COVID travel restrictions eased with vaccination proof and Travel insurance no longer required
Effective yesterday, 14 February 2023, international travelers to Fiji are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and travel insurance.
This change was made after careful analysis of the global and national COVID-19 conditions by the COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT), and it covers both air and sea arrivals.
Prior to this change, every traveler aged 16 years and above was mandated to provide proof of complete vaccination and travel insurance that caters to COVID-19.
In line with other nations with high immunization rates, Fiji has eliminated all COVID-19-related health measures at the border.
For more information please visit the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport page for more details here.
AT PORT DENARAU MARINA ALL BORDER AGENCIES ARE AVAILABLE ON SITE.
Update as at 5th September 2022
As of the 5th of September 2022, the Fijian Government is removing the requirement for post-arrival testing for international travellers.
No test results or proof of test bookings will be required to enter Fiji. Although mandated post-arrival COVID-19 testing will be lifted, testing will be required for anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms which individuals arriving in Fiji will be asked to self-report on a single immigration arrival card. Those who test positive will now be required to isolate for a minimum of five days, as opposed to the previous period of seven days.
If Travelers who have booked a RAT Test and are travelling to Fiji from 05 Sept onwards request a refund, this will be provided within advised timelines of 5-10 working days. Please contact [email protected] should you have additional queries.
Full media statement can be found on this link.
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Update as at 17th June 2022
AT PORT DENARAU MARINA ALL BORDER AGENCIES ARE AVAILABLE ON SITE.
Arrival protocols into Fiji are very simple and are found on the following website https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/customs/yachts-and-vessels/.
Vessel has to submit their inward arrival form together with their vaccination certificate for each crew 48hrs prior to departure from the last port.
Insurance is not mandatory for yachts given their significantly longer stay. However, it remains strongly encouraged especially for medical evacuation. For those that aren’t able to provide Insurance, a supporting letter that highlights that they will meet all COVID related costs, including isolation if required, will suffice.
Documents to be sent to [email protected].
Upon arrival Health will give clearance for vessels to arrive on dock for further clearance and a Rapid Antigen test will be conducted. Once all inward clearances are completed and cruising permit issued, vessel can begin exploring Fiji waters.
Please note that yachts arriving from the List of Countries/Ports given below are to be anchored outside at Quarantine mooring ground for clearance.
These Countries/Ports are deemed to be Malarial Ports where Anti-Malarial Spraying has to be conducted in the yachts before proceeding to dock.
• Papua New Guinea
• Vanuatu
• Solomon Islands
• Brisbane, Australia
• Gold Coast, Australia
• East Indies
• Asia
Master/Captain of vessel has to be contacted for transportation of Health Officer from Marina to the Yacht.
All crew signing on or off will need to complete forms and submit to Immigration Department and Customs : Forms A and Form B linked.
BIOSECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Vessel provisions (plants and animal product ) conditions by Biosecurity of Fiji:
Frozen meat
1. Frozen POULTRY meat only allowing from New Zealand.
2. Frozen BEEF, LAMB and other ruminant products only allowing from Australia and New Zealand.
3. Frozen PORK products not allowing from any country unless prior approval from BAF with BAF’s Personal Import permit and must accompany all required documents with import permit
4. Frozen Prawns without head and shell is allowed from any country.
5. Frozen meat products apart from above will not be allowed to use during cruising.
Dairy products
1. Frozen dairy products are allowed only from Australia, NZ and France having established pathway country wide.
2. Shelf stable dairy products from approved country list are allowed to be used during cruising. (as per BAF alert)
3. Dairy products apart from above are not allowed to use during cruising in Fiji
Shelf stable products
1. Shelf stable products that have poultry products as an ingredient will only be allowed from New Zealand.
2. Shelf stable pork products such as canned pork or products contain pork as ingredients are not allowed from any country. (N.B: If importer has made prior approval from BAF for this import, it requires import permit with necessary documents accompanying the consignment).
3. Shelf stable products contain animal ingredients other than pork and poultry, are allowed from Australia. (N.B: Poultry products not allowed from Australia)
4. Shelf stable products having animal ingredients other than pork, are allowed from New Zealand.
5. Shelf stable products that have less than 10% of animal products are allowed from approved country list with BAF Import permit and Manufacture declaration (Refer BAF’s alert).
