MOUNT PLEASANT COMPLEX CONTROL OF ENTRY
As a military establishment, we must adhere to mandated security and Control of Entry procedures to ensure the security of Mount Pleasant Complex, our community here and all throughout the Falkland Islands. We also remain committed to safeguarding access to MPC and the air terminal for all of the community here in the Falkland Islands. In conjunction with Falkland Islands Government (FIG) we have now completed a review of our security processes and thank you all for your patience whilst we carried out this work.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Passes & Permits Office Contact Details
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +500 76330
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-1700hrs.
Please allow 24-48 hours for a response to emails. Emails are not monitored over the weekend.
When ringing the Pass Office, the Passes & Permits Clerk may not be able to answer your call if they are speaking with a customer at the counter. Please call the number again after a few minutes.
ZUB Passes
1. What is a ZUB pass?
A large number of Falkland Islands residents have a social and leisure pass known as a ZUB pass. This permits the holder unescorted access to the air terminal and some of the social and leisure facilities at MPC. It also allows the holder unescorted access to the air terminal at RAF Brize Norton during airbridge and LATAM check in times.
2. How long is a ZUB pass valid for?
ZUB passes are valid for one year. A short renewal process will need to be completed at the 12 and 24-month point, and a full re-application is required after 36 months.
3. How do I apply for a ZUB pass?
Application forms are available from either the Stanley Police Station or the MPC Main Entrance Guard Room or by emailing [email protected]. You can apply for a ZUB pass via email, however you will have to collect your pass from MPC in person and show your original documentation in order for you to receive your pass.
Before getting a pass applicants will need to:
a) Allow the MOD vetting clerk to conduct a full assessment of the application form.
b) Provide three references, which are checked by the MOD vetting clerk.
c) Provide a proof of address and a valid passport.
d) Provide an in date Criminal Records Check. Criminal Record Checks are carried out by RFIP and can either be requested directly from RFIP or via JSPSU as part of the ZUB pass application process. Criminal Records Checks requested through JSPSU cannot be used for other purposes.
e) Sign a declaration and you may be asked to sign an Official Secrets Act declaration.
4. Is there a charge for Criminal Records Checks?
Charges for Criminal Record Checks are set by RFIP not BFSAI. At present JSPSU can apply to RFIP for the Criminal Record Check on behalf of ZUB pass applicants at nil cost, but this is subject to change. Applicants who apply directly to RFIP may be subject to charge, this is not a BFSAI matter.
5. How long does the process take for a new or renewed pass?
- Applications for a new pass can take up to 14 days to process.
- If you are renewing your pass then applicants will be asked to sign a declaration that their details have not changed since their original application, and passes can be issued the same day.
6. Do minors need a ZUB pass?
No, children under the age of 16 do not require a pass but must always be accompanied by a passholder.
7. Can I access MPC without a ZUB pass?
You can access the air terminal without a ZUB pass providing you are on a flight passenger manifest and being driven by a ZUB passholder or Approved Driver. You can only access the base without a ZUB pass if you are escorted by a BFSAI resident or employee.
8. If I have a ZUB pass can I escort people onto site?
ZUB passholders can escort non-passholders to and from the air terminal only. Only BFSAI residents or workers can escort non-passholders to other areas on base.
9. Can I get a day pass?
Unescorted passes will not be issued to non-passholders. However, escorted passes may be issued to non-passholders whose visit is sponsored by a BFSAI resident or employee, for example when visiting social areas with a BFSAI resident or accessing the site for ad-hoc work purposes. Such visitors must be accompanied by their sponsor throughout their visit.
10. What documentation do I need to get an escorted pass?
You will be required to provide photographic proof of identification (passport or driver’s license) and must be accompanied by your sponsor at the Pass Office.
11. Do I need to visit MPC 12 times a year before I can get a ZUB pass?
No, this requirement has been dropped to improve ease of access for Falkland Island residents.
12. Can I get a 3-year/5-year pass?
No, all passes are valid for one year. Passes will need to be renewed annually and holders will need to fully reapply every 3 years.
13. What do I do if I lose my pass?
If you lose your pass you should report this to the Pass Office as soon as possible and a new pass may be issued. Providing you are logged on the database as holding a valid pass a new one can be issued without you having to complete a new application.
