Rabaul - Clearance
It is very important that yachts follow the proper procedure for clearing into PNG through Rabaul. For full details on clearing into and out of PNG see Formalities.
Drop anchor just off the yacht club (it is to the right of the main wharf as you enter the harbor).
Then call “Rabaul Harbour Control” on VHF16. They will advise you when to expect the Quarantine and Health officials. Watch the shore for their arrival and collect them in your dinghy.
Then clear with Customs in Kokopo (the new capital 18 miles down the coast). It is necessary to take a bus (no. 8) to the market in Kokopo. Customs is located just off the Rabaul-Kokopo-Road. Opposite the WestPac-Building is a Brian Bell hardware store. Just to the right of this is the road for Customs, walk 50m down the road to the plaza on your left with the customs offices as well as a Catholic book store.
Immigration is located at the airport. If they are not around, it may be necessary to ask the Customs there to contact them for you. Everyone is very friendly but patience is required.
The Yacht Club will be able to assist with the clearance procedure, if necessary.
It is now possible for yachtsmen to obtain a visa on arrival when entering the country here.
Rabaul is the official Port of Entry, not Kokopo. Do not move the yacht there to complete clearance.
Last updated: January 2016
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Related to following destinations: New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea, Rabaul
Port Navigation
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Customs in Kokopo have changed location
The customs in Kokopo have changed their location. They are now a bit off the Rabaul-Kokopo-Road. As soon as you found the WestPac-Building, you will also see a Brian Bell hardware store on the other side.
Enter the road to the right of it (while facing it) and walk about 50 meters. On your left, you will find a small plaza with the customs offices as well as a Catholic book store.
Happy sailing,
Fritze (S.Y. Alytes)
Posted on behalf of SV Segue:
The Internet in Rabaul is AWESOME! Digicel just upgraded their towers to 4G and — with either a smartphone (iOS or Android) and subscribing to a data plan, you’ll enjoy FAST 4g service!
Sims are available in most of the supermarkets for k$5.00 and data is — as usual in this part of the world — a little “spendy”, but very high quality. Skype works perfectly!
Whoever sells you the sim can help you with selecting a data package that works for you –and help you configure your device to access the ‘net.