Honey from any country is not allowed to import in to Fiji. Can give options to put on hold or either incinerate thus raw honey from any country cannot be consumed during cruising around Fiji water.
Note 1: Country of origin/ manufacturing of the product: defined as the country in which the meat and meat products, dairy and dairy products are sourced and manufactured or processed Country of export is not always the same as country of origin (please note sometimes third country origin animal products are exported by another country, therefore country of origin should not be confused).
Note 2: If BAF cannot identify country of origin of BAF regulated article with available information and the product does not have labels in English language, these products shall be considered as high risk.
All leftover food, offcuts and ingredients must be collected on board the vessel and stored in freezers (hard frozen). These can be offloaded under direct BAF supervision upon prior arrangements with the port of arrival and if approval is granted to do so by BAF.
All animal and plant products must also comply with other border agencies’ requirements for various approvals to be granted as per this arrangement.
BAF and its representatives shall not be responsible for any liabilities, compensations and delays in these regards.
Note that, it is a mandatory requirement under Part III Section 13 (2) Quarantine Act Cap 112, that all inbound vessels has to provide wireless message to the Quarantine Authority not more than 12 and not less than 4 hours before the time on which the vessel is expected to arrive at Port. Filling in of C2C form is okay, but note that the Health Team will still require the documents below:
- Separate Maritime Declaration stamped and signed by Captain (not the one in the C2C form)
- Health Arrival Cards to be filled and signed by individuals upon arrival.
- Last 50 days movements or list of last port of calls.
- Proof of Vaccination (COVID19 and Quarantinable disease)
Without the above and prior notification of ETA, Health will hold for clearance and granting of free pratique until all documents are in order.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROTOCOL
Any person who fails to comply with the mandatory requirements under this Protocol as ordered by the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a
fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both under the Public
Health Act 1935.
Effective 5th May 2022
Fully vaccinated visitors to Fiji can enjoy quarantine-free travel with supporting:
- Yacht arrivals undergo vetting prior to arrival by submitting their documents at least 48 hrs in advance to FRCS,
- including their vaccination status (applicable for 16 years and over)
- insurance confirmation including COVID as part of cover.
- Vessels need to pre-book a test to be conducted on arrival by a nominated service provider since they would have covered their 2 – 3 days at sea prior to arrival and clear via normal clearance procedures thereafter.
- Should a crew be tested positive, they would be required to quarantine at an approved quarantine facility on Denarau Island (Sofitel or Hilton Resort) or a Government Managed Facility (Tanoa Hotel, Nalagi Hotel or Nasau Apartments) for a minimum of 7 days irrespective of their country of arrival.
We invite you to stay updated by directly visiting official sites:
Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport
Update as at 15th March 2022
Update as at 26th January 2022
Big thank you to MOH, MCTTT and TF that sees Port Denarau Marina established as a “SAFE TRAVEL AREA(STA)” under the protocols of the CareFiji Commitment Certification.
All elements of entry into Fiji(either by air or sea) remain the same, other than the owner being permitted to remain onboard their vessel from point of arrival rather than having to stay in a CFC hotel accommodation.
Interested parties would have to enlist the services of an agent that will organize an official letter from the marina..
Please refer to any of the three(3) agents in the marina:
1.Seal Superyachts
Chase Smith
(679) 999 6556
2.Yacht Partners
Josephine Morris
(679) 992 7986
3.Yacht Help
David Jameison
(679) 750 5000
Details to forward to agents:
1.Biodata Page of passport
2.Home Address
3.Arrival Date into Fiji
Agents also ensure that the 48hour COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are carried out.
All guests staying within the Denarau STA are reminded to adhere to the conditions of entry into Fiji which include:
*Being fully vaccinated
*Having a negative PCR test prior to boarding
*Have valid travel insurance
*Having pre-booked CFC approved transport from the airport to Denarau
*Ensuring that they are tested at 48 hours as above, and again 72 hours prior to departure with a PCR test.
*Wearing a mask indoors, in public crowded places, and adhering to social distancing.
*Scanning in using the CareFiji app when visiting high risk areas and businesses.
We invite you to stay updated by directly visiting official sites:
MCTTT Protocol for the blue lanes initiative
Tourism Fiji CareFiji Commitment
All other enquires can be forwarded to [email protected]
Update as at 15th November 2021.
Click on the Government Facebook link to access a live map displaying areas deemed vulnerable as a result of low vaccination rates.
