Currently these are Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Once you arrive, you can holiday safely and enjoy the best of Fiji knowing that when sticking to Care Fiji Committed businesses, everyone you interact with will be fully vaccinated.   

Planning your trip

Planning your holiday during this time can be overwhelming so we’ve compiled everything you need to know about travelling to Fiji right here.  

Stay informed with the latest Fiji travel updates for a hassle-free holiday.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Fiji is open but before you book the next flight out, make sure you understand your country’s latest restrictions on travelling to and from Fiji.  These are fluid and may include mandatory tests and quarantine requirements upon your return. 

ENTERING FIJI BY AIR

Flight travel to Fiji will happen gradually at first – with quarantine-free travel for fully-vaccinated tourists from Travel Partner countries that have similar high vaccination rates. 

For now, if you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu there’s a beach bure here waiting for you!

ACCOMMODATION & ACTIVITY BOOKINGS

What’s a holiday without peace of mind? Resorts, hotels and activity operators are Care Fiji Committed (CFC) and open to fully vaccinated guests. This means that they’ve adopted WHO-approved health and safety practices throughout their business. 

Look for the CFC logo on our accommodation and activity listings to make your booking.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travellers entering Fiji must have medical travel insurance, with international coverage that covers COVID-19 before travelling. If you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19 during your stay, appropriate insurance will be needed to cover costs related to room relocation and booking extensions, rebooking airline tickets and any associated medical costs. 

Pre-departure checklist

Along with holiday essentials like swimsuits and sunnies, don’t forget to tick off the following before you travel to Fiji.

VACCINATIONS

Travel should be safe and stress-free so for now Fiji is only open to fully vaccinated travellers. Currently Fiji recognises Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines

NEGATIVE RT-PCR TEST

It is essential that everyone over 12 years old gets a negative RT PCR Test done 72 hours before you board your flight to Fiji as this will be checked.  Defer your trip if you feel unwell – we’ll still be here when you’re feeling much better.  

CONFIRMED BOOKING WITH A CARE FIJI COMMITTED ACCOMMODATION IN FIJI

All travellers who visit Fiji will need to stay at a Care Fiji Committed accommodation.  Make sure you have documented proof of a confirmed 3-night CFC booking before your flight. 

DOWNLOAD THE careFIJI APP

You’ll need the careFIJI contact tracing app to access businesses as soon as you land in Fiji. 

Make sure its downloaded and Bluetooth activated wherever you’re travelling in our islands. (Click here to download)

During your visit

Enjoy exploring our islands, but whenever you’re in public please practice these simple steps to keep yourself and others safe. GET TESTED

Travel for tourists on holiday in Fiji is quarantine free but you will need to take a mandatory Rapid COVID-19 test at a CFC-certified resort 48 hours after your arrival in our islands.  Please factor this into your overall trip cost. 

With this 48hr timeframe, you can still enjoy using the facilities at your resort, transiting to  your CFC-certified resort on another island or booking a daytrip tour as long as you’ve   engaged CFC approved and certified tourism operators throughout.  

BE COVID-SAFE

• Wear a mask in public places (eg restaurants, tour buses, shops) 
• Social distance where possible (2m) 
• Wash or sanitise your hands frequently 
• Activate your careFIJI contact tracing app to check into businesses. 

AVOID LOW-VACCINATION ZONES

Most people in Fiji are vaccinated but there are still some Fijians (youths, elderly and sickly) who remain unvaccinated and vulnerable. Whenever possible please avoid ‘low vaccination zones.  

These areas will change as vaccination rates consistently increase across Fiji. A map of these areas will be released closer to the Fiji’s reopening in December. 

Returning home

With your holiday over, it’ll be time to say goodbye to Fiji and hello to the reality of heading home.  Make sure you’re familiar with your country’s requirements for returning home. 

NEGATIVE COVID-19 TESTS

Selected clinics in Nadi and Suva will be able to issue you with a fast and convenient  negative RT-PCR test for your return while your hotel can assist you with taking Rapid tests. 

