Guidance and information

About the Census

The Falkland Islands Census is a household survey that takes place every five years and provides a snapshot of the people and households in the Islands. Census night is Sunday 18 October 2026.

Census information helps Government plan and fund public services including education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure.

Who has to take part?

Participation in the Census is required by law; all eligible households in the Falkland Islands must take part.

All usual residents must be included, including people who are temporarily away from the Islands. Temporary visitors staying with a household on Census night must also be included.

The exception is UK Armed Forces personnel currently serving in the Falkland Islands and their families.

When should I complete the Census?

The Online Census will open at 1pm on Sunday 18 October 2026.

Please do not try to access the Online Census or complete your paper Census form before 1pm. From 1pm onwards, complete the Census on Census day or as soon as possible afterwards.

Your answers should reflect your household and circumstances on Census night.

Your completed Census should be submitted by 11:59pm on Sunday 25 October 2026.

How do I complete the Online Census?

From 1pm on Sunday 18 October, go to www.census2026.gov.fk/census/ and enter the unique access code provided for your Census address.

The Online Census can be accessed from anywhere in the world using a valid access code.

You do not need to complete the Census in one sitting. You can close the survey and return later using the same access code. Your progress will be saved.

Each Census address has its own access code. If you have received more than one access code, each address must be dealt with separately.

Fully complete and submit the Census for one address before using another access code. Do not switch between access codes while a Census is still incomplete.

What do I need to complete?

Part 1 – Your household and property
Every household must complete Part 1 for the Census address.

If you have another registered property that will be unoccupied on Census night, such as a non-rented second home in Camp or Stanley, you will have a separate Census record for that property. For an unoccupied property, complete Part 1 only.

Part 2 – People who usually live in your household
Include everyone who is normally resident in your household, including:

• students in full-time education overseas;
• people away on holiday or work trips; and
• people receiving medical treatment overseas.

Part 3 – Temporary visitors
Include anyone temporarily visiting the Falklands who is staying with your household on Census night.

What if I received a paper Census form?

You can complete and return the paper Census form provided to your household, but please do not complete it before 1pm on Sunday 18 October.

Paper Census packs also include an online access code. If you prefer, you may use that code to complete the Census online instead.

If you complete the Census online, you do not need to return the paper Census form for that address.

What if I am overseas?

If you are a usual resident of a Falkland Islands household but are temporarily overseas on Census night, you should still be included as a usual resident of your household.

This includes students in full-time education overseas, people travelling for work or holidays, and people receiving medical treatment overseas.

A household with a valid access code can complete the Online Census from anywhere in the world.

What if I have not received my Census materials?

If you have not received an online access code or paper Census form, or if the Census address shown with your access code is incorrect, please contact the Census team as soon as possible.

How can I get help?

Census support lines will be open from 6pm to 10pm on Sunday 18 October on 28437 and 28422.

The telephone lines and census2026@sec.gov.fk will also be monitored during normal Falkland Islands Government working hours during the following week.

Face-to-face help will be available at:

• Tuesday 20 October, 4pm to 7pm, The Chandlery
• Thursday 22 October, 8am to 4:30pm, Harbour Lights Meeting Room, Malvina House Hotel.
  Access lift available.

Spanish and Tagalog Census forms

Spanish and Tagalog Census forms are available on request. If you would prefer to complete the Census in Spanish or Tagalog, please contact the Census team on 28437 or 28422, or email census2026@sec.gov.fk.

Privacy Policy

Read about how information collected for the 2026 Falkland Islands Census will be handled, protected and used.