Customs Do’s & Don’ts in Fiji
How Not to Get Deported (or Fined, or Embarrassed)
Whether you’re sailing in with the sunrise or rolling up like you own the reef, don’t get caught slipping at the Fijian border. Customs in Fiji isn’t something you want to freestyle—this isn’t the time to test your improvisation skills. From pre-arrival paperwork to what you can (and absolutely cannot) keep in your galley, here’s your go-to list of do’s and don’ts. Print it, save it, tattoo it on your forearm if you must.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
DO send your Advanced Notice of Arrival (Form C2-C) at least 48 hours in advance. If you’re a planner, a week or two ahead is even better. Customs loves a keener.
DO try to get entry approval before you even leave your current port. Just because your boat floats doesn’t mean it’s automatically welcome.
DO fill out every field on the C2-C form. If something doesn’t apply, write ‘N/A’—don’t just leave it blank. Silence is not golden here.
DO NOT stop anywhere in Fiji before clearing at an official port of entry. Your scenic detour could land you fines, detention, or an awkward U-turn out of paradise.
Approved Ports of Entry: Suva, Savusavu, Vuda, Lautoka, Levuka, Wairiki, and Malau. That’s it. That’s the list.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
DO have your paperwork ready: clearance from your last port, C2-C form, boat registration, crew list, and everyone’s passports. Think of it as your Customs starter pack.
DO declare your alcohol and tobacco—both coming in and going out. Duty-free allowances are specific:
2.5L spirits or
4.5L wine or
4.5L beer
200 cigarettes/cigars/grams of tobacco (or combo, but don’t get greedy).
DO NOT try to get dutiable goods sealed/stored unless your vessel is over 200 tons. Small boats, small mercy.
DO declare arms and ammunition. Customs will hold them for you. You’ll need to give 48 hours’ notice before leaving to get them back.
FEES & CHARGES:
You’ll need cash (FJD) for:
Biosecurity: $191.30
Health: $163.50
Garbage/Fiji Ports: $140.61
Officials might not have change, so come correct.
DO expect overtime charges if you arrive outside normal hours. Fiji time is real—but Customs still charges for it.
BIOSECURITY BASICS:
DO send your Advance Notice of Arrival to Biosecurity at: cruiseshipreports@frcs.org.fj
DO declare all risk items on the Master’s Declaration Form.
DO expect inspection of fresh foods, animal products, plants, and even your soil. (Yes, soil.)
DO NOT think you can land and drive to Customs while your boat chills offshore. They’ll need to see the vessel.
WHILE YOU’RE IN FIJI:
DO check in a few days post-arrival to see if your cruising permit is ready.
DO talk to Customs before taking on local crew or acting as a pilot.
DO NOT engage in paid or volunteer work without a special visa. Yes, even helping someone fix a canoe could get you fined or kicked out.
DO apply for a Visitor’s Permit Extension if you want to stay longer than the 4-month visa.
DO be ready to show documents on demand: clearance, crew list, next port of call, and booze/tobacco inventory.
DEPARTURE TIME:
DO complete your Outward C2-C form before you bounce.
DO NOT stop at any island after checking out. If your plans change or weather turns, contact Customs immediately.
SHIPPING GOODS:
DO ask shippers to mark parcels for your vessel as “yacht-in-transit” and include your rotation number (AYXXX-/nnn).
DO know that boat parts can be imported duty/VAT-free, but booze and tobacco? Not so much.
DO expect that electronic media might be inspected. Be ready.
Final Thoughts
Customs isn’t out to ruin your tropical dreams, they’re just trying to keep Fiji safe, legal, and biosecure. Respect the rules, stay transparent, and you’ll be sipping kava under coconut trees in no time. And remember: assumptions are how boats get impounded. Check the official Fiji government pages for updates because regulations can change faster than island weather.
