, Montserrat ☎ +1 664 491-5812, +1-813-774-5270 (USA) $35-125 Guest house and separate villa with mountain and ocean views. A fully equipped suite at US$125, or simpler accommodations as low as US$35. German and American radio amateurs have installed a fully-equipped station at the guest house; contact the Montserrat Amateur Radio Society well in advance to obtain an elusive VP2M local callsign.

• Grand View Bed & Breakfast Baker Hill, Cudjoe Head ☎ +1 664 491 2284 +1 664 491-6876 Price EC$175-260 - Seven room guesthouse with covered patio, occasional live music or special events. Breakfast, lunch and dinner may be ordered in advance, with authentic Caribbean cuisine and home grown produce.

• Hot Rock Hostel - Salem - Near Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Rates negotiable depending on how many and how long, about $25 including light breakfast (in 2008).

• Miles Away Villa Resort & Spa - Mayfield Estate Dr, Olveston ☎ +1 664 491-7362, +1 306-500-3707 (Canada) $100-120 (rooms), $180/night (villa, three night minimum) - Rooms and suites, three-bedroom villa with private pool. $10 extra for AC, $10 extra for continental breakfast.

• Olveston House - Olveston ☎ +1 664 491-5210 or +1 664 495-5210 Built 1950 by the manager of Montserrat Company to replace an original wooden house built in the 1800s, onetime home of adio.com ZJB radio and of the first local cinema. It is the holiday home of Sir George Martin, who was the manager of the Beatles. When he is away, this private residence is opened as a restaurant and six-room guest house. International and traditional English cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner and 'high tea' daily.

• Villa "Tan Ry Doon", - Olveston ☎ +1 802 442-9236 +1 802-442-2861 Price $1250/week (winter), $850/week (summer) - Villa rental in Olveston; owner is based in Bennington, Vermont, USA.

• Vue Pointe Hotel | Old Towne, Saint Peter ☎ +1 664 491-5508 Reopened after extensive 2016 renovation, outdoor pool.

Stay Safe

Montserrat volcano damage - Montserrat volcano damage

Like almost all Caribbean islands, Montserrat may experience a tropical storm or even a hurricane during the season from June to November.

Volcanic eruptions still pose some danger, though volcanic activity has been primarily on the level of a nuisance in recent years. Travel to the Soufrière Hills Volcano Hazard Zone on the south end of the island is generally not permitted, for safety reasons. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (mvo.ms) publishes current risk assessments and exclusion zone limits.

Montserrat is generally a safe place, however in recent years, violent crime has increased. Assault is the most common form, with an annual rate of just over 10 assaults for every 1000 people. (By comparison, Canada's rate is about 7 per 1000). General safety precautions, including not walking in an alleyway at night, are advised.

Medical Issues in Montserrat

No vaccinations are required to enter Montserrat unless coming from a country that has suffered a cholera or yellow fever epidemic.

• Glendon Hospital Saint John's ☎ +1 664 491-2552
• Lee's Pharmacy Brades Main Road ☎ +1 664 492-3444 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 7PM

Tap water is drinkable.

Telecommunications in Montserrat

• The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau (+1 664 491-2996) and General Post Office (+1 664 491-2457) are in Government House at Brades, postcode MSR 1110. While Montserrat doesn't issue its own passport or currency, it does print its own stamps (including some high-value sets just for collectors).
• The Montserrat Public Library (+1 664 491-4706), next to the Al Jazeera Building at Brades, offers Internet e-mail computers, thirty thousand books and extensive Montserrat and Caribbean collections. This library replaced the new library built in Plymouth in 1997, which never opened.

Travel Next

• Antigua

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