Norfolk Island is now treated as an Australian port.  All vessels arriving from overseas ports, or departing to an overseas port must undertake Australian immigration, customs and biosecurity clearance at Norfolk Island.

See the main Australia/Formalities page for detailed clearance information.

PRE-ARRIVAL

Australian Border Force (ABF) reporting requirements for Norfolk Island are the same as those for mainland Australia whereby all vessels are required to report their arrival at a minimum of 96 hours prior to landfall.  

The ABF acknowledges that because of the island’s geographic location, it may become an unplanned stop for vessels, particularly for those heading to or from New Zealand. This does not preclude the requirement for pre-arrival reporting and operators are encouraged to submit a pre- arrival notice, even as a contingency in case of an unforseen requirement to stop at Norfolk Island. For this same reason, all passengers and crew of vessels intending to pass near Norfolk Island are advised to obtain or hold a valid Australian visa, unless otherwise exempt.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Advance Notification:

 All international Smallcraft arriving into Norfolk Island are required to report when entering within the Port Limits on VHF Channel 16. Australian Border Force monitor VHF Channel 16 during business hours only.

General Process:

No one must land until clearance has been granted.

As soon as practicable after arriving, the captain or master should contact the ABF Norfolk Island office who will make arrangements for a time and location to undertake the clearance formalities. The prevailing weather and sea conditions may impact on when and how this can occur –  either Cascade (north side) or Kingston (south side) jetties.

Domestic Cruising:

Vessels intending to depart from an Australian mainland port to Norfolk Island must obtain a Customs clearance from the Australian Border Force (ABF). Although such movement of crew and passengers is considered domestic travel, customs controls remain in place over all goods (including the vessel). 

CLEARING OUT:

Vessels that have arrived at Norfolk Island from an overseas port and intend to travel on to an Australian mainland port must request a Customs clearance from the ABF prior to departing. Clearances will only be given to proceed directly to another Australian ‘Port of Entry’ where a further clearance will be undertaken on arrival.

Last updated:  January 2020

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