Christmas Island - Customs
Christmas Island Customs Procedures for Yachts
Rules:
Australia has strict laws and penalties may be imposed if you breach those laws by illegally importing:
- Drugs;
- Animal or plant material;
- Firearms, weapons or ammunition;
- Protected wildlife and products made from them;
- Some food items; and
- Some medicinal products including performance enhancing drugs.
Firearms must be declared to Customs.
It is not an offence to have firearms, weapons, ammunition or explosives. However, it is an offence NOT to declare these items to Australian Border Force on your arrival.
Drugs:
You must report any drugs on board your craft to the Australian Border Force officer on arrival and departure. This includes medications containing narcotics, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates and tranquillisers in your medical kit. If you use any of these drugs while in Australia you must record this in the craft’s logbook. A doctor’s prescription may validate certain registered drugs.
Importing Parts/Spares:
Many products are flown or shipped to the island and prices reflect this. It may be possible to source spare parts but there are not many marine-focused businesses. There are regular flights from Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia, so it may be possible to have goods shipped in on one of these commercial flights. Check with Customs officials as they will be able to advise you on the process.
Last updated: August 2024
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Here is some general info about Christmas Island after our visit in August 2022.
We arrived from Darwin (where we had to clear out) and contacted the C.I. Harbour Master, who told us which mooring we could use. Note that you are not allowed to arrive at night. Clearing in was friendly and easy.
Laundry: coin-operated machines opposite Golden Bosun pub.
Wifi: Free at Golden Bosun (limited), Bank and neighbouring water company (unlimited); paid at Tourist Office. Local SIM cards are not available.
Rent e-bike at Tourist Office or e-mountainbike at Recreation Centre (possibly via Tourist Office).
Car rental: Kiat Car Rentals (0439 215 388); Soong Car Hire (0439 215 889) – use public phone outside post office for free calls.
Mooring: AUD 10 per day (50 per week) to be paid in cash.
Cash: there are no ATMs. Cash inside the bank (with passport), or ask for cash-out at the supermarket when paying by card.
Provisioning: ask around for local fruit and vegetables. There is a farm on Murray Road where you might get some. The supermarket across from the Tourist Information sometimes has local food. Imported fruit & vegetables are available the evening or morning after the weekly flight arrives.
Smuggling operations in this area – it is the closest port for Asylum seekers entering from Indonesia / Malaysia