Pacific Covid update - October 2021

Pacific Covid update © Island Cruising NZ

The NZ border is still closed unless you are a NZ Registered vessel, with NZ crew or have an exemption. Fiji, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are planning onre-opening their borders to vaccinated sailors.

More details below...

New Zealand

The borders are still closed unless you are a NZ registered vessel with NZ crew or if you have an exemption.

People should plan their journeys so that as much of the isolation period (14 days) as possible can be completed at sea. If the vessel arrives prior to having observed 12 days of isolation, everyone on board will be required to go into a Managed Isolation Facility (MIF) in Auckland.

For those arriving on day 12, the remaining days can be observed on board at Opua port in Northland. The 14-day self-isolation period begins following the last point of departure or contact the vessel has had with anyone that is not already on board.

A small number of New Zealanders have indicated that they may return home to New Zealand from Australia by yacht, and may take passengers on board in order to avoid time in an MIQ facility by serving their 14-day self-isolation period in the Tasman. It is a breach of New Zealand's Maritime Transport Act to charge any passengers that may join a vessel for this purpose.

The safety of everyone on board should be top priority. Vessels need to be adequately crewed for the voyage while the vessel and equipment on board must also meet safety standards.

Skippers must comply with Australian Maritime Safety Authority regulations to receive the necessary clearance before departing, such as ensuring passenger numbers comply with the boat's capacity and safety equipment.

Vessels must also comply with any regulations that may apply from the vessel's country of registration.

Anchoring off the coast is not permitted.

NZ - Biosecurity Reminder

Remember you need to ensure that your hull is clean and free from any marine growth before you arrive in New Zealand.

Fiji

Fiji is opening their border to international travellers and sailors from 11 November 2021. They are looking forward to welcoming us on the Pacific Circuit Rally next year.

Vanuatu

All ports of entry are closed until further notice. But we also have plans under way to visit Vanuatu on our rally next year if the borders reopen. Watch this space!

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands Maritime border is closed. People who have been in New Zealand for 14 days can fly in to the Cook Islands without quarantine. We have heard of one yacht sailing from Tahiti to NZ that was permitted to stop in Aitutaki to take on extra kiwi crew and spare parts. The sailors were unable to go ashore.

New Caledonia

The borders to New Caledonia remain closed until further notice. But they are also anticipating being open in 2022. Plans for the Groupama Regatta are under way and they are also looking forward to welcoming the Pacific Circuit Rally in 2022.

Tonga

Tonga's maritime border is closed until further notice.

Samoa

International borders remain closed until further notice.

Australia

The maritime border is closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can enter Australia by sea. All crew must be isolated in mandatory quarantine. accommodation for 14 days on arrival you must provide arrival information in advance.

Down Under Rally and the Ocean Cruising Club have been working with an agent in Australia to get safe haven exemptions. More information here.

Niue

The Niue border is closed to all yachts until further notice.

French Polynesia

Boats with fully vaccinated crew can enter French Polynesia. If you are interested in sailing to French Polynesia next year, please let us know.

International Cruisers In Europe with Boats in NZ

Non-NZ citizens are still not permitted to enter NZ via air to access their boats. Some have chosen to ship their vessels home or sell them here in NZ. Others continue to wait for the borders to reopen.

Join Sailors with COVID Immigration Issues NZ Facebook group for more information.