Cocos (Keeling) Islands - Facts

Cocos (Keeling) Islands FAQs

Pre-Arrival Boat:  Australian Border Force require an Advance Notice of Arrival, as well as the B333 Small Craft Arrival Form (see Clearance for details).   The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) require a Pre-Arrival Report (see Biosecurity for details).
Pre-Arrival Crew:   All nationalities, with the sole exception of New Zealanders, must obtain a visa in advance or be registered as an eVisitor.  See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? Direction Island has the main yacht anchorage while Customs, Immigration and Quarantine officials are located on West Island.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? The Australian Border Force does not levy any charge for clearance. However, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry operates on a full cost recovery basis. See Fees for more information.
What security and safety concerns should I know about?   The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a safe place to visit with little or no crime against visitors.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Facts for Sailors:

• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands consist of two atolls, North Keeling and South Keeling, comprising 27 low coral islands, most of them clustered around South Keeling's lagoon. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited.
• The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian external territory.
• The islands are a convenient stop for westbound yachts in the South Indian Ocean.
• Direction Island is uninhabited and has almost no facilities. This is where the yacht anchorage is located.
• Home Island has about 500 inhabitants of Malaysian descent. The appropriate conservative dress should be worn when visiting Home Island in consideration of the residents' religion. Home Island has some shops and fuel and propane is available.
• West Island is the commercial center with police & customs, airport, a dive shop, fuel, provisions, and other tourist facilities.
• The waters surrounding the Cocos Keeling Islands form one of the largest protected marine sanctuaries in the world, covering 467,054 square kilometres, extending from most of the islands’ shoreline to the limit of Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (AEEZ), approximately 200 nautical miles from shore.
• With visibility at 25-30 metres on average, the crystal-clear lagoons offer a chance to get up close with blooming coral underwater gardens along with over 500 species of vibrant fish, majestic manta rays, fat hawksbill and green turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
• Getting work done: The island contractors are resourceful but not many are marine focused. There is a limited boat repair facility on Home Island, but for emergency work only.
• Provisions: Most products are shipped or flown in, so the prices reflect that. Avoid buying all but the necessities.