Yachts Arrival

This objective of the section of this website is to help the yachts visiting the Fiji Islands with Customs requirements

Permits to Cruise Fiji Waters

See Arriving in Fiji for information for travelers about Customs formalities, import restrictions and prohibitions and allowances.

See Departing Fiji for information for travelers about customs requirements and export restrictions and prohibitions

Advance Notice of Arrival

Fiji legislation requires the master of every vessel sailing to Fiji to provide notice of arrival 48 hours in advance to Customs:

  • Advance Notice of Arrival Form
  • Details of the vessel
  • Estimated time and date of arrival
  • Customs port where the vessel will arrive
  • Details of crew and passengers on board
  • Last port of call

Completing the yachts inward report forms (Customs, Immigration, Health and Agriculture Quarantine ) can provide this information.

Customs Contact

Customs email: you can email the information to yachtsreport@frca.org.fj

You must also notify the Ministry of Agriculture and Quarantine at the first port at which the vessel is to arrive

Immigration Requirements

 The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority will provide immigration services on arrival in the Fiji Islands .

If you have any immigration questions they could be contacted through:

Fiji Immigration Services
Ground floor Civic Tower
Suva
link to Fiji Immigration Services
Telephone 679-3312622 between 0800-1630 Monday to Friday.

Charges and Customs Duties on Yachts

Entry of Yachts

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

However yachts owned and operated by a bona fide visitor or tourist may be allowed temporary duty free (Link to Concession Code 228 of part III of Customs Tariff) provided that the The yacht is the sole property of the bona fide tourist

  • The yacht is on bona fide cruise or participating in a yacht race
  • The yacht is solely for personal use of the owner
  • Vessel is imported solely for pleasure cruising an the Fiji Islands not exceeding twelve (12) months
  • The minister may in special instances extend the time limit
  • The disposal or use of vessel for the purpose other than that for which the concession is granted and would be subjected to provisions of section 17 of the Customs Tariff Act.

Liability to duty (Notice to Owner of Yachts)

Yachts will be liable for duty if:

  • It is disposed of in Fiji (sold, abandoned or given as gift)
  • It is put to commercial use or for other consideration (Hire, charter or lease)
  • The owner is associated with any entity in Fiji as an employee or employer
  • Enter and reside in Fiji either upon arrival or subsequently
  • The yacht is not exported or departs within the 12 months from date of arrival or a further 6 months as approved by the Minister of Finance
  • The master or owner is a holder of a Fiji Immigration permit to enter and reside in Fiji

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 48hrs 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

Reporting to a Port of Entry

All yachts, crafts arriving into Fiji from overseas must first report to a Customs port of entry.

You will be met with officials from Customs, Health and Agricultural quarantine Division on arrival and must remain on board until the yacht has been entered.

The following documents must be presented on arrival

  • Inward report (including 2 copies of crew and passengers lists)
  • Completed Passenger arrival card
  • Valid passport
  • Clearance from last port
  • Valid outward airline ticket if crew/passenger is disembarking at port of entry and leaving the country by air

Permits to Cruise Fiji Waters

Cruising in Fiji Waters

If you wish to cruise in Fiji Waters, in addition to the customs clearance you must also obtain a clearance at any port from the Coconut Pest and Diseases Board. Certain Islands and Places in Fiji are free of rhinoceros beetle and you may be proceeding from a dirty area to an uninfested area.

Cruising to Islands

You will need also to obtain written clearance from the Ministry of Fijian Affairs for cruises to any of the islands except for the (Lau Group)

Cruising in the Lau Group would need the clearance of the Lau Provincial Council.