Tokelau

Scope

Tokelau entry arrangements are determined by local authorities, including the Taupulega. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice says visitors need advance permission from the Taupulega and may travel only by boat from Apia, Samoa. This is not a yacht-clearance guide issued by Tokelau authorities. Private yachts should first contact the Tokelau Apia liaison office and local council to confirm permission, berthing and stay arrangements.

Reference (UK government travel advice, not Tokelau clearance regulations): GOV.UK: Tokelau entry requirements

UK visitor information for Tokelau says ordinary visitors usually travel by boat from Apia and need advance Taupulega (village council) permission and passage arranged through the Tokelau Samoa Liaison Office. This describes ordinary passenger travel, not a list of ports for private yachts. No officially confirmed port of entry for foreign yachts was found; do not treat the Apia passenger route as yacht-clearance permission.

Before arrival

UK travel advice says visitors to Tokelau need advance permission from the local Taupulega and should arrange travel through the Tokelau Liaison Office in Apia, Samoa. This does not confirm whether foreign private yachts may substitute for scheduled vessels, how to request a call or how far in advance to report. Before sailing, contact the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office and the Taupulega for the atoll you plan to visit.

Reference (UK government travel advice): GOV.UK: Tokelau entry requirements

Visitors and yacht crew should follow Tokelau’s permission requirements. The master must provide details of people aboard if requested by the authorities. Available current public information does not explain visa exemptions by nationality or provide a dedicated yacht port list; confirm with the Tokelau government before sailing.

The vessel-related legislation located for Tokelau is the Biosecurity Rules 2003. The master/agent must provide vessel and contents information and declarations as required. A biosecurity officer may inspect the vessel log, cargo manifest, crew list and goods. These rules establish inspection powers but do not explain Customs temporary importation, vessel charges, length of stay or departure-clearance procedures. Amendments after 2003 were not verified.

The Tokelau Biosecurity Rules 2003 define vessels as conveyances and authorize biosecurity officers to board and inspect. The master/agent must provide vessel and cargo information and follow officers’ directions. The rules also restrict unloading goods without permission, contact between animals and local animals, unauthorized vessel movements and discharge of biological material/ballast water in territorial waters. The text is hosted by FAOLEX and dates from 2003; later amendments have not been confirmed. Check current requirements with Tokelau biosecurity authorities before arrival.

The Tokelau Biosecurity Rules 2003 cover animals, plants, animal/plant products, soil, microorganisms and related packaging as potentially controlled goods, and authorize officers to inspect them and restrict landing. This is not a complete Customs prohibited/restricted-goods list, and the current amended version has not been confirmed. Ask the authorities in advance whether food, pets, plants, firearms, medicines and other items may remain aboard or be landed and whether permits are required.

Tokelau’s Biosecurity Rules 2003 apply to vessels: the master/owner/agent must provide information about the vessel and onboard items as requested, complete declarations and follow instructions. No goods may be unloaded and the vessel may not move without the biosecurity officer’s permission; officers may board for inspection. The rules also require consultation with the Pulenuku before moving the vessel. The FAOLEX-hosted text dates from 2003 and later amendments have not been confirmed. It describes biosecurity procedures, not a complete Customs or port guide.

Schedule 5 of Tokelau’s Biosecurity Rules 2003 lists biosecurity service fees: USD 2 for each document or permit issued; USD 10 per hour, minimum USD 2.50, to inspect other goods; USD 10 per item to destroy goods; passenger and baggage inspection is free. The rules say fees are payable before goods or a vessel are released from quarantine and allow a bond to be required for a vessel. These are biosecurity service charges in a 2003 text, not total yacht departure or clearance costs. Currency, current amounts and any amendments have not been confirmed; check with Tokelau biosecurity authorities before departure.