Explore: Niue - Formalities
Clearance
A 24-hour service is provided by Telecom Niue contactable on VHF channel 16 (Niue Radio) and on SSB as “ZKN Niue Radio” on 2162Mhz
Note: Nuie Radio on 6125Mhz is no longer monitored.
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.
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 4 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on a Saturday. Sunday clearance for emergencies only is a possibility. 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 adequate clearance papers from French Polynesia (if having stopped there en-route). Failing to do so will result in a 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 June 2017.
Immigration
Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need an entry permit and all other nationalities are granted a 30-day entry permit on arrival.
Passports required by all. 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.
Last updated June 2017.
Customs
Firearms must be declared on arrival.
Duty-free allowances are 1 litre spirits, 1 litre of wine and 200 cigarettes, but these only apply to what is actually landed.
Restricted exports:- artifacts, coral and valuable shells.
Last updated June 2017.
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.
Fees
The Niue Yacht Club moorings cost NZ$15 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 $NZ20 Government of Niue Quarantine fee for trash removal. This is payable on clearance. Bin provided on the wharf.
Last updated July 2018.
Restrictions
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.
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.
