Yachts should not set off for Fiji until protocols are properly in place. Any yacht arriving without approval may cause the border to close again. Customs will not tolerate unannounced arrivals and will come down heavily on these yachts with fines and they will not be issued a cruising permit.

Published 4 years ago

This is the official Ocean Cruising Club Update on the situation in Fiji by Guy Chester & Fiona Jones with input from Cynthia Rasch (Denarau Marina), John Martin (Sail South Pacific) and Carol Dunlop (Yacht Partners Fiji).

Over the weekend of 18/19 June, the Fijian Prime Minister announced the opening of borders to tourists and yachts under strict conditions. A “Blue Lane” of entry has been established for yachts and superyachts.

In brief the “Blue Lane” comprises:

• Yachts must engage an accredited Yacht Agent to make application to proceed to Fiji;
• Only once approval from ALL departments has been granted may the vessel embark for Fiji;
• Approval is not automatic and each application will be specifically assessed on a case by case basis;
• Yachts must have insurance, use transmitting AIS during their voyage to Fiji and meet other normal border, visa and biosecurity requirements.
• All crew require 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 on arrival, and a COVID test may have to be undertaken with costs to be met by yachts;
• There are many other requirements, such as downloading a contact tracing App.

At this time the only port of entry will be Denarau Marina.

COVID test at port of embarkation:

The OCC has liaised with the Ministry of Tourism seeking Fiji’s flexibility in recognizing yacht crews coming from remote destinations may not have access to a COVID test prior to departure and accepting crews may undertake any required quarantine time aboard their yachts. The OCC has ensured government and stakeholders understand this is a critical issue for yachts seeking refuge and/or transit to refuge for the cyclone season who are currently in locations without COVID test availability (e.g. French Polynesia).

Protocols and processes not yet in place:

Denarau Marina and accredited yacht agents have been working hard on yacht entry since March and are liasing closely with the agencies involved to develop policies and procedures for both yachts and superyachts. Border agencies have to develop new assessment protocols and inter-agency coordination beyond their normal processes. These are not yet in place.

Following a meeting this week between agents, Denarau Marina, Attorney Generals, Ministry of Health and other Fiji officials, yachts wanting to visit right away are to standby for now until the officials can finalize and fine tune. All the protocols and procedures will be confirmed and issued in the next week or two. But registered agents have been asked to standby for now.

There is not yet an application process and agents do not have the protocols necessary. Through collaborative efforts this is being resolved as a priority.

Once clearance into Fiji is completed yachts will need to make application for a Cruising Permit and issue of a Coastal Clearance.

A full update with the rules and requirements, application forms, agent contacts and likely fees will be provided soonest.

In summary:

Fiji is opening, but isn’t open yet!

Yachts should not set off for Fiji until protocols are properly in place. Any yacht arriving without approval may cause the border to close again. Customs will not tolerate unannounced arrivals and will come down heavily on these yachts with fines and they will not be issued a cruising permit.

The traditional welcome of Bula is coming and yachts can say the traditional thank you Vinaka Vakalevu soon.

Guy Chester & Fiona Jones (Ocean Cruising Club) 
With inputs from Cynthia Rasch (Denarau Marina), John Martin (Sail South Pacific) and Carol Dunlop (Yacht Partners Fiji)

Related News:

• Pacific: Fiji Maritime Borders Open to Foreign Flagged Vessels (21 June)
• NZ and Australia for Cyclone Season: OCC Working on Solutions (28 April)