Thursday Island - Clearance
This is a Port of Entry and a Biosecurity Port of Entry for Australia. Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry carry out customs, immigration and biosecurity clearance formalities here.
For full details of Clearance into Australia, see the Noonsite Australia Formalities page.
General Clearance
Prior to approaching Australian waters, especially in the Torres Strait area, expect to be hailed by aircraft from the Australian Border Force (ABF) aircraft who will ask you:
- to confirm the name of the boat and to spell it;
- how many persons on board;
- your last port;
- your next port;
- your home port; and
- if you have any pets on board.
ABF will then advise you what you need to do before we entering Australian waters.
Arrival Formalities
Approaching Thursday Island, contact harbour authorities to ask about anchoring options as there are no public mooring balls. You will most likely be directed to anchor at Horn Island. If you arrive on a weekend, it is possible to stay on your boat and then go to the Fisheries Wharf on Thursday Island where you will be met by Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity officials.
The Customs office is a 5-minute walk from the main jetty on Thursday Island. A ferry is available from Horn Island to Thursday Island.
Biosecurity
It is important to speak to Quarantine officers about food restrictions. The Torres Strait area is a strictly controlled marine park, and certain foods cannot be taken from Thursday Island to your next port of call.
If you are staying longer than two weeks then you will need to go to Cairns within that time frame and go through full Biosecurity clearance. They don’t come to your boat on Thursday Island. There is a AUD$155 vessel arrival charge and AUD$37 for a 15 minute interview.
Departure Formalities
It is advisable to make an appointment to clear out with officials but they are reported to be very friendly and flexible if you keep them advised of your plans. The process takes about 20 minutes at the Customs/Immigration office. They like you to leave as soon as possible after clearance – but within 24 hours is acceptable.
Last updated: July 2024
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Related to following destinations: Australia, Queensland, Thursday Island
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