The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Indian Ocean Territory, administered by Australia and therefore all yachts wanting to enter or depart Australia from here must comply with Australian Procedures. All clearance procedures are carried out by the Australian Federal Police on Cocos (Keeling) Islands. See the Arrival Information Pack for information.
If you have any questions about arriving into Australia at Cocos (Keeling), email the Australian Border Force at ChristmasIslandDistrictOffice@abf.gov.au.
Pre-Arrival Boat
- Australian Border Force require an Advance Notice of Arrival at least 96 hours before arrival. Penalties may apply for failure to do so. See Australia/Formalities for full details.
- In addition, the ABF form B333 – Small Craft Arrival Report – must be completed well in advance of your anticipated arrival into the Cocos Keeling Islands. Go to https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b333.pdf and send through to dmwaci@abf.gov.au.
- The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) also require a Pre-Arrival Report which should be sent well in advance of arrival as well (see Biosecurity for details).
Pre-Arrival Crew
All nationalities, with the sole exception of New Zealanders, must obtain a visa in advance or be registered as an eVisitor. See Immigration for details.
Cocos Arrival Procedures for Yachts
Arrival Notification
When approaching the 20 km (12 nautical miles) limit, radio the CKI Police on VHF Channel 20 announcing your imminent arrival. Clearance information will be provided to you.
If you do not have an AIS transponder, it is possible you will be called up by a Border Control vessel before reaching the 20 km (12 mile) limit, as this area is regularly patrolled. It is still necessary to call “Cocos Police” on VHF Channel 20.
Be prepared to answer questions about location, ETA to the anchorage, number of persons/ weapons/animals on board etc. There is a 24/7 watch on VHF Channel 20, keep calling every 30 minutes until answered.
General Procedure
Incoming vessels must fly the yellow Q flag and anchor in the Direction Island Vessel Anchorage Area. Contact the Police on VHF Channel 20 once anchored and they will advise you on clearance procedures. No one on board should leave the vessel nor should there be any contact with anyone until clearance is completed. The buoys at Direction Island are not suitable for yachts, please anchor. Officials will visit you on board to conduct clearance formalities.
Customs, Immigration, and quarantine are on West Island. Usually, a single police officer will come by in a small boat and will do the quarantine, immigration, and customs clearances. However, out of season, you may well have to get to West Island yourself, using the very limited ferry service or your own dinghy. The skipper will be requested to present yacht registration, details of passengers on board and last port clearance.
Port fees need to be paid at the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands office on Home Island.
Australian Federal Police – Cocos Keeling Islands
Tel: (08) 9162 6600
E-mail: cocospolice@lelink.net.au