You will need to obtain a Coastal Clearance from Customs if you intend to cruise to the islands or to sail to another port within Fiji. You will need to report personally to Customs with your Inward Clearance papers as well as, details of any embarking crew or passenger (if any). You can only proceed to the next port or cruise once you are given your Customs Clearance.

Permits to Cruise to Islands and Fiji Waters

You can cruise to the islands and through Fiji water provided; you fulfill all the requirements from all relevant authorities. You will need to obtain clearances as follows and also refer to “Notice to Owner of Yachts”:

1. Clearance from Coconut Industry Development Authority (CIDA) and the Ministry of Fijian Affairs for cruise in Fiji. If you wish to cruise in Fiji waters, in addition to the customs clearance, you must also obtain a clearance at any port (whether a Customs Port or not) from the CIDA. Certain islands and places in Fiji are free of Rhinoceros Beetles and you may be proceeding from an infested area to an uninfested area.

2. With the exception of the Lau Group of islands, a written clearance (Cruising Permit) must be obtained from the Ministry of Fijian Affairs if you intend to cruise to any of the other islands. For any cruises to the Lau Group, a written clearance must be obtained from the Lau Provincial Council Office. 

3. Customs  Coastal Clearance to leave Port.

Condition of Cruise

You will need to note that the Cruising Permit issued by CIDA and Fijian Affairs Board, will not be valid if you do not have the Customs Clearance. You must first report inward into a port of entry before cruising to any of its outer islands:

a) For Lau Group, Kadavu, Beqa Islands, Vatulele, Mouth of Navula Passage, approval to be sought from Suva Port.

b) For Mamanuca Group, Yasawa Group, Coastal to Rakiraki, approval to be sought from Lautoka Port.

c) For Ovalau, Moturiki, Gau, Koro, Wakaya, Makogai,  with all surrounding islands and Lau Group, approval to be sought from Levuka Port.

d) For Taveuni, Laucala, Naitauba, Vanua Levu with all surrounding islands, and Lau Group, approval to be sought from Savusavu Port.

e) After completing cruising to local destinations as declared on the outward coastal clearance report, yacht owner/master is required to report his/her yacht to the Customs Office/Officer at which outward coastal clearance was issued before they proceed to the next port.

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