Sail Fiji’s “Blue Lanes”

Tourism Fiji May 2021 – To safely reopen our waters to ocean travellers, Fiji has established “Blue Lanes” for yachts and pleasure craft wanting to explore our islands.
Under this new initiative, Port Denarau Marina in western Viti Levu and Savusavu Bay in Vanua Levu are the only ports of entry into Fiji.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Engage a Fiji Yacht Agent to liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf. There are three based at Port Denarau: Yacht Help, Yacht Partners and Seal Superyachts Fiji.
Undertake an RT-PCR test to determine your COVID-19 free status. Lab test results must be shown on a laboratory letterhead. IMPORTANT: The time between your test and departure for Fiji should be less than 72hrs.
Submit your completed entry application to your appointed yacht agent along with a) the crew’s negative test results and b) an itinerary for your stay in Fiji. Your agent will liaise with the Fijian government COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce (CRMT) to review and approve.
Download and activate the careFiji App to assist Fijian authorities with their contact tracing efforts in-country.

Activate your AIS so that the Fijian Navy can confirm uninterrupted sailing and determine the amount of time you need to spend in quarantine when you arrive.

QUARANTINE
If you travel to Fiji on the Blue Lane, you must quarantine on your yacht for 14 days. The good news is that travel time from your destination is counted in that period provided that you’ve isolated and had uninterrupted travel from your departure port.

Once you arrive in Fiji, anchor in the designated quarantine area and contact Port Denarau Marina on Channel 14 or Savusavu Bay on Channels 16 & 17, for further instructions. The Fijian Navy will also make contact with you to determine the length of your quarantine period. Either of the scenarios below will apply:-
More than 14 days uninterrupted sea travel. Once you arrive at the quarantine area in Fiji, a mandatory RT-PCR test will be conducted by the Fiji Ministry of Health, cost of the test (F$300 per person) to be borne by the vessel. Test results are received within 48hrs.  If negative, you will be allowed to proceed to dock and complete inbound clearance procedures, obtain your cruising permit and coastal clearance and your yacht will be allowed to visit other ports throughout Fiji freely.
Less than 14 days uninterrupted sea travel. If your journey at sea took less than 14 days, you will be required to make up the difference in quarantine once you dock in Fiji. So, if you spend eight days alone at sea – you will then be required to pay for six days of quarantine in Fiji, after which you will need to clear a negative COVID-19 test result. The quarantine cost covers naval accommodation, meals, fuel and surveillance costs.

ESTIMATED COSTS AND FEES
Any costs related to COVID-19 tests, isolation or quarantine (including berthing, accommodation and meals) will be borne by the yacht owner. Read more about the Associated Fee Schedule for Quarantine and Testing as of 25/3/21 or contact your Yacht Agent for further clarification on costs.

BLUE LANE FLAGS
Once you’ve received the necessary approvals and have a cruising permit, your vessel will be issued with a “Blue Lane Approved” burgee flag to fly while you’re in Fiji. It is an assurance to locals and other yachts that your vessel does not pose a COVID-19 threat. Each flag is numbered and unique to a vessel that enters Fiji’s waters through the Blue Lane.
And in the future, the flags will be a nice reminder of your sailing adventures in Fiji at a time when international travel elsewhere was restricted.

CRUISE SHIPS
Cruise ships are still strictly banned from entering Fiji waters. Please note that information is current for this period and may be subject to change. For detailed information on the Blue Lane Initiative, it’s best to consult with your Yacht Agent. Port Denarau Marina has also established VIP Blue Lanes for superyachts. For more on this, head to the Port Denarau Marina website.
Travel restrictions to Fiji are in place. Find current information on COVID-19 and Fiji here.