Fiji
From CruisersWiki
Fiji
| Fiji | |
 Flag | |
| Capital: | Suva |
|---|---|
| Language: | English, Fijian, Hindi |
| Currency: | Fijian Dollar |
| More notes about the country | |
Background
Some history about the country needs to be submitted here.
Climate & Weather
Submit the climate details and sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Important Note: See the Unmarked Hazards list for the passage between Fiji and Tonga. (Kindly hosted by sv Ocelot)
Local Radio Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Arrival Procedures as of 21 December 2007
First, please note that there is no sense of humour about drugs, pornography, or weapons! Please be a considerate guest (we love to have visitors) by not putting yourselves and ourselves in a situation we would prefer to avoid! A Canadian cruiser spent time in jail here for failing to declare a handgun and a significant amount of ammunition.
Please also note effective 1 July 2007, the form C.2.C (download here FIRCA Form C.2.C ) must be on file at FIRCA a minimum of 48 hours in advance of arrival in Fiji, via fax to FIRCA at the port you would like to enter.
Please note the word minimum means that you can fax it in before you depart your last port in order for it to be on record upon your arrival. This requirement was forced on Fiji by the G-8, don't blame us!
You may not leave your boat until all of the officials have cleared you. In Savusavu, Waitui Marina and Bosun's Locker will perform the clearance for you free of charge if you pick up one of their moorings, Copra Shed Marina has a minor additional charge.
There is a health fee charged ~F$38, as you are covered by the Fiji Health system, but no other charges levied ""UNLESS"" you incur overtime by not checking in during working hours. Do not get caught dropping an anchor anyplace in Fiji without being cleared into the country. Heaving-to is acceptable if outside a port, just keep an eye out for small, unlit fishing boats.
There is a move afoot to have one (1) AUTHORISED yacht agent in each of the four ports of entry, but, to date, this has not materialised. There is also talk of opening Rotuma in the far north as another Port of Entry.
After you have cleared into one of the Ports of Entry, you may only travel to another port of entry unless you obtain a Fiji Islands Cruising Permit. For all of the islands except the Lau Group, there is no charge by the Government for this permit, however you will likely be charged a small service fee to have it processed outside of Suva (fax charges being high).
This permit is written in the Fijian Language and requests that the Turaga Ni Koro (mayor, not chief!) to extend courtesy to you and allow your vessel and yourselves to enter the villages (this is different and seperate from the sevusevu, a presentation of yangona (aka, grog or kava) to the Turaga Ni Vanua, the senior-most chief of the families living in the village.
To depart the port to a destination within Fiji, you need to present your customs clearance, along with your copy of the Cruising Permit, to the Customs office and give them an intinerary of where you wish to travel to/from. If your route takes you past a Port of Entry, you must check-in/out with that Port also.
Do not think about trying to cheat. There is an active coast watch system with the Turaga Ni Koro's. In times past, some yachts have received a scolding the first time, large fines on the second. Some have received large fines and expulsion on their first flaunting of the law.
You may not depart Fiji from something else besides a Port of Entry. In years past, Musket Cove has arranged to have officials come out before the start of the 'race' to Vanuatu, but this is subject to the whim of the government.
Vinaka vaka levu.
The following FAQ's are posted on the Inland Revenue Web Site and appear here with their approval. I've taken the liberty to comment on them, with my comments in italics.
1) Where do I have to go to enter my yacht if I am coming to Fiji ?
You can enter at any of the following sea ports of entry: Suva-FIRCA FAX Number 67-93-302-864 Lautoka-FIRCA FAX Number 67-96-665-961 Savusavu-FIRCA FAX Number 67-98-850-728 Levuka-FIRCA FAX Number 67-93-440-425
2) What authorities do I have to see in Fiji upon my arrival?
You have to see Ministry of Health, Customs Department, Ministry of Agriculture (Quarantine Dept), and Immigration.
3) What are the papers that I have to submit to Fiji Customs?
Papers that you have to submit are: Clearance from last port of call Inward Report C.2.C (click here to download FIRCA Form C.2.C). Store List C11 (Given to you by Customs when they board your vessel). Passenger List C10 (Given to you by Customs when they board your vessel). Parcel List C4 (Given to you by Customs when they board your vessel). Crew List Crew Declaration List C12 (Given to you by Customs when they board your vessel). List of Dangerous Drugs List of Arms and Ammunition Declaration of Nett and unregistered tonnage and maximum draft on arrival Declaration of explosive on Board (Form D)(Given to you by Customs, if needed (EXPOSIVES, ON A YACHT? GIVE ME A BREAK! IF YOU HAVE THEM, DON'T COME HERE!), when they board your vessel.
4) What is the procedure of high dutiable stores which I have in my yacht?
High dutiable stores example: liquor, cigarettes, tobacco Procedure: Once you arrive at the port of entry the customs will seal all your high dutiable goods on board or it will be detained and brought to our warehouse for safe keeping. Once you are finally departing customs will place the dutiable goods on board.
(Note: This is bunk for small yachts. From memory, similar to airline passengers, ou are allowed 200 cigarettes, 500gms tobacco, 5 liters of booze, and a similar quantity of wine and beer. If you have greater than that, be prepared to pay tax on it.).
5) I am carrying arms and ammunitions on my yacht. What authorities do I have to see upon my arrival in Fiji ?
You have to declare to customs upon your arrival which will be detained and handed over to the police for safe keeping.
6) How will I obtain my arms and ammunitions from police when I finally want to depart from Fiji?
You have to give customs 24 hours notice for your departure so that arrangements can be made from Fiji Police to place them on board.
7) What is the procedure of bringing animals and birds on my yacht?
Animals and birds should be caged until seen and cleared by Quarantine Department of Fiji. (note: Cats and dogs are no problem, birds, primates, and other animals may pose a problem. As Fiji has two major introduced 'pest' species, your reception may be affected by other animals. You might want to consider contacting Customs, the agency charged with frontier control, to avoid emotional trauma).
8) When I finally leave Fiji with my yacht, what do I have to do?
You are required to obtain out ward clearance from Fiji Customs at the port of entry.
9) What if I have some problem with my yacht and cannot leave the port?
Inform the customs authority within 24 hrs from the time of your clearance.
10) Do I have to obtain another clearance for my departure?
Yes.
Immigration & Customs
Submit details about customs and immigration procedures here.
Visas
Submit information about what visitor's visas are available and where they are obtained.
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Ports & Anchorages
Submit Ports and stop-overs
Islands
List Islands
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
Books, etc.
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