14. Can I still use my old pass?
You can use your pass if it is in date. If your pass is out of date then it cannot be used to gain access to Mount Pleasant Complex.
15. What do I do if I’ve come to MPC and have forgotten my pass?
If you have forgotten your pass you should go to the Pass Office where you will be issued with a temporary pass providing you are recorded on our database as holding a valid pass.
16. I’ve been resident in the Falklands for less than 5 years, how do I provide the required record checks?
As part of the application from for a ZUB pass you are required to provide proof of address for the past 5 years. Proof of your previous address will be required. A criminal record check should detail all unspent criminal offences which may extend beyond 5 years ago. If you were resident in the UK prior to the Falkland Islands, JSPSU may be able to assist in obtaining a criminal record check from the UK. If you resided in another country you will be required to obtain criminal records check or equivalent from the relevant country prior to a ZUB pass being issued. Further guidance on how to do so can be found here.
17. Can I still use my ZUB pass for entry to RAF Brize Norton?
Providing your ZUB pass is in date it can still be used to access RAF Brize Norton. Please be aware that RAF Brize Norton are in the process of reviewing their security policy. This may change the way Falkland Island residents access RAF Brize Norton but it will not prevent access. This Q&A will be updated once the review has been completed.
18. What will you do with my data?
We manage and store data in line with the UK Data Protection Act 2018. All supporting personal documentation will be destroyed after 6 months, other than the application form.
Car Pass/Driving at MPC
18. Where do I get a form to get a car pass?
Application forms are available from either the Stanley Police Station or the MPC Main Entrance
Guard Room or by emailing [email protected]
19. Do I have to come to MPC to apply for a car pass?
Forms can be submitted electronically, however, passes will still need to be collected in person once they have been created and authorised.
20. How long does the process take for a new or renewed car pass?
Car passes can be issued right away providing the correct paperwork is provided.
21. What documentation do I need?
You will need to have an approved ZUB pass, vehicle registration documents, valid insurance certificate and valid vehicle tax disc.
22. Do I need to obtain a new car pass if I get a new car?
Yes, your car pass is valid only for the car it is registered to, so if you get a new car you will also need to get a new pass.
23. How long are car passes valid for?
Car passes are valid for 12 months.
24. Do I need a year’s worth of road tax?
You need extant road tax when applying. You will be issued with a 12 month pass or to the expiry date of your ZUB pass.
25. Do I need a car pass to leave my car at the terminal?
Yes, all cars will need a valid car pass to access any part of MPC.
Access to the Air Terminal
26. What is the Approved Driver scheme?
An Approved Driver is someone who is employed as a driver on either a seasonal, part-time or fulltime basis and registered on the Approved Driver scheme. They may escort non-ZUB passholders who have a valid ticket for air travel and an in-date passport directly to the air terminal. All Approved Drivers must hold a valid Contractor ZUB pass. Approved Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers in their vehicle have the entitlement to access MPC. Applications to join the Approved Driver scheme should be made to PA to Director of Emergency Services and Island Security, Falkland Islands Government: [email protected]
27. How many passengers can I take if I’m a ZUB passholder/approved driver?
- ZUB passholders can escort up to 7 passengers with passports to the air terminal on relevant flight days (if in one car).
- Approved Drivers can escort more passengers as long as they are in one vehicle – so this will be dependent on the vehicle/bus size.
28. Can I drop passengers at the terminal if I don’t have a ZUB pass?
No, drivers must have a ZUB pass to drop passengers at the terminal.
29. Do I have to give 72 hours’ notice before coming onto base/dropping off passengers?
No, this requirement has been dropped to improve ease of access for Falkland Island residents. Providing the driver has a valid ZUB pass and passengers hold a valid passport and are on the flight manifest, drivers can drop off passengers without giving 72 hours’ notice.
30. Can I be refused entry if I have a flight and don’t have a pass?
No, there are several ways passengers can access the air terminal if they don’t have a ZUB pass, provided they are on the passenger manifest. They can be dropped off by a driver with a ZUB pass or by a commercial company authorised under the Approved Driver Scheme. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they have the means to get to the MPA air terminal prior to booking flights.
