Explore: Niue - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19 coronavirus: New procedures are in place for arriving yachts – see Biosecurity for details.
Pre-Arrival
While it is not a prerequisite for advanced notification of arrival, it is often helpful for the Niue Yacht Club (who manage the moorings) to know who is likely to sail in over the horizon. Especially super yachts, that need specific information for anchoring purposes. Contact the NYC Help desk ([email protected]), they will also respond promptly to requests for additional information.
A 24-hour service is provided by Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16.
On Approach
When yachts are about 10 nm’s out they MUST contact Niue Radio on VHF Channel 16 who will take down your details. This will allow time to contact the officials needed. Please wait for a response from Niue Radio about clearance times. You must wait on your vessel until clearance is arranged.
Niue is free from most of the world’s major pests and diseases and are most anxious to keep it that way. All animals, foodstuff, fruit, vegetables, plants, and garbage must be secured until clearance has been granted.
The yacht club has some very useful advice on their Arrival Information page.
Clearing-in Process
Niue Radio will contact Customs and make arrangements for you to “clear”. Please wait on board for instructions before attempting to come ashore as Niue Customs are very strict about this.
Yachts do NOT have to come alongside the wharf for clearance.
Immigration, Customs, Agriculture and Port Authorities are available for clearance from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday. It may be possible to arrange a Customs clearance if arriving on a weekend. Clearance MUST be gained before coming ashore on Niue.
All clearance forms for Niue can be downloaded from the NYC website, printed and completed prior to arrival to speed up the clearance process (especially if you have a number of crew on your vessel). Go to – https://nyc.nu/arrival-forms/
Note: It is important that you arrive here with Clearance documentation from your last port. Failing to do so will result in an immediate fine of $NZ200 or $US175.
Call “NIUE YACHT CLUB” on VHF Ch 16, then change to Channel 10 for mooring advice and other help. See Docking for further information.
Clearing Out
A Government departure tax is payable per crew member on clearance (see Fees). On final clearance, one Customs official will provide you with a printed certificate specifically for your vessel as proof of departure from Niue.
Last updated: September 2021
Immigration
Everyone entering Niue must have a valid and current passport. Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of three months from your arrival date. Passport exemptions apply to Citizens of Niue with a Certificate of Identity.
Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need an entry permit and all other nationalities are granted a 30-day entry permit on arrival.
Entry Visas not required by bona fide tourists staying less than 30 days with return or onward tickets and sufficient funds for length of stay. Extensions are available by applying to the Immigration Office before arrival.
For visitors who do not hold a New Zealand passport, you may require an NZETA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). Enquire at your own Embassy.
Last updated: September 2021
Customs
All Food items must be declared. NO home grown vegetables, fruits and herbs are to be brought into Niue as well as honey, free range eggs and all meat and meat products must have been bought from a butcher. You may be asked to show receipts for products bought from butchers and supermarkets.
Firearms, ammunition and glass beer bottles are restricted imports and must be declared on arrival.
Duty-free allowances are 50 cigarettes or 50gms of tobacco, three bottles of spirits not exceeding 3.5 litres, or wine not exceeding three litres. Cans of beer (eight litres) are acceptable but beer in glass bottles will be confiscated on arrival.
Restricted exports include artifacts, coral and valuable shells.
Last updated: September 2021
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: CLOSED
- Entry to ALL yachts, cruise ships, and other sea vessels are still NOT permitted with an exception to vessels in emergency and distress.
- Niue Tourism Board chairperson Vanessa Marsh said while Niue doesn’t have a set date for re-opening its borders.
Resources:
- https://www.niueisland.com/travelling-to-niue – for latest travel advisory
- See the Niue Yacht Club website for updates.
History:
- On 19 March, 2020, entry was refused to all yachts until further notice.
- Following major damage to Niue mooring field from Cyclone Tino in mid-January, no yachts were allowed entry for the 2020 season.
- May 2022 and Niue remains closed to international yachts.
Health
Drinking water is from natural spring and rainwater but there is bottled water available if preferred.
Healthcare – there is a 24-hour on-call emergency service set up next to Hanan International Airport at the Youth Centre.
Niue has no poisonous animals or plants, so you can walk anywhere, anytime.
Documents
Fees
The Niue Yacht Club moorings cost NZ$25 per night per yacht, regardless of length. This daily fee includes the mooring charge and free access to a building on the wharf with toilet, hot water shower, and hand washing clothes facilities.
There is a Government departure tax of NZ$80 per person, payable at Customs on clearance. Children under 12 are exempt.
Niue now has electronic banking (previously fees had to be paid in cash) and the GoN Treasury accept credit cards, Visa or Mastercard, with a 3% commission on electronic transactions.
There is a one-off $NZ15 Government of Niue Quarantine fee for trash removal. This is payable on clearance. The Department of Agriculture has placed bins on the wharf at the landing site.
Last updated: September 2021
Restrictions
In April 2022, Niue designated all of its 317,000 square kilometre territorial waters as a maritime conservation area, leading most other nations in protecting the ocean environment. The Miue Nukutuluea Multiple-Use Marine Park sets aside 100% of Niue’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ and Territorial seas)
Only sustainable local fishing will be permitted within the island’s EEZ.
No spearfishing for any Visitors unless they are accompanied by a commercial operator. Certain shell species are protected and the taking of shells using scuba gear is prohibited. During the year certain areas are closed to spearfishing and swimming, to protect breeding or migratory fish. The tourist office will have up-to-date information.
No diving, boating, fishing or swimming off back of boat on Sundays out of respect for the islands religious observance, the only exception is tender runs between the yachts and the wharf.
Niue is a marine sanctuary for the protection of whales and there are strict regulations covering any interaction with them. Often they will be found in the mooring field. Under no circumstances approach them in your tenders. During the peak of the season when humpback whales are visiting (August/September) visitors are requested to observe a 30 metre exclusion zone around the whales with their tenders and yachts so that the humpbacks can rest, and feed their young undisturbed.
No anchoring of yacht tenders on the reef. Niue Dive is happy to provide free use of its dive moorings on the proviso that yachts consult with them first. They are available on VHF Ch 14 only when they are diving in the bay otherwise phone them from shore for dive mooring bookings.
Last updated: June 2022
Local Customs
Sunday observance is strict and activities such as boating and fishing are not allowed. Beachwear must not be worn in towns and villages.
Pets
Animals must stay on board.