What and where the Chagos Islands are
The Chagos Archipelago is a group of atolls in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives. The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a UK and US military base. The other atolls, including Peros Banhos and the Salomon Islands, are uninhabited, and the islands are known for coral reefs and a large marine protected area.
For the wider region, see the nearby Maldives, the Seychelles and India. For anyone planning a holiday in the Indian Ocean, those are the destinations you can actually book.
Access is restricted
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office describes the British Indian Ocean Territory as a British Overseas Territory and states that access is restricted. Its entry requirements page says the territory is not a tourist destination, there are no commercial flights, and you need a permit before you travel. The British Indian Ocean Territory administration, based in London, holds the information on permits.
The FCDO adds that if you are granted permission to travel, you should research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance covering your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Read the full The Chagos Islands guide on Visit Travel Group, or see ChagosIslands.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.