Depending on your country’s return requirements, you may need to be tested for COVID-19 before you fly home.  A rapid COVID-19 test costs approximately $35 FJD but some countries require an RT-PCR test which costs approximately $350 FJD.  Currently testing can be done at the locations below: – 

You can get a test done at the following locations: 

• Dr Zen’s Clinics (various locations) 
• Nasese Private Hospital (Suva) (679) 331-4450 

A process for in-house testing at hotel properties is being investigated and will be updated here once it is confirmed. 

How do I get a PCR test in Fiji?

Be aware that to return home, your country may require you to meet certain testing requirements. In Fiji, you can discuss your return flight date with your hotel who will help you arrange this process.  They will also confirm a date and time for your swab. Please ensure you do not miss that date and time, as our hotels will have worked out the time needed to get your result back, and for you to meet your flight in time.

Check Latest Updates

These requirements and rules are changing constantly, so check the website frequently before you travel

https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji
 

Each person will be required to complete a passenger arrival card. You should note that the Customs officer boarding your vessel may also complete immigration clearance and issue a four (4) month visitors permit upon entry providing you have a passport issued from a country that does not require you to have a visa to enter the Fiji Islands. Part of the passenger arrival card will be detached and left in your passport and you must keep this safe, as you will be required to deliver it to Immigration again on your way out of Fiji. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Countries That Do Not Require A Visa To Enter The Fiji Islands

Check the list of country’s nationals who do not require a pre-entry visa to Fiji.

For countries that do require pre-entry visas into Fiji, crew members are required to apply for and recieve approval from the Department of Immigration prior to their arrival in Fiji.

You will also need to contact the Department of Immigration regarding any other immigration issues such as replacement passports, change of status, work permit applications etc. It is also here that for a fee of FJ$96, you are able to apply for a standard two month extension to your initial 4-month visitors permit. You may then apply for ‘Special Permit to Reside’ should the need arise, which grants a further 6 month stay.

While immigration services are provided free of charge, vessels will be charged for the return transportation costs incurred by the immigration officer en route to the yacht.

Crew signing on or off

It is important to note that visitors or crew coming into Fiji are not able to enter the country on a one- way ticket. They must have a return ticket OR they must have a letter of approval from the Department of Immigration stating that they are authorized to enter on a one-way airline ticket in order to join a yacht and depart by sea. Airlines will not allow crew members travelling on a one way ticket without this letter, and so advanced preparation of this document is important.

In much the same way, any crew or visitor that has arrived by yacht and who plans on departing by air must officially sign off the crew list and the vessel’s master must notify immigration before the date of departure.

As Owner or Captain of the yacht, it is a requirement that you notify Immigration when signing on or off new crew. You will need;

• A copy of the crew members passport;
• Completed ‘Change of Crew Form A’ when signing on and ‘Change of Crew Form B’ when signing off, both of which can be downloaded from Department of Immigration.

Note: Please remember to keep a copy of the departing crew members plane ticket. 

For more information, or to download copies of Advance Notification/Inward Report for Yachts/Small Craft, Passenger Arrival Card, Notice to Owner of Yachts Declaration and Border Currency Report, please visit the website of Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority.

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.

You will need to provide information relating to the health of you, your crew and any passengers and submit this together with a copy of the 50-day movement of the vessel.

Healthy Ports

For vessels arriving into Fiji from Healthy Ports (free of Malaria, Yellow Fever or any other dangerous communicable diseases), Radio Pratique (approval to berth alongside) may be requested, however, the Health Quarantine officers may still board your vessel for inspection.

Malaria

Fiji is currently free of the Malaria vector; and we would like to keep it that way. Therefore, if you are travelling from or through any of the below list of ports that have been identified as Malarial carrying mosquito areas within the last 50 days, the Health Quarantine department will need to carry out an onboard inspection. If arriving within 10 days, your vessel will be subjected to anti-malarial spraying. There is a fee applicable for inspection and/or spraying which is dependent upon the size of the vessel.

Malarial Ports

Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia (north of the latitude of Brisbane), Panama Canal, the East Indies, Asia, or any port or place in which malaria carrying mosquitoes are present.

