Lifuka (Ha’apai) - Clearance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): All boats arriving from international waters in Tonga are required to make landfall in Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu), the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga located in Tonga’s southern island group. This must be the first port of entry for border screening prior to re-routing to outer islands. This rule has been in place since 15 February, 2020. See Biosecurity for more details.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
See Tonga/Formalities for full clearance details.
See Tonga/Fees for details of the charges.
When entering Tongan waters, fly the Q flag.
Anchor in front of the Ha’apai Beach Resort (19o48.3’S 174o21’W) at Pangai village and call on VHF channel 08. Matt will notify the officials if you require international clearance. The officials may visit the boat or you may be asked to tie up at the wharf in the village.
The Customs office is located in the same building as the post office, close to the inner harbor.
Customs can provide international clearance in and out of Tonga here but can not extend visas.
If you stop anywhere in Foa, Lifuka or Uolanga, you are requested to check in. If you come from Vava’u or Nuku’Alofa, you only need to show your Local Movement Report (Small Craft).
If you are intending to explore the Ha’aipi Islands request a domestic check-in and out as a trip back to check out can incur some significant mileage and normally Customs are happy to do this.
Open Monday to Friday only.
Last updated: December 2019
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Related to following destinations: Lifuka (Ha'apai), Tonga
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Posted on behalf of Tom Partridge, SY Adina
A few of us have sailed through Ha’aipai and are just stunned why so few are sailing these islands. All of us agree they are the most unspoilt beautiful islands we have seen in the Pacific.
Locals think stories of cyclones have scared people off plus sailors are nervous of reefs. If you can do the Tuamotos you can sail the Ha’apai! We want to buy one of these islands.