- CURRENT NEWS / Fiji
- 28 November 2019
LIKE ALL COUNTRIES, Fiji has strict rules and processes for the arrival and operation of superyachts in Fijian waters.
Prior to arrival, every yacht is required to fill out an Advanced Notice of Arrival Form. Find it here: frcs.org.fj/our-services/customs/customs-forms. This must be submitted to Customs via frcs@yachtsreport.com at least 48 hours prior to arrival. The long list of nationalities that do not require visas can be found here: immigration. gov.fj/travel-requirements/visa-exempted-countries.
Every yacht is required to obtain a Cruising Permit. This is obtained throughitaukeiaffairs.gov.fj. All crew or guests entering Fiji on one-way air tickets will need a letter issued by Fiji Immigration in order to board their flights. This can be obtained by contacting immigration@govnet.gov.fj.
Biosecurity
On your arrival, Biosecurity will inspect the yacht. All fresh fruit, veg, frozen and dry goods need to be declared on a stores list. Most provisions are permitted into Fiji as long as they are not landed ashore. For current details of restricted items, contact info@baf.com.fj.
All garbage must be declared and will be removed on arrival and incinerated.
Health
A Health Department officer will board the yacht on arrival. If the yacht is coming from a malarial area or other country with mosquito-borne diseases, the officer will spray all non-airconditioned areas for mosquitoes. For more details contact maleli.nakulanikoro@govnet.gov.fj.
Importing parts
Nearly all items being shipped to Fiji will be allowed into the country as Yacht Parts in Transit (duty-free) provided they are going to be fixed to the yacht or added to the yacht’s inventory. The only things that will attract import duty will be alcohol and other high duty items. Food and items that will obviously be consumed in the country will attract import duty.
Contact Customs via info@frcs.org.fj for more information. In addition, Port Denarau Marina or any Superyacht Agent will be able to assist with the above by contacting them directly.
Fiji’s Superyacht Charter Licence Conditions and Regulations
- Yachts must be over 24 metres, must not carry more than 12 passengers and must have a minimum weekly gross charter rate of US$55,000.
- Yachts must have a valid Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) certification or equivalent internationally recognised commercial survey for the purpose of carrying passengers.
- A fee of FJ$3600 (US$1,800) will be levied on each yacht for a Short-Term Charter Permit (STCP) that will cover six months and multiple Charters. STCPs can be renewed multiple times for a maximum stay of 18 months.
- Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) will survey the yacht and issue a Coastal Trading Permit (CTP) for each charter. The CTP costs FJ$3,450 (US$1,725) and can be renewed for multiple charters for a maximum stay of 18 months.
- The Environment & Climate Adaption Levy (ECAL) of 10 percent is levied on the stated gross charter fee as disclosed on the charter contract. The Environment & Climate Adaption Levy is a transparent fund set up by the government of Fiji to engage in projects that counter the effects of climate change in Fiji.
- Charter contracts have to be industry standard, either Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA), American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) or other legally recognised charter contract.
- All applications for the Superyacht Charter Permit must be made through a recognised superyacht agent.
- Applications take 15 working days to process.
Documents required
- Registration document
- MCA or other commercial survey certificate
- MYBA or other charter contract
- Crew list and crew certification.