You will need to declare this information on your pre-arrival form and you must also notify Port Control that you are arriving from a Malarial carrying mosquito area prior to entering the port. Only after Health Quarantine has given the all clear, will other Border Control Agencies be permitted to board.

Q Flag

Yellow Fever

Anyone travelling within 6 days from, or through a country that is yellow fever endemic (see list below), must produce a valid vaccination certificate upon arrival. This must also be declared on the arrival card. Vessels travelling with passengers who have visited yellow fever endemic countries within 6 days of arrival will be boarded first by Health Quarantine Officers.

WHO: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (2012)

Angola, Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the  Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda and Venezuela.

Worldwide Pandemics

Outbreaks such as H1N1 and Bird Flu have unfortunately swept through the world’s population in the past. Should such another pandemic occur, arrival from, or through an infected country must be declared. The Ministry of Health will take necessary precautions to keep the people of Fiji safe, and you should check for updates to information during such a time, as each situation will be different.

For any further information, please contact the Quarantine Authority of Fiji on T: 3306 177 or 321 5710

It is also ensuring Fiji has a strong export industry for our produce by maintaining existing trade markets and finding new ones.

Biosecurity is vitally important to Fiji as we are heavily reliant on agriculture and our natural environment. New pests can not only devastate our food security, but can also damage agriculture or horticultural production, forestry and tourism and affect trade in international markets.

The economic consequences of failing to protect Fiji are dire: it could affect our employment opportunities, our human health and also our traditional lifestyle which is highly treasured.

All ships and vessels travelling to Fiji need to meet a number of requirements before and upon arrival to ensure Fiji’s environment, economy and people are protected from invasive pests and diseases.

This page sets out the requirements for ships and vessels as defined by the Biosecurity of Fiji (BAF).

Yachts

Yachts and pleasure crafts are welcome in Fiji. However, international yachts entering Fiji waters are considered to be of a high biosecurity risk and are closely monitored by BAF. Hence it is important for yacht owners to be aware of the clearance procedures for yachts and other pleasure crafts.

Biosecurity Clearance Procedures

• Once in Fiji waters, the yachts should proceed immediately to the designated port of entry.
• The Master or Captain of the yacht must declare to BAF the following:
  • the destination seaport in Fiji and the estimated time of arrival of the vessel;
  • its immediate preceding port or place of call; 
  • the proposed itinerary of the vessel until it leaves Fiji;
  • the presence of any live animal or live plant on the vessel;
  • any other matter relevant to facilitating biosecurity landing clearance of the yachts that is specified by BAF.

This above declaration must be made at least 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival. The vessel master must complete a Master’s Declaration Form declaring all biosecurity risk items on board that are either restricted or prohibited.

Items to declare include:

• Foods (tinned/packed), including meat, sausages, salami, ham, poultry, eggs, milk, butter, cheese, honey etc;
• Plants or parts of plants (live or dead) including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, bulbs, flowers (fresh or dry), mushrooms, straw, bamboo or any other articles made of plant materials; 
• Animal products including feathers, fur/ skin, shells, hatching eggs.
• Animals, reptiles, fish, birds (or parts thereof ), alive or dead, stuffed or mounted; 
• Soil or equipment used with animals of any kind or that has come in contact with soil; 
• Biological specimens including vaccine cultures, blood or any other biological specimen; and 
• Domesticated pets to be bonded and kept on board the vessel at all times (cats/dogs/ birds etc).

Some of these items will not be permitted to be kept aboard the yacht for the duration of the visit in Fiji. What is allowed to stay aboard will be at the discretion of the Biosecurity Officer at the time of inspection, depending on the risk they represent.

The Master should also ensure that no refuse  containing any animal, plant, animal product or plant product is discharged from the yacht into the sea while the yacht is in Fiji. All refuse generated on the vessel is placed in a suitable leak-proof container, with a lid, and the container is securely fastened at all times and kept aboard the yacht. The refuse can only be removed from the yachts under the directions of the Biosecurity Officer.

Live animals on yachts

Yachts arriving in Fiji with live cats, dogs, pet birds etc must pay a bond as security against the dog, cat or pet bird etc coming ashore while in Fiji’s territorial waters.

