Under Customs law here in Fiji, it is a requirement that the Master of the vessel gives a minimum of 48 hours notification to Customs prior to arrival in Fiji.You may fax through or email your C2-C: ‘Advance Notification/Inward Report for Yachts / Small Craft’ to (+679) 330 2864 or [email protected] respectively.
The same 48 hours notice needs to be given to Ports authority, Department of Immigration, Health and Biosecurity. Failure to do so will result in a fine–so let us try to help ensure this doesn’t happen!
We have many reputable and experienced Yacht and Super Yacht Agents in Fiji who will navigate the way through the formalities of cruising to and around the country on your behalf. If however, you have chosen not to use such a service, you will need to read through all of the clearance information on this website, or within the pages of your hard copy of A Mariners Guide to FIJI Shores & Marinas and complete all relevant paperwork prior to arrival.
Regulations for Immigration stipulate that you must be cleared within 24 hours of arrival into Fiji waters. The Ports of Entry, through which you must arrive, are located in Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Levuka and Rotuma. Vuda Marina now falls under the Lautoka Wharf Boundary and clearance can also be made here during shedulled hours. Port Denarau Marina can be used as sufferance clearance ports by prior application only. This can be made though the Marina office or a Yacht agent, no less than 48 hours in advance.
Q Flag
Upon reaching the pilot station, you will need to contact Port Control using VHF Channel 16 to request entry into port. It is also necessary to inform Suva Radio 3DP to direct an arrival notification request to Health Quarantine for radio pratique or physical boarding by Health officials, depending on each circumstance. Unless and until Health Quarantine has cleared the vessel, the yacht must display the ‘Q’ flag at the main mast and all crew must remain on board.
If you intend to clear in Suva, Port Control will likely advise you to continue to the Royal Suva Yacht Club. Staff here will arrange transport the relevant government officials to your vessel for a fee of approximately FJ$40.
While at sea, the RFMF Naval division is responsible for maritime surveillance and represents the border control agencies.
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