Fiji Cruising Update

[Michael Homsany]

Due to the concerted efforts of many people (including this author), the Interrum Government of Fiji today has announced the reversal of its policies concerning yacht stay. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=84814 .

Please understand that drugs and porn remain prohibited and any firearms must be declared and surrendered upon entry.

Please do not violate the rules and put those who 'stuck their neck out' in jeopardy by making liars out of them!

Vinaka

Michael Homsany

[GordMay]

Thanks for the good news Michael :

“The initial period for yacht stay in Fiji has been extended from three months to nine months after Cabinet yesterday endorsed the Customs Tariff Act (Amendment) Promulgation 2008 to accommodate the extension ...
... the current three month period would be increased to nine months and the extension period maintained at three months.
This would mean that the total period allowed for yacht stay would be 12 months ...”

STATEMENT BY MASTER/OWNER OF YACHT ON ARRIVAL IN FIJI
http://www.immigration.gov.fj/Forms/master_stment.pdf

[Michael Homsany]

I guess I should have included what I was talking about in my text!

If you are a yacht, you don't need to fill out the master's certificate before you arrive, the officials will give it to you. HOWEVER....

You do need to complete the C.2.C., Notice of Arrival, and (best idea) fax it into Inland Revenue AT LEAST (in other words, send it before you leave your last port, there is no time limit as to how far in advance!) 48 hours in advance. The Inland Revenue Site FAQ's still have the wrong phone numbers the last time I looked.

I have a page up about the clearance procedures here Waitui Marina-Yacht Clearance Procedures for the Fiji Islands , but have not yet updated to account for the latest changes yet.

One change, that we are trying to get a confirmation on, is that Quaratine has charged a yacht F$30 to burn their garbage (food scraps), a service previously provided for free. When we find a definative document, one way or the other, I'll update the site with the info.