The bond payment is F$1,500 which is refundable upon departure from Fiji if bond conditions are not breached. In general no animals will be permitted to come ashore in Fiji and must remain on board the vessel at all times while in Fiji’s territorial waters. Cats, dogs and other pet animals may not be imported into Fiji via yachts.

Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies not more than 12 and not less than 6 months before arriving in Fiji. One month after the rabies vaccination of the dog, it must be subjected to the Rabies Neutralization Antibody Tire Test (RNATT) with a positive result of no less than 0.5 IU per ml.

By taking these precautionary measures visitors will enjoy traversing the pristine waters of Fiji without the worry that their pets may be posing a risk to the native fauna, flora, the environment and the friendly people of Fiji.

Pet birds (e.g. parrots, finches, canaries etc) on yachts, must have been tested free of Newcastle Disease six (6) months prior to arrival in Fiji, must not have been in the waters of countries not free of Newcastle Disease without vaccination less than six (6) months prior to arrival in Fiji. Pet birds must be in locked cages at all times, and must not be brought on shore at any time.

Other species of pet animals are prohibited from entry into Fiji waters via yachts.

Vaccination certificates and laboratory tests results must be original and made available to Biosecurity Officers when Biosecurity Boarding Inspections are carried out at the first Port of Entry.

For further information or clarification please contact the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on T: 331 2512, F:  330 5043 or E: inf…@biosecurityfiji.com.

Biosecurity Authority of Fiji Offices

Enquires can also be made in person at any of the BAF offices.

Suva Headquarters
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF)
Ground Floor Takayawa
Building, Toorak, Suva
Phone: (679) 331 2512
Fax: (679) 330 5043
Email: inf…@biosecurityfiji.com

Suva Export
Renown Street
Suva City
Phone: (679) 331 2512
Fax: (679) 330 5043

Suva Border
Suva Wharf
Suva City
Phone: (679) 331 2512
Fax: (679) 330 5043

Savusavu
Gulabdas Building
Main Street- Savusavu
Phone: (679) 995 7240

Ba
Level 1
Koronubu House
Phone: (679) 912 0121

Nadi Office
Biosecurity House
Nadi Airport
Phone: (679) 672 5092
Fax: (679) 672 0053

Lautoka Office
Reddy Diamond Complex
Marine Drive
Phone: (679) 666 5984
Fax: (679) 665 0084

Sigatoka Office
Research Station
Nacocolevu
Phone: (679) 628 2533
Fax: (679) 628 2534

Rotuma
Government Station
Ahau
Phone: (679) 889 1042
Fax: (679) 889 1040

There are other ports of entry covered under the Customs Act, but not administered by Fiji Ports, namely Savusavu and any sufferance port.

Communicating with Fiji Ports is via VHF16, and you will be advised when to proceed to anchor at the designated boarding area within the harbour to await the arrival of customs, immigration, bio- security, and health for the required statutory clearances.

Charges relating to pilots (if required) when your vessel is alongside are all stipulated in the tariff guide. Piloting is compulsory for all overseas vessels with associated charges as specified on the Fiji Ports website.

About the Ports

Port of Suva

Port of Suva is Fiji’s largest, busiest and biggest container and general port providing the maritime gateway to the country and also as transshipment center particularly for cargo destined for other Pacific Island countries.

Data

Position – 18 degrees – 8 S, 178 degrees – 26 E

5 Berth Locations:

Kings South; 11m @ CD

Kings Central; 11m @ CD

Kings North; 11m @CD

Walu Bay; 9m @ CD

Princess Wharf; 4m @ CD

Fresh Water: Available at all berths.

Port of Lautoka

Situated at position 18 degrees -8 South, 178 degrees -26 East. Handles mostly bulk cargo, including sugar, molasses, woodchips, petroleum, and gas. However it also handles containerized cargoes including the Fiji Water exports.

Data

Maximum draft: 11 m @ CD

Fresh Water: Available at the wharf and supplied by Fiji Ports.

Pilot Boat: Available.

