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 supposed to be required in advance, but this rule does not appear to be strictly enforced for short visits.

Last updated December 2017.

Passports must be valid for 6 months.

Visas are administratively similar to New Zealand. However, there is a visitor permit required.

Visitor permits are issued by the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Samoa for a one-month stay. The visa process can be handled here as well. Email them at [email protected] for additional information and instructions.

Last updated December 2017.

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

Last updated December 2017.

Typhoid can be transmitted through untreated drinking water, so drink bottled water, boil all drinking water and practice strict hand hygiene.

The CDC recommends Hepatitis A vaccination and all standard vaccinations (tetanus, etc).

Malaria, Dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne infections do not currently (2017) exist on Tokelau.

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.

No fees are charged. However, a donation should be made to the village, as appreciation of any 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' (no alcohol) island.

Animals must remain on board. The ecosystem is fragile.