Clearing into Fiji on a Sailboat - 31 May 2024

June 5th, 2024

If you are interested in the process and costs associated with leaving New Zealand and clearing into Fiji, here are the details from our clearance in May 2024.

Exiting New Zealand

We chose to clear out of Opua in the Far North of New Zealand. We contacted Customs a few weeks out from our departure and they advised we could file our papers in advance and have the departure updated once we had a clear departure date based on weather. We did this which streamlined the process significantly.

Three days out from departure the weather models were consistent and the window good so we confirmed 08:30 meeting at Customs office upstairs at their Opua office. All very friendly and done in 15 mins, instructed to depart immediately, which we did.

In terms of paper work and fees, the main document needing filing was the Advance Notice of Departure (small craft). Various attachments were called for including our Category 1 Safety Certificate. Customs issued an invoice via email for their Boarder Clearance Levy for $15.59.

Entering Fiji

The day before departing New Zealand I emailed our Advanced Notice of Arrival and supporting documents to Nawi Island Marina, Savusavu. They handled coordination of Biosecurity, Customs and Health for our arrival. 

On passage, once I could calculate a reliable ETA, I updated Nawi Island Marina via email. Once inside the Point Passage entry to Savusavu Bay, we contacted the marina on CH16 and they arranged a marina tender to meet us at the entry to Nakama Creek and to guide us onto the Q dock.

All the officials were very friendly and good to have aboard.

Health arrived first - fee $172.5 

Customs and Biosecurity then visited together. 

Biosecurity charged us for Inspection of Foreign Garbage $112.13 plus Boarding and Clearance $89.70 

As we recall Customs charged $111 we expect due to it being a public holiday but no invoice was given

$15 transport fee was due.

All fees above are Fijian Dollars. This converts to $358.30 NZD.

The cruising permit was processed on Wednesday the following week. I called by Customs on Tuesday and Wednesday and actually sat with the Customs official on Wednesday morning to complete the permit so we could get out of the marina.

Customs stated we could have left the marina without the cruising permit but could not have left Nakama Creek.