Port of Levuka

Port of Levuka is primarily a fishing port catering for fishing vessels that berth at Levuka to supply Levuka’s Cannery managed by PAFCO.

Levuka is Fiji’s old capital and the original wharf was built in 1886. Back then it was a bustling trading centre and was known as Queens Wharf comprising a timber super-structure supported on concrete piles.

Levuka Town is registered as a natural heritage site for Fiji; many of its original buildings and infrastructure remain as it was built in the late 1800’s. A step back into Fiji’s past and history is experienced with Levuka and it is this unique atmosphere that has encouraged cruise vessels to berth at Levuka to experience their heritage and culture.

Data

Maximum Draft: 7.5m @ CD

Fresh Water: Available at all berths.

See here for more information on Fiji Ports Corporation.  T: 331 2700 | F: 330 0064

• Certificate of clearance from your previous port/country;
• Crew list, detailing passport numbers, nationalities and ages of all crew and their position on vessel;
• Yacht registration documents;
• Passports for all onboard, which must be valid for at least 3 months from date of departure from Fiji waters;
• Valid outward airline ticket if crew/passenger is disembarking at port of entry and leaving the country by air;
• Completed INWARD CLEARANCE DOCUMENTS;
• Additional Alcohol/Tobacco and Medical Supplies Inventory (Super yachts only)

(Please note that should anyone onboard require a visa to enter Fiji, this will also need to be provided – see ‘Visas’).

Super Yacht Special Duty Arrangement

Visiting Super yachts are liable to pay duty only on the alcohol brought in onboard the vessel and consumed while in the country. You will need to submit an inventory of all alcohol on board upon arrival. This will need to include brand, type, % of alcohol and quantity and measurement of each bottle (see example in box). Also required is an inventory of all controlled medical supplies on board.

Inventory Example

At the end of your visit, you are required to submit an updated inventory of your on board alcohol to customs who will charge import duty for each bottle brought in and consumed while cruising Fiji waters.

Please be warned that while this is all in good faith, spot checks are not uncommon and any false declarations may incur a serious fine and penalties.

Import clearance requirements

All yachts and crafts entering Fiji are subject to import clearance requirements and the payment of customs duty on arrival.

1. Together with the completed C2-2 Form ‘Advance Notification/Inward Report For Yachts/Small Craft‘ the Yacht Master is required to also present the Clearance from Last Port, passports and completed ‘Passenger Arrival Card‘ of all crew and passengers and all such individuals (including infants) to Customs at time of boarding.
2. You will need to inform Customs of any disembarking crew and reasons for disembarking.
3. You will also be asked to complete and sign a ‘Notice to Owner of Yachts Declaration‘ before your inward clearance is granted. You will need to read and understand the contents of the Notice to Yacht Owners as any breach of any conditions may warrant heavy penalties.
4. If you are carrying any currency and its combined value is equivalent to FJD$10,000.00, you will be required to fill in the ‘Border Currency Report‘.

Your entry into Fiji

Under Customs laws, visiting yachts may enter and can be kept temporarily in Fiji without payment of Customs duty on the yacht, provided:

• The yacht is the sole property of a bona fide tourist;
• The yacht is on a bona fide cruise or participating in a yacht race;
• The yacht is not abandoned in Fiji by Master/Owner; and
• The yacht shall remain in Fiji for a period not exceeding 18 months from date of arrival.

The yacht will become liable to duty if:

• It is used commercially whilst in Fiji waters (eg: commercial charter or hired);
• The owner is associated in any way with any entity in Fiji as an employer either before or after arrival; or
• The yacht is not exported within 18 months of the date of arrival into Fiji, unless a customs extension has been approved. To apply for an extension, you need to apply to the Department of Immigration.

