Christmas Island/Kiritimati - Clearance

See Kiribati Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of Kiribati.

Kiritimati is now open for visiting yachts, but some Covid restrictions remain in place. See Biosecurity for further details.

On approach, call Marine Radio Christmas Island (Tango 3 Charlie) on VHF 16 to arrange clearance. Be advised that is is normally only manned Mon-Fri in business hours.

General Process: (See Biosecurity for current process)

Officials will want to come to your boat for inward clearance (you will have to collect them in your dinghy from the commercial pier). They prefer to be picked up from the beach facing the outside anchorage in very calm conditions (even although there could be a swell). It is better to transport them in one's own dinghy as a high price will be demanded for the launch service.

Do not go ashore until official clearance is obtained. Penalties apply.

Be sure to arrive with a zarpe from your last port of call (or you will be fined) and do not arrive at weekends as you will be charged double for overtime.

Location of Offices:

The Customs, Immigration and quarantine offices are all close together in town (called London). Bear in mind however that there are no taxis or hire cars and the local bus service is very erratic, so you will need to plan ahead when checking out.

There is no real telephone system here in Kiritimati, so most use VHF radio to communicate.

Firearms are taken ashore and locked up at the police station until departure.

Last updated:  May 2023