Norfolk Island Customs and Immigration requirements are unique to Norfolk
Island. You should not rely on information obtained from websites, travel brochures
or other non-official information material, as such information may be out of
date , incomplete, or incorrect.
Every endeavour is made to keep the information on this website current, complete
and accurate.(please note disclaimer below. ) If you have any questions about
your intended visit to Norfolk Island you should contact Norfolk Island Customs
directly.
All visitors require a passport or Australian Document of Identity that is valid for a period longer than their period of intended stay on Norfolk Island, an onward/return airline ticket out of Norfolk Island and proof of suitable accommodation on-island. Passports not issued by Australia or New Zealand must be valid for a period of at least one month beyond the period of intended stay on Norfolk Island.
All visitors require an Australian visa except for persons travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport or persons holding a passport endorsed with Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa label. The required Australian visa must be valid for a period of 30 days beyond the period of intended stay on Norfolk Island. If arrival to Norfolk Island is via Australia, that visa must be a multiple visa.
Persons who comply with Norfolk Island entry requirements will usually be deemed to have been granted a visitors permit on arrival allowing a stay on Norfolk Island of up to 30 days. Extensions may be granted by contacting the Norfolk Island Immigration Department after arrival on telephone 22140 ext 2.
Further Conditions and Travel Documentation and permit requirements apply to persons seeking or intending to commence employment on Norfolk Island. Health and police clearances must also obtained prior to commencing employment. Penalties apply to an employer and employees for breach of these requirements. Further information is available from the Norfolk Island Immigration Department.
Other things to consider are:
Obtaining some form of travel insurance.
Clearly mark your luggage for easy identification.
On Arrival at Norfolk Island International Airport, you will be required to collect all your luggage from the baggage conveyor, which is located in the left-hand side of the Customs arrival hall, before proceeding through Customs.
After collecting your luggage from the conveyor please proceed to the Customs
Processing Queue. Customs Examining Officers will then ask you a series of questions
in regards to the answers on your Passenger Arrival Card.
To facilitate your entry through Customs have ready your passports and completed
arrival papers. Your arrival papers should be handed to you during your flight
for completion prior to arrival . Ensure you have correctly identified your
luggage and that you have all your luggage with you.
Remember you will not necessarily lose, or pay Customs duty on the items you declare. You will not be committing an offence by declaring an item, however you will be committing an offence by NOT declaring goods which should have been declared. If in doubt DECLARE IT! Your entire luggage may be searched at any time, at any lane.
Don’t assume that because it is allowed into Australia or New Zealand it is allowed into Norfolk Island.
Don’t assume that because it is packaged food it is not subject to declaration.
Your assumptions do not always meet with Norfolk Island legislation. If in doubt ask a Customs Officer.
Be wary of any advice given in any overseas shops as the shop assistant may not be fully aware of the Norfolk Island legislation. Remember the shop assistant is there to sell you the product. They will not be there when you arrive at Norfolk Island. You are responsible for your declaration. Find out before you buy!
Sales persons or business persons bringing "Samples, Promotional gifts" or "Products" to Norfolk Island should declare them as "Commercial goods". Some goods may attract duty, or proof of export may be required on departure. Having a list and value of the goods will help facilitate your entry through Customs.
Prohibited Items
As with any border protection, certain items are prohibited. Most prohibited items are prohibited because of the impact it could have if allowed to be imported into the country. One single selfish act of smuggling could lead to the devastation of Norfolk Island as a tourist destination. Your assistance to preserve this destination would be appreciated.
Norfolk Island can boast that it is relatively pest free and crime free. The importation of certain goods such illicit drugs or plant material that may contain disease can have an impact on the lifestyle and freedom that Norfolk Island enjoys. We ask that any person travelling to Norfolk Island respect what we have and take into account the need to impose restrictions on certain items.
For example some items, which are prohibited, are
Foodstuffs – such as fresh fruit, vegetables, salads
Meats – Such as pork or poultry from New Zealand
Plants – Such as live plants, seeds (some seeds are acceptable, but are subject to certain requirements, for full details contact Health & Quarantine)
For further information on any of the above, see contacts Health & Quarantine
Drugs - such as dangerous drugs or illicit drugs. Medicinal drugs are subject to stringent control. Some prescription drugs may fall into this category, if in doubt call Norfolk Island Customs before travel.
Weapons - weapons such as sword sticks, daggers, automatic firearms. (The importation of firearms is strictly controlled). Contacting Norfolk Island Customs and/or the Norfolk Island Police would be advisable before contemplating importation of any firearm.
Your personal concessions allows you to bring into Norfolk Island free of duty the following:
Goods that do not form part of the passenger concession
The above goods may not be part of you passenger concession and Customs Duty may apply. If you are uncertain ask a Customs Officer before submitting your arrival card or for further details contact Norfolk Island Customs direct.
The importation of alcohol other than via passenger concession is restricted and requires permission in writing from the Norfolk Island Minister responsible, before importation.
Any importation of alcohol over and above the passenger concession can attract charges or be bonded by Customs.
Any undeclared alcohol in excess of the allowable limits may be confiscated and penalties may apply.
For further information contact Norfolk Island Customs direct.
Tobacco products attract a *high rate of duty and will be charged if tobacco products exceed your allowable limits. You may wish to have any excess amounts of tobacco products bonded and returned to you on departure. It is advisable that you check your allowable limits in the country you are returning to.
*For duty rates see Duty Rates
Be aware that it is an offence to conceal items from Customs and heavy penalties may apply to un-declared items!
DISCLAIMER: While every endeavour has been taken by Norfolk Island Customs to ensure that the information on this Website is accurate and up to date, Norfolk Island Customs shall not be liable to anyone in respect of any losses suffered as a result of their reliance on information in this Website. Persons requiring information in relation to a specific query should contact Norfolk Island Customs directly.
Customs House Taylors Road Norfolk Island 2899
Ph (Int+) 6723 22140 | Fax (Int+) 6723 23260 | E-mail customs@admin.gov.nf