Super Yacht charters:

Superyachts that are not registered in Fiji but intend to run charters in Fiji’s Water, are required to register their vessel with MSAF and operations with FRCA. As part of this process, MSAF will need to carry out an inspection of the vessel. This can be arranged directly or arranged through one of the registered super yacht agents. You will be expected to pay 12.5% of the charter fee to FRCA. You may refer to the Super Yacht Charter Decree 2010 for further information. For more info email: Yach…@frca.org.fj

Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority

Customs Duty

All crew and passengers above the age of 18 years will be allowed normal passenger landing duty free allowance of the following:

1. 2.25 ltrs of Spirit, or
2. 4.5 ltrs of Wine, or
3. 4.5 ltrs of Beer, and
4. 250 sticks of Cigarettes, or
5. 250g cigar, or
6. 250g tobacco, or
   (Any combination of the above provided that it does not exceed the equivalent quantity under liquor, wine and beer, cigarette, cigar and tobacco).

AND  8. A new, unused item valued at no more then F$1000.

Any excess to the above allowance will be subject  to levy of import duty and VAT or goods being detained by Customs. Please note that sealing of stores onboard is not permitted.

Yacht equipment

All equipment onboard or imported especially for the yacht will be duty free, provided they leave the country with the boat. This equipment is considered onboard a “yacht in transit” and should be labeled with the yachts name and Rotation Number, in addition to an address including a telephone number and the invoice must accompany the package. The parts will be delivered ‘under bond’ to the yacht by a Customs Officer and you will be required to pay for the Customs Officers return transport costs for this service. Be sure to keep records and receipts of any such delivery.

Prohibited Items

Firearms and Weapons

The importation of firearms and weapons is strictly controlled in Fiji. All firearms or weapons must be declared to the Customs Officer on arrival of the vessel from  overseas.

Firearms onboard will be detained and placed for safekeeping by the Fiji Police who will hold them until the vessel’s departure.

Contraband items

Please be aware that Fiji is vigilant in prosecuting those found with, drugs pornographic material and other prohibited items.

Important Requirements

The Master shall be required to provide weekly updates on status, movement and location of the vessel. Communication can be made through any of the following:

VHF Channel 16  |  T: (679) 324 3782 | (679) 324 3747 | (679) 324 3315

Customs Hotline (679) 324 3666

E: Yach…@frca.org.fj

Facsimile Suva: (679) 330 2864  |  Lautoka: (679) 666 5961 | Levuka: (679) 344 0425  |  Savusavu: (679) 885 0728

Note: You will be subject to heavy penalties under the Customs Act for any breach of the conditions of cruising.

Fees

Border Control Agencies (Customs, Immigration, Biosecurity and Health) hours of operation are Monday-Friday: 08:00-16:30. Overtime charges apply for services outside of these hours including weekends and public holidays (which both require prior arrangement). It is therefore highly advisable to time your entry for within office hours as overtime penalties add up and can become quite expensive

Cruising Permit: No charge.

Immigration: No charge unless a visa is required.

Customs: No charge. However, overtime will be charged for clearance during lunch hour (1-2pm) on weekdays at $27.40. After 16:30 at FJ$18.40 per hour; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, at FJ$25.55 per hour. After 20:00 to 06:00 weekdays, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, there is a three hour minimum charge.

Health: $172.50. Overtime fees of $47.82 apply outside of office hours

Biosecurity Clearance: FJ$89.70 (which includes fee for incineration of prohibited food). Overtime rate of $182.39 applies outside of office hours.

Important Note: Please keep receipts for payments made in a safe place for departure requirements.

*Figures are subject to change

Whether you decide to make the trip to the iTaukei offices in Lautoka or Suva yourself, or contract an agent to do this for you, it is to the iTaukei Affairs Board that you must apply for your permit to cruise Fiji’s waters.

The following information gives a comprehensive guide to the process and the documentation that you will need to produce.

Purpose

The purpose of this permit is to allow bona fide visiting yachts to cruise around the Fiji Islands. This permit is:

• To ensure that Captain of the yacht and its crew are advised of the iTaukei protocol needed to visit iTaukei traditional fishing grounds;
•  To inform the iTaukei traditional fishing ground made in a safe place for departure requirements. owners to welcome the visitors [you] and assist them should they need; and
• To allow the iTaukei communities to report any suspicious activities and/or any vessel that is accessing the iTaukei communities without the Government’s knowledge

Scope

The cruising permit around Fiji waters shall be issued by the iTaukei Affairs Board under the provision of the Fiji Customs Act to Yachts and Superyachts cruising around Fiji waters and traditional fishing boundaries.