31. Can cruise passengers get an international or FIGAS flight from MPC?
Yes, cruise ship passengers can use the terminal to catch international flights or FIGAS flights providing they are escorted by someone with an approved pass on flight day (either a ZUB passholder or approved driver).
32. Is a ZUB pass required for LATAM or FIGAS flights?
For FIGAS or LATAM operated flights, you will be given access to MPC if you have one of the following:
- A ZUB Pass.
- You are accompanied by a ZUB pass holder, you have a passport (or other photographic ID for FIGAS flights) and are on the flight manifest.
- You are escorted by an approved driver and you have a passport and are on the flight manifest.
- You are escorted by a BFSAI resident or worker that holds an approved pass.
33. How do I exit MPC after arriving at the terminal if I don’t have a ZUB pass or am not being escorted by someone who does?
It is your responsibility to ensure you can get to the air terminal and that you can leave MPC by one of the approved methods, such as by an individual with a ZUB pass, an approved driver or by obtaining a ZUB pass yourself.
34. Can I drop passengers off at the gate rather than the terminal?
There is no military transport from the main gate to the terminal so we encourage all drivers to obtain a ZUB pass where possible so that they can drop passengers at the air terminal. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure they have the means to get to the MPC air terminal prior to booking the flights.
35. Can non UK/FI passport holders access MPC?
MOD safety and security policies prohibit individuals of certain nationalities from accessing UK military bases (including both MPC and RAF Brize Norton). This list is reviewed on a regular basis. If you wish to book non UK/FI passport holders onto the airbridge we strongly recommend that you seek advice from the Pass Office prior to booking.
36. Can we bring cruise ship passengers onto base?
As above, Safety and security on MOD Establishments including MOD flights is taken seriously. As such there may be occasional circumstances that individuals may be refused access. If you wish to bring non UK/FI passport holders onto base or you have specific enquiries regarding access or travel please contact the Pass office prior to booking travel.
Access to MPC
37. Where can I access on site?
- ZUB passholders can access the air terminal and social facilities at MPC, including the West Store, Bowling Alley, cinema, Oasis café and the Gull & Penguin bar but cannot escort non passholders to these social locations.
- Non-ZUB passholders can access the air terminal only during published check in times providing they are on the passenger manifest and accompanied by an authorised escort. They may also access residential areas but only by invitation of a sponsor or resident.
38. Are there any timing restrictions/opening hours of MPC?
You may only access the air terminal during published flight check-in times and the social areas during normal opening hours. There may be rare occasions where you may not be able to access MPC for operational reasons. On these occasions and where possible, early notification will be given to FIG and the public.
39. Can I use the NAAFI shop?
ZUB passholders can use the NAAFI shop but only to purchase refreshments during their visit.
Falkland Island residents are not entitled to purchase duty-free goods from any of the MPC shops.
40. I’ve been invited to visit someone at their home at MPC – do I need a ZUB pass?
Yes, or your host can sponsor your visit, in which case you will be issued with an escorted pass and must be escorted by your sponsor throughout your visit.
41. Can I visit the Gull & Penguin, bowling alley or cinema if I don’t have a pass?
No, only ZUB passholders may access these areas unless hosted by a BFSAI resident or sponsor.
42. Why do I need a pass to visit our international airport?
As a military establishment we must ensure the security of our base in order to protect our military assets, people and the air terminal, and ultimately protect the safety of the Falkland Islands.
43. If I’m going to the terminal for a flight, can I go to the West Store or Gull & Penguin complex while waiting for my flight?
If you have a ZUB pass you may access the West Store or MPC social areas prior to your flight. Non passholders must go straight to the terminal.
General Information
44. Could I be searched at the gate/whilst at MPC?
Yes, this can only be done with your consent. If you decline, then you may be refused access to MPC. Searches are undertaken to continue to ensure safety and security. Random pass checks are routinely carried out at MPC by JSPSU so you must carry your ZUB pass at all times and be able to produce it on request.
45. Am I allowed to carry firearms on my person/in my vehicle whilst at MPC?
No all firearms are prohibited.
46. Can I take photos whilst on base?
No. Even BFSAI personnel must apply for a permit to take photos on MPC and they are only issued in exceptional circumstances or for work purposes.