Update:
23rd September 2021 – The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce Public Advisory has a few changes specifically listed below:
- Entry into Fiji after 9th September will only be approved for fully vaccination crew and passengers. A copy of the vaccination cards highlighting both 1st and 2nd vaccinations dose and dates and a completion of 2 weeks wait period for maximum efficacy.
- For those who are already in Fiji, it is encouraged that you get vaccinated as you may be refused service or turned away from some businesses based on this requirement. These requirement may also be put in place by outer islands. A VAX-Check tool will soon be utilized to verify patron/customer details, once consent has been confirmed. If consent is not confirmed, entities are not to provide any services accordingly.
- The requirement for fly-in crew (coming in now) is for them to be vaccinated and clear the usual 14 day quarantine requirement at a designated facility prior to joining the vessel
- If they come in with the vessel – the usual standard protocols still apply (no changes) with the only difference being they must be vaccinated & proof provided beforehand
- When sending in applications (henceforth) you must also send in details of your vaccinations
16th June 2021 – The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce has released a Public Advisory regarding a change in current protocols for the Blue Lane Initiative.
- Following the easing of restrictions in Nadi and Lautoka, vessels may disembark Viti Levu based ports for contactless provisioning, with the exception of the Lami-Suva–Nausori Containment Zone.
- Port Denarau remains a customs and quarantine clearing port for yachts arriving.
- Once a yacht successfully clears at Port Denarau and completes contactless provisioning, the vessel may cruise to other outer islands. The yacht must, at all times, display the Blue Lanes flag provided at the time of clearance.
- For vessels clearing outside of Viti Levu (Savusavu), while cruising throughout the island groups is permitted with a clear display of the Blue Lanes flag, access to Viti Levu is prohibited.
- Vessels cruising outside the Containment Zone may go ashore and partake in leisure activities such as water sports, snorkel, dive, etc. while observing COVID safe protocols.
- For vessels whose crew and passengers need to disembark on Viti Levu for any reason either than turn around provisioning, a mandatory 14-day quarantine on their vessel shall apply, prior to visiting any other islands. This will be undertaken at the designated quarantine anchorage at Port Denarau under the surveillance of the Fiji Navy. The yacht will only be permitted to depart for other islands upon clearance by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, as per the standard protocols of clearing yachts arrival under the Blue Lanes.
- All ports are to continue with strict monitoring and all vessels are required to keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned on and visible at all times.
- Penalty for breach of any of these terms may result in seizure of the vessel.
14th May 2021 – Fiji is currently experiencing our second wave of COVID cases in the community and therefore there has been changes made in protocols for the Blue Lanes Initiative. A full copy of the changes can be found here. We continue to receive vessels under the Blue Lanes as our maritime borders remain open. Please engage with an agent to start your application process.
The Fijian Prime Minister announced the opening of borders to tourist and yachts under strict conditions in June 2021. Yachts must apply and be approved before embarking toward Fiji, approval is not automatic and each application will be specifically assessed. Applications MUST BE THROUGH AN AGENT.
A BULA WELCOME AWAITS YOU!! |
Blue Lanes Procedure
In Summary, yachts must apply and be approved before embarking toward Fiji, approval is not automatic and each application will be specifically assessed. Applications MUST BE THROUGH AN AGENT, yachts must have insurance and meet other normal border, visa and Bio-security requirements.
The three registered Yacht Agents in Fiji processing cruiser applications are:
- Seal Superyachts – (only for superyachts)
- Chase Smith
- Phone: (679) 9996556
- Email: [email protected]
- Yacht Help
- David Jamieson
- Phone: (679) 7505000
- Email: [email protected]
- Yacht Partners
- Josephine Morris
- Phone: (679) 9927986
- Email: [email protected]
The announcement of this “Blue Lane” for yachts and superyachts requires a COVID test at the port of embarkation, there is then a 14 day quarantine period with time at sea counted, yacht crews may undertake quarantine aboard. A health check will be required, and a RT-PCR test may been undertaken with costs to be met by yachts. The vessel is required to have uninterrupted passage to Fiji which will be verified through their AIS, every crew onboard is required to download FijiCare App for contact tracing prior to departure.
Port Denarau Marina stands as one of Fiji’s port of entry.. You will find a video of the procedures here.
In this case the vessel may remain in Fiji for a period not exceeding 60 months (54 months initial period + 6 months extension period). Please take special note of the following:
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 the 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 60 months after its first arrival.
The yacht will become liable to duty if:
- It is put to commercial use or for other considerations while in Fiji waters (e.g. commercial charters, hiring or leasing, etc.);
- The owner is associated in any way with any entity in Fiji as an employer or employee either before or after arrival; or
- The yacht is not exported within 60 months(54 months initial period + 6 months extension period) of the date of the yachts first arrival in Fiji.
Procedures of Yacht Entry
With the announcement of the Fiji Borders opening to Yachts under the Blue Lane Framework (Standard Operational Procedure), this is a procedure approved by all relevant authorities however it is a live working document which may change without prior notices.
The document is available on our Resources Tab under Forms and Documents.
If you intend to bring a pet in, please read through the BRINGING CATS AND DOGS INTO FIJI ON VESSELS. The application forms are located in our document folder.
Procedures of Flags
“Blue Lane Approved” burgee flags
These flags act as a confirmation that the vessel has completed the protocols set out by the Fiji Government.
It is reassurance that all yachts flying these flags have completed their quarantine, mandatory protocols and do not pose any COVID-related threat to the local community.
- These flags will be distributed by customs upon presentation of cruising permit.
Charges and Customs Duty
There are Customs Charges and Duties that are payable depending on the nature of the goods and time of clearance. A summarisation of this is as below:
Attendance Fees
Customs normal working hours are from 0800 – 1300 and 1400 – 1630 hrs and any clearance done outside these working hours, are subject to the following:
- Any Clearance done between 1630hrs to 2000hrs (Monday – Friday) – FJD$25.00/hr
- Any Clearance done between 2000hrs to 0500hrs (Monday – Friday) – FJD$75.00/hr
- Any Clearance done between 1300hrs to 1400hrs (Monday – Friday) – FJD$40.00
- Any Clearance done on Weekends and Public Holidays – FJD$105.00/hr
Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Will be confirmed by the Yacht Agents accordingly as fees may change due to Health Requirements that maybe required for individual yacht.
Bio-security Authority of Fiji
CATEGORY 4: CONVEYANCE CLEARANCE OF VESSELS
- C4-3 – Boarding and clearance of super yachts during normal working hours – per vessel – FJD$183.12
- C4-4 – boarding and clearance of Super Yachts after hours – per vessel- $462.16
- C4-5 – Boarding and clearance of Yachts during normal working hours – per vessel – FJD$85.02
- C4-6 – Boarding and clearance of yachts after hours – per vessel – FJD$172.87
CATEGORY 1: IMPORTS RISK ANALYSIS
C1-18 – Refundable bond for animals quarantined on board vessels – FJD$1,500.98 (per clearance)
C1-22 – Monitoring and Inspection of Bonded animals on board vessels – FJD$27.25 (Per inspection)
For Payment of Bond Refund:
- A written notice of request for payment of refund is to be submitted to the Authority ONE (1) week before departure to allow for processing
CATEGORY 2: IMPORTS
- C2-19 – Inspection of foreign garbage and supervision of incineration during normal working hours – FJD$106.28 (per clearance)
- C2-20 – Inspection of foreign garbage and supervision after hours – FJD$165.79 (per clearance)
[Working Hours: Monday – Friday: 0800hrs – 1700hrs]
[After Hours: Monday – Friday: 1700hrs – 0800hrs; Weekends and Public Holidays]
Duties
All crew and passengers above the age of 17years will be allowed normal passenger landing duty free allowance of the following:
- 2.25ltrs of Spirit or
- 4.5ltrs of Wine or
- 4.5ltrs of Beer, and
- 250 sticks of Cigarettes, or
- 250g cigar or
- 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).
- Any other personal belonging up to a value of FJD$1,000.00
Any excess to the above allowance will be subject to levy of import duty and VAT or goods being detained by Customs.
Firearms and Weapons
The importation of firearms is strictly controlled in Fiji. All firearms 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. Collection times for arms should be arranged with Police at least 48 hours before departure time. The importation of weapons such as flick knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters and any weapon designed to give the appearance of another article is prohibited. All ships and vessels travelling to Fiji need to meet a number of requirements before and on arrival to ensure Fiji’s environment, economy and people are protected from invasive pests and diseases. http://www.frca.org.fj/yachts-arrival/
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF)
This page sets out the requirements for visiting vessels:
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 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 yachtmaster 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 dogs, cat and pet birds etc coming ashore while in Fiji’s territorial waters. The bond payment is $FJD $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. Cat and 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 be free Newcastle Disease without vaccination, 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 the animal 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 Inspection are carried out at the First (1ST) Port of Entry. For further information or clarification please contact the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on phone 3312512, fax 3305043 or by email. Enquires can also be made in person at any of the BAF office.
Intention to Bring a Yacht to Fiji
As interim or transiting tourists, they are permitted to enter Fiji with their baggage, provided they leave Fiji within the period allowed under Fiji’s visa regime. It is important to note that any person arriving in Fiji using whatever means of transportation must have a valid passport at all times and the validity of the passport must not be less than the period of stay in Fiji.
It is basic requirement under Customs laws that the master of the vessel must give a minimum of 24 hours notification to Customs prior to arrival in Fiji. This may be through Suva Radio 3DP using channels 16 and 12. A written notification may also be sent on facsimile (679) 330 2864, if such a facility is on board. It shall also be necessary for their informing Suva Radio 3DP to direct their arrival notification request to port Health Quarantine for radio pratique or the need for physical boarding by Health authorities, depending on each traveling circumstance.
Unless and until Health Quarantine has issued the health pratique, the yacht must display the ‘Q’ flag at the main mast. The Customs and security issues in Fiji are strict and all vessels of whatsoever description must proceed directly to a port of entry (currently Denarau and Savusavu) and not to any other place in Fiji without written clearance authority from the Customs. Although there are several marina and club facilities in Fiji, none is a port of entry and any vessel or yacht found at places other than a port without Customs clearance would be prosecuted with severe fines. Serious Customs offences also include forfeiture of the yacht or vessel.
As with most countries, Fiji is taking a very hard line attitude to persons or yachts found with drugs, weapons, pornographic material or other prohibited items. Travelers to Fiji having doubts as to the legality of items on board are strongly advised to contact the relevant authorities before arrival. All such items must be declared to the Customs Officer who comes on board to inspect the yacht or other vessel. Before a vessel or yacht leaves any country bound for Fiji, the master is required by law and must obtain a valid Customs clearance from the Customs authorities of that country. This clearance certificate will be collected by Customs upon their boarding of the vessel. 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 the 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 60 months (54 months initial period + 6 months extension period) after its first arrival.
The yacht will become liable to duty if:
- It is put to commercial use or for other considerations while in Fiji waters (e.g. commercial charters, hiring or leasing, etc);
- 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 60 months (54 months initial period + 6 months extension period) of the date of the yacht¡¦s first arrival in Fiji.
All adults above the age of 17 will be given to enjoy landing passenger liquor and tobacco allowances and other goods as for any other arriving passenger.
Departing Fiji
Departing Fiji is slightly easier as you will require two government officials for clearing out. The two officials is Immigration and Customs. You have to scan and send the filled check out forms to [email protected] 24hrs in advance and advising them which port you would like to clear out from.
The required forms for clearing out is also on our website in the resources section.
You are required to sail to the desired Port for Clearance, you cannot anchor your vessel and travel by land to the customs office as officials will require to see the vessel following the clearance process.
The customs officer will require the receipt copies of your clearance into the country therefore please ensure that these are kept safely. Once cleared, you will need to leave Fiji waters within 24 hours. It is prohibited to stop at any island once cleared. 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!
Extension of Immigration Visa – COVID 19
There are two (2) options for yacht owners and crews who intend to extend their visa in Fiji under current COVID conditions:
Option 1: Special Purpose Permit for Yacht Owner and Crew
Definition
A special purpose permit granted under this category means a permit granted to non-citizen Yacht owners and or crew to reside on board their yacht whilst in Fiji for duration not exceeding six (6) months beyond the initial six month issued under the visitors permit category.
Policies
(a) The Immigration Department will consider each application for a special purpose permit under this category on merit and on a case by case basis.
(b) The permit is only issued to yachts which are legally in Fiji
(c) The permit becomes null and void once the yacht exits Fiji.
(d) Coextensive permits apply under this category (See Sec 10)
Option 2: Special Purpose Residence Permit – COVID19
This permit is issued to those who have exhausted their current permit and are unable to leave Fiji due to closure of borders.
Note that application fee under option 2 is per applicant. Co-extensive permit does not apply under this category.