Responsibility

The Principal Assistant Secretary (PSD) and any of his officers shall be responsible for issuing Cruising Permits.

Definitions

“Agent” – a registered Marina operating under the Fij Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) Marine Operators. Also refers to a recognized yacht / superyacht agent.

“Crew” – any person engaged in any capacity on board a yacht.

“Cruising Permit” – means the vessel permit issued by the Principal Assistant Secretary (PSD).

“Customs clearance” – certificate issued by the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority under the Customs Act Cap.

“Master” – the person in charge or in command of the yacht.

“Passport” – travel document.

“Superyacht” – as defined under Superyacht

Charter Decree 2010.

“Travel document” – proof of identification as defined under the Immigration Act.

Processes to be undertaken by iTaukei Affairs Board staff

Application for Cruising Permit

Application for cruising permit shall either be submitted through an agent or made personally to the Provincial Service Division.

Verification of Identity

• Verify the Master of the yacht’s identity with his or her passport.
• Verify the identity of the yacht and its colour with Customs Clearance and Certificate of Registration.

Issuing of Cruising Permit

• Enter the name of the Master of the yacht as it appears on the passport or travel document on the permit. 
• Enter the name of the yacht as it appears on the Customs Clearance Certificate on the space provided on the permit.
• Enter the number of months they wish to cruise in Fiji waters on the permit.
• Enter the number of crews who shall be cruising on the yacht.
• Verify the information being typed on the electronic certificate before printing.

Superyacht Cruising Permit

Follow the process as specified above if an agent is lodging the application for cruising within the traditional fishing boundaries on behalf of the Master of the Superyacht.

Duration of Permit

The permit shall be issued up to a maximum of six (6) months. Should the yacht depart the Fiji waters within six months after being cleared by Fiji Island Revenue and Customs Authority will have its permit revoked as soon as it leaves Fiji waters.

Processing Time

The processing time is 1–3 days.

*The word ‘Fijian’ or ‘indigenous’ or ‘indigenous Fijian’ has been replaced with the word ‘iTaukei’ in all written laws, and all official documentation when referring to the original and native settlers of Fiji. 

You must not leave your yacht at a Marina or Yacht Club and travel by land to your chosen departure Port.

Pay your port fees at the port office and proceed to the Customs Office to complete Customs clearance out formalities. You will need your inbound clearance papers, crew details, the details of your vessel and next port of call. Don’t forget your updated inventory of on board alcohol, tobacco and medical supplies if you have taken advantage of the Super Yacht Special Duty arrangement.

Inventory Example

Immigration will not clear you until you have been cleared by customs. Customs will only clear you providing your port fees and all other fees (including health and biosecurity) have been paid (receipts for these should have been kept).

Once cleared, you will need to leave Fiji waters within 24 hours. It is prohibited to stop at any island once cleared out. However, if your departure is delayed for some reason, and you anticipate being in Fiji over that 24 hour time period, you need to contact the same customs officer and advise them of this as soon as possible!

Immigration also requires prior notice so that they are ready to authorize your departure and once cleared, it is expected that you will depart the port immediately.

Overstaying 24 hours after departure can result in large fines ($20,000) or even imprisonment (2 years) of the yacht master, and this can create many problems with your clearance from Fiji. Best to check the weather and your boat for anything that could cause an issue or delay with plenty of time to spare. Be sure to contact the same customs office immediately, and record in your Log Book the reason for failure to depart.

Moce Mada…

• Antigua
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
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• Chile
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Darussalam
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Finland
• France
• Gambia
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• Ghana
• Greece
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• Guyana
• Iceland
• India
• Indonesia
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Japan
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• Islands
• Mauritius
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• Micronesia
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• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• PNG
• Republic of
• Ireland
• St.Lucia
• St.Vincent
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon
• Islands
• South Africa
• Spain
• Swaziland
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Tonga
• Trinidad &
• Tobago
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Tuvalu
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• UK & Northern Ireland
• United
• States of America
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Western Samoa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe