ALERT: The Fiji Government is introducing a requirement for all vessels operating/cruising in Fijian waters to have their Automatic Identification System (AIS) on at all times. See this news item for more information: Automatic Identification System (AIS) Now Mandatory
Fiji FAQs
Pre-Arrival - Boat: All yachts arriving from overseas MUST complete an Advance Notice of Arrival Form for each crew member and submit it no less than 48 hours prior to the planned ETA in Fiji. Yachts not submitting this advance notice of arrival may be fined, have clearance delayed, withheld, or even refused. See Clearance for details.
Pre-Arrival - Crew: Yachts must give Immigration at least 24 hours notice of arrival (whether arriving or departing Fiji), with the expected ETA or ETD, and 48 hours if arriving on a holiday or weekend. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Click on the Anchor symbol in the blue “Explore Country” drop down to see the Main Ports of Entry for Fiji.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? Overtime fees can be quite expensive, so it is advisable to time your entry for during the working day and not at weekends. There are also fees for Biosecurity and Health clearance. See Fees for more information.
What security concerns should I know about? Fiji is generally a safe country. However, theft and assault have been reported by locals and tourists alike, with most occurring at night and in urban areas. There are some areas where it is not advisable to venture out at night. See Security for more information.
Fiji Facts for Sailors
- Fiji is an archipelago of over 300 islands, from coral atolls to large volcanic islands. About 100 are inhabited, while many of the rest are used as fishing bases and planting grounds. The International Dateline runs through Fiji, although most of the islands are just west of 180°.
- The population of Fiji is just under 1 million. Fiji has three official languages; English, Fijian, and Hindi.
- All of Fiji is in Fiji time (FJT) which is UTC +12. Except for a brief period of daylight savings for about 6 weeks from November each year at which time Fiji is in FJST (Fiji Summer Time), UTC +13.
- Fiji has a tropical climate with hot humid weather in the summer from November to April and lower temperatures and drier air the rest of the year. The eastern part of Fiji sees more rain overall than the western division. See Weather for more details.
- Fiji has all the ingredients of a perfect cruising destination - beautiful islands, secluded anchorages and welcoming people. This picture of perfection is somewhat marred by a menacing array of coral reefs that almost encircle the entire archipelago. The majority of visiting yachts arrive from the east, which is where the reefs have claimed most victims. Part of the problem is that it is forbidden to stop at any of the eastern islands before clearing in and a careful watch is kept on yacht movement by the Fijian authorities. The location of the few ports of entry complicates the task of cruise planning, especially for those hoping to visit the eastern Lau group to windward of all ports of entry. The most convenient ports for those intending to cruise eastern Fiji are Levuka on the island of Ovalau, or Savusavu on Vanua Levu.
- The traditional way of life is still thriving in the islands and the unthinking attitude in the past of a few visiting sailors has caused offense and animosity, which led to a strict control of cruising permits. Local etiquette should be observed and it is expected that a courtesy visit to the chief or headman of the island or village bearing a gift of yagona (kava) is made. See Local Customs for more details.
- Traditions are not so strong in the western islands, some of which have been developed as tourist resorts, such as the charming Mamanuca islands, which are a short hop from Nadi airport, convenient for crew changes.
- Further west is the Yasawa Group, one of the most popular cruising grounds due to scenic anchorages and clear waters. Pickmere's Yasawa chartlets are essential for cruising the Yasawa group and are available in Lautoka.
- Two marinas on Viti Levu are now Ports of Entry: Vuda Point and Port Denarau. Both form convenient ports of call as well as being close to Nadi international airport.
- The opening of three marinas in Savusavu, Copra Shed Marina, Waitui and Nawi Island Resort and Marina, have made it a popular base from which to explore the eastern part of the archipelago.
- Rotuma and several smaller islands lying approximately 200 miles NNW of Fiji, form a distinctive group and although administratively linked to Fiji, ethnologically they are very different as Rotumans are Polynesians. Rotuma is now an official port of entry with a dock at Oinafa for clearance and the administrative center at Ahau, at the other end of the island.
- Fiji now has excellent repair facilities for cruising yachts at both Vuda and Denarau Marinas and the new Nawi Island Resort and Marina in Savusavu. Good value for money and good quality, but be sure to monitor work at all times.
- For information on provisioning and other supplies, see Yachting Essentials.
