Tokelau - Formalities

Yachts have to be cleared in by the police, Health and the Administration Officer. Officials normally come out to meet boats stopping at Fakaofo.

In spite of the strict regulations, boats appear to be allowed to make a short stop even if they arrive without prior permission. A cruising permit is required in advance but this rule does not appear to be strictly enforced for short visits.

Last updated November 2013.

Passports must be valid for 6 months.

Visas are required by all nationalities before arrival.

Visitor permits are issued by the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Samoa for a one-month stay, as can the visas.

Last updated November 2013.

Any firearms which are landed on any Tokelau island must be handed to the police to be kept until departure.

Last updated November 2013.

The cruising permit must be authorised by the Council of Elders (taupulega) of each island that the yacht wishes to visit. In view of the difficulty of communicating with Tokelau, the Official Secretary at the Office for Tokelau Affairs in Apia, Western Samoa, can contact the Council of Elders concerned, on behalf of those seeking permits. He will radio the islands for permission. Every visitor must pass a simple physical examination to ascertain that he or she has no obvious illness.

There is no limit on how long a yacht may spend in Tokelau; however, the Council has the right to ask a yacht to leave if the island's culture, customs, rules or regulations are violated.

Office of Tokelau Affairs: PO Box 865, Apia, Western Samoa. Tel. 20-822. Telex: 281 SX. Telegram: TOKALANI APIA.

No fees are charged. However, a donation should be made to the village, as appreciation of the assistance given by the villagers.

Social customs: Visitors should be very conscious of the island's customs, such as paying due respect to all older persons.

The population dresses conservatively and strictly observes the Christian Sabbath. Visitors are expected to attend church on Sunday morning, regardless of your religious background.

Atafu is the most conservative of the islands and is officially a dry island.

Animals must remain on board