Lying on the direct route from French Polynesia to Vava’u in Tonga, Niue is a favourite stop for westbound yachts. With the first arrivals this season clearing into Niue, the authorities are keen to try and highlight the need for the correct “clearance” requirements before yachts arrive in Niue.

Published 11 years ago, updated 6 years ago

Officials in Niue are concerned that a number of yachts are arriving at the Island without departure clearance papers from Tahiti. This is causing headaches for both the skippers without the correct paperwork and the local authorities.

Keith Vial of Niue Yacht Club reports:

“Some yachts each year – not many but enough to create a problem – are arriving here without going through the correct channels for clearance in French Polynesia.

“When they arrive on Niue, if they can’t provide adequate clearance papers, there is an automatic fine of $NZ200 or $US 175. As you can imagine, this doesn’t get their visit off to a very good start, as it can be quite a business trying to sort it all out, especially if there are language difficulties.

“This occurred last week, with one of our first arrivals for the season. To compound the issue they came ashore without contacting marine radio to organize a Customs clearance.  To cut a long story short ”They got the Book thrown at them!” by Niue’s officials.

For full details on French Polynesia Formalities go to http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/FrenchPolynesia?rc=Formalities

For full details of arrival procedures in Niue go to http://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Niue?rc=Formalities

Contact the Niue Yacht Club (NYC) at support@nyc.nu