Quarantine fees for yachts under scrutiny

A parliamentary committee has recommended a complete overhaul of inconsistent quarantine fees charged to visiting yachts and superyachts, which have ranged as high as $1,000 for small vessel clearances.

The Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights tabled its review of the Quarantine (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament last month.

The report highlighted concerns about erratic fee structures that have discouraged yacht rallies – described as significant revenue generators for Fiji.

"Border security, revenue generation, and tourism promotion must all be considered when determining government fees, rather than focusing on only one objective," the committee stated in its report.

The committee noted that superyachts represent the highest spending per capita tourists globally, contributing millions of dollars annually to the economy and spurring investments including the $60 million Savusavu marina development.

Industry submissions revealed that sufferance fees – charged for vessel clearance outside designated ports – have varied considerably without clear explanation.

"The matter is now being addressed, with the expectation that a copy of the revised fees will be made available for industry consultation before they are legislated," one submitter told the committee.

The Ministry of Health clarified that revised fees are currently being updated and will be included in regulations once the amended Act is approved.

The Bill, which seeks to modernise the 1964 Quarantine Act, expands vessel definitions to include yachts and superyachts, increases penalties from $50-$100 to $500-$1,000, and introduces fixed penalty notices for quarantine violations.

Port Denarau and Savusavu will be formally recognised as designated clearance ports under the new regulations.

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