Fiji - Customs

Fiji Customs Rules for Yachts

Arriving by Yacht:

An Advance Notice of Arrival (ANA) form must be completed and submitted at the latest 48 hours prior to your expected time of arrival in Fiji waters.

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

See https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/customs/yachts-and-vessels/ for full Customs rules for yachts.

Length of Stay:

When a cruiser arrives in Fiji by sail, the yacht is regarded as a "yacht in transit" and therefore the owner does not need to pay duty as the expectation is that the yacht will depart at some future point.  Current requirements for visiting yachts are:

• Yachts can stay for a period of up to 24 months.  However, if a cruiser experiences unforeseen circumstances that will prevent them leaving Fiji within that 24 month period, they may apply to the Comptroller for an extension of up to 6 months.
• The yacht must be the the sole property of the bona fide tourist;
• The yacht must be on a bona fide cruise or participating in a yacht race;
• The yacht must not be not abandoned in Fiji by master/owner.

The yacht will become liable to duty if:

• It is put to commercial use or for other considerations while in Fiji waters (e.g. commercial charters, hiring or leasing, etc);
• The owner is associated in any way with any entity in Fiji as an employer either before or after arrival; or
• The yacht is not exported within 18 months of the date of the yacht¡¦s first arrival in Fiji.

Other Items:

Visiting yachts are reminded that the Fijian authorities are strongly against drugs, pornography and weapons.

Weapons:

Importing firearms is restricted and subject to an import permit from Fiji Police.  All weapons on board must be declared and handed over to the authorities for the duration of your stay, otherwise, you risk a prison sentence. They are normally held in the custody of a particular person and at least 24-hours notice of departure must be given. If the required office is not available, there might be a delay. Weapons will be returned immediately before departure from Fiji. If one enters at one port and exits at another, the guns may have to be transferred to the port of departure by the police.

Alcohol and Tobacco:

All crew and passengers above the age of 18 years will be allowed normal passenger landing duty free allowance of the following:

• 2.5ltrs of Spirit or
• 4.5ltrs of Wine or
• 4.5ltrs of Beer, and
• 200 sticks of Cigarettes, or
• 200g cigar or
• 200g tobacco, or
• any combination of the above provided that it does not exceed the equivalent quantity under liquor, wine and beer, cigarette, cigar and tobacco.

If your vessel is searched and any excess to the above allowance found, it will be subject to import duty or will be seized by Customs and a large fine imposed.

Medicines:

For any prescription medicines or controlled drugs, you should have a prescription from your physician advising that the medicine is being used under a doctor’s direction and is necessary for your physical well-being.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables:

Cruisers have reported some inconsistency between each place of check in. Some cruisers have previously reported being allowed, after sailing from New Zealand, to keep all their fresh fruit & vegetables, so long as the items stayed on the boat. Others had it all taken off them. See Biosecurity for full details.

See the Official Fiji Government website for more details.

Importing Parts and Spares

Foreign flagged yachts are allowed to import parts and spares to Fiji duty-free. All packages should be addressed to Yacht in Transit. The Rotation Number assigned by customs on arrival will be required to clear any packages.

Last updated:  July 2025