Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn has no conventional commercial port or marina. Visiting yachts should coordinate in advance with the government immigration officer/Harbourmaster; anchoring, landing and entry of people require separate local permissions. The islands are remote from ordinary rescue and medical facilities, so passage planning should account for provisions, weather and medical evacuation.

Pitcairn has no harbour basin, marina or routine port-entry counter. Before arrival, contact the government through its visiting-vessel channel. The Mayor/Harbourmaster will advise on a suitable anchorage based on conditions that day. Anchoring does not authorize landing; obtain permission before going ashore on any island.

Yachts planning to visit the Pitcairn Islands should contact the government immigration officer in writing well in advance, describing the vessel, planned voyage, people aboard and any request to land. The visiting-vessel guide requires advance applications, and landing requires permission. No uniform advance-notice period for all private yachts was found; contact the government early and obtain written instructions.

For visits of no more than 14 days, short-term visitors arriving and departing on the same vessel may apply for permission on arrival. They must still meet health, character, funds and travel-medical-insurance conditions and complete entry/biosecurity declarations. Apply before travel for a long-term visitor visa/entry permission if staying more than 14 days. Permission for people to land is separate from permission for the yacht to anchor.

Visiting vessels must contact the Pitcairn government in advance and follow the visiting-vessel guide. Public information reviewed does not confirm a complete customs declaration for all private yachts, temporary-import period or uniform outward-clearance procedure. Obtain current written directions directly from the government immigration officer/Harbourmaster; a short-term visitor visa for a person is not customs clearance for the vessel.

People must complete the combined immigration and biosecurity declaration on arrival. Declare pets, plants, fruit and vegetables, honey and food in advance under the visiting-vessel guide; do not take them ashore without permission. Follow the government's current vessel guide and quarantine officers' instructions for restricted biological items and disposal.

On arrival in Pitcairn, declare goods that may be prohibited, dutiable or restricted. Official visitor information says alcohol requires a permit and honey and used beekeeping equipment are prohibited imports; plants and animal products are strictly controlled, and visitors should consult in advance about pets. Declare firearms, medicines and other special items in the visit application and obtain written approval.

Pitcairn has no port-clearance counter. As the vessel approaches the islands, follow official sailing guidance and contact the local authorities; anchor where directed by the Harbourmaster. Immigration, quarantine and tourism officers arrange inspection and permission before anyone goes ashore. Weather and sea conditions may affect tender transfers. Do not land or transfer people without authorization.

The official tourism sailing page lists yacht-landing fees of NZD 100 per person aged 18 or over, NZD 50 for ages 5 to under 18, and no charge for children under 5. Fees may depend on whether people land, visit another island or use local transport. The fee schedule in the government's visiting-vessel guide may change. Before leaving, confirm applicable charges and departure reporting with the immigration officer/Harbourmaster.