The framework for accepting foreign pleasure yachts into Fiji has now been finalized and skippers can start with the application process. There is a strict protocol that must be adhered to.

Published 4 years ago

Update 27 July, 2020:

Amendment to Blue Lane Rules for visiting yachts:

1. All yachts are now required to depart within 72 hours of taking the COVID test.

2. Request that the clinic or lab returns the results within this 72 hour period.

3. The test result must be in the form of the complete report from the laboratory that performed the test – on the laboratory letterhead.

Blue Lane Procedure:

In brief, new entry requirements for Fiji for foreign pleasure yachts are as follows:

• All applications will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis;
• All vessels must engage with a Fiji-registered yachting agent at least 5 days prior to planned departure for Fiji.
• The agent will submit the vessel’s application on their behalf for approval with the various agencies.
• Approval to depart for Fiji will be given once a Negative Test Certificate is submitted. Yachts must leave within 48hrs of receiving the test results [revised rule 10 July].
• All vessels will need to turn on their AIS to ensure tracking is possible to confirm uninterrupted sailing and no contact with other vessels.
• A 14 day quarantine period applies, however, uninterrupted passage will be counted as quarantine time.
• Port Denarau is the only port of entry at this time.
• For arrival and clearance procedures, including required paperwork, see this document for details (Fiji_Yachts Blue Lane_Procedures).
• Vessels may require to have a COVID test done in Fiji upon completion of the quarantine period at their own expense.
• Once cleared into Fiji after quarantine, vessels must receive clearance for any subsequent visit or disembarkation at any site or island in Fiji by obtaining their cruising permit and coastal clearances.
• For contact tracing purposes all crew must download the careFIJI app.
  [www.carefiji.digitalfiji.gov.fj]

The complete framework can be found here.

Notes:
Cynthia Rasch from Denarau Marina, who has been instrumental in opening to borders for yachts, advises that consideration for yachts departing ports where COVID tests are not passable, hasn’t been ruled out. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis as per advice from Ministry of Health once they have carried out their risk assessment. They are aware that some countries don’t have the tests or the tests aren’t available outside of their populace. Cynthia suggests such yachts should forward their application to their Fiji Registered Yacht Agent for them to present your case to the relevant body, with proof that tests are not available.

FIJI REGISTERED AGENTS

Seal Superyachts

Chase Smith
Phone: (679) 9996556
Email: chase@baobabmarine.com

Yacht Partners

Josephine Morris
Phone: (679) 9927986
Email: jo@yachtpartnersfiji.com

Yacht Help

David Jamieson
Phone: (679) 7505000
Email: david@yachthelp.com

Information provided by Port Denarau Marina – Port of Entry.

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• Pacific: Fiji Opening for Yachts – But Not Open Yet! (June 28, 2020)
• Pacific: Fiji Maritime Borders Open to Foreign Flagged Vessels (June 21, 2020)

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