This is NOT an official Port of Entry.
There are three Gendarmerie areas in the Marquesas: Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, and Nuku Hiva, and officially boats arriving from overseas should go to one of these islands first.
Boats do however often stop at Fatu Hiva first and the local policeman, based in Omoa, visits Hanavave every day to check on boats arriving.
Whilst in the past skippers have had problems with the Gendarmerie in Hiva Oa for doing so, cruisers in 2019 report that yachts are stopping in Fatu Hiva with no problems before proceeding to one of the formal clearance ports - but this may easily change. Yachts are advised to speak to other boats who have already cleared in prior to stopping in Fatu Hiva.
In the past, patrols by French Customs between the islands have resulted in cruisers being fined US$200 or more, for being in Fatu Hiva without clearing in at Hiva Oa first. Customs do patrol and board vessels regularly, but this is more to inspect boats and check what you had declared on your customs form on arrival.
French Navy vessels are reported to frequent this bay as well.
Last updated: June 2024
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