Tonga and Fiji: The Importance of Advance Notice of Arrival
Advance Notice of Arrival (ANOA) is an important tool in stopping illegal activity in all countries. Customs in Tonga and Fiji require that all visiting yachts submit ANOA and if they do not risk heavy fines. Make sure you are familiar with the entry requirements for the countries you are cruising to and complete the advance paperwork on time by using Noonsite’s extensive information.
Published 5 years ago
Customs in Tonga requires that all visiting yachts submit ANOA not less than 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA). This form is a one-page form and easy to complete.
Customs in Fiji requires that all visiting yachts submit ANOA not less than 48 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA). This form is a lengthy one and requires good internet bandwidth to upload attachments (for example in Vava’u in Tonga the bandwidth is not enough).
Yachts not submitting this advance notice of arrival may be fined, have clearance delayed, withheld, or even refused.
Fines in Fiji start at 4000FJD and in Tonga at 10000TOP.
Greg Just of Cafe Tropicana, Vava’u, Tonga, reported to Noonsite that only yesterday a yacht arriving in Fiji was fined $4,600FJD (just over $2,000) for not completing ANOA and stopping in the Lau Group which is not a port of entry.
Full details of the clearance requirements for yachts arriving from overseas at both these countries can be found at:
Related News:
Tonga: Clearance Process Now Requires Advance Notice of Arrival
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Pacific Ocean South, Routing