Christmas Island Traveller Information
For more information visit the Christmas Island Tourism Association website.
- Air Services
- Time Difference
- Customs and Immigration
- Quarantine
- Importation of Cats and Dogs
- Services
- Recreation
- Dress
- Health
- Information for Visiting Yachts
Air Services
There are flights to Christmas Island from Perth, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Singapore.
A twice-weekly air service, operated by National Jet Systems (NJS) between Perth, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, departs Perth International Airport. Refer to NJS or a travel agent for the latest schedules and details. Passengers are expected to check in two hours prior to departure.
A weekly charter service operates between Singapore and Christmas Island. For flight schedules and details contact Austasia Airlines on +61 8 9164 7984.
Time Difference
Christmas Island is one hour behind Western Standard Time (WST), three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Zulu Time (GMT) plus 7 hours. For example 9:00 a.m. in Sydney is 7:00 am in Perth and 6:00 a.m. on Christmas Island. Daylight saving is not observed on Christmas Island so add an extra hour during this time.
Customs and Immigration
Passports and visas are not required when arriving on Christmas Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification must be produced for clearance through Customs and Immigration, e.g. Drivers Licence.
Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia. A passport is necessary and a visa may be required. Refer to your travel agent or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for further details.
Duty free purchases may be made for travel to Christmas Island. Duty free shops are located on Christmas Island.
Quarantine
Christmas Island has some unique endemic species of wildlife. It is also free of many pests and diseases that are found in other parts of the world. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is the border agency charged with the task of protecting the environment and human health from pests or disease incursions. The organisation's objective is to facilitate the movement of passengers, cargo, aircraft and vessels in a way that minimises any inconvenience to the people involved, while maintaining the quarantine integrity of the island. This is achieved through various reporting, screening, inspection and treatment mechanisms. Certain products are prohibited on the island while other items may require some form of treatment before they may be released.
Any persons wishing to know more about the quarantine requirements on Christmas Island should contact the Indian Ocean Territories Quarantine Service on Tel: (08) 9164 7456, Fax: (08) 9164 7468 or e-mail Christmas.Island@aqis.gov.au .
Importation of Cats and Dogs
The importation of dogs and cats into Christmas Island is prohibited by the Importation of Dogs and Cats Ordinance 1973, due to concerns about environmental, social, cultural, animal health and welfare issues.
The Administrator has the discretion to approve the importation of a dog if it is an assistance animal. If a person wishes to import an assistance animal, an application in writing can be made to the Administrator of the Territory of Christmas Island at PO Box 868 Christmas Island WA 6798.
The Shire of Christmas Island has a local law in respect of dogs and cats. Further information may be obtained from the Shire of Christmas Island's website or by phone (08) 9164 8300.
Services
Accommodation
A range of hotel and self contained accommodation is available on Christmas Island. Details and bookings are available through the Christmas Island Tourism Association website or email cita@christmas.net.au. It is wise to book prior to arrival.
Restaurants, Bars and Shopping
There are a number of restaurants, cafes and bars on the Island offering a range of dining experiences including western, Malay and Chinese.
Christmas Island is serviced by small shopping areas located at the Barracks and Temple Court in Settlement, Poon Saan, the Kampong, Drumsite and the airport. The range of goods is not extensive and includes general groceries, newsagency, chemist, clothing, sporting goods, souvenirs, photography supplies, electrical goods, furniture and whitegoods. It is best to bring sufficient supplies of some goods for your stay eg. prescription medicines.
Banking
A full branch of the Westpac Banking Corporation operates on Christmas Island offering full banking services including foreign currency exchange.
The Post Office provides GiroPost banking services, Post Bill Pay, Money Orders and overseas Money Transfers.
EFTPOS and credit card facilities are available at most shops and restaurants.
There are no Automatic Telling Machines (ATM) on Christmas Island.
Postal Services
The Post Office provides full postal and philatelic services, including special Christmas Island stamps and first day covers. Postal services to Christmas Island are weekly. Envelopes and Express Post Packages will be sent by air. All other post, including airmail packages, will be sent via seamail which may take up to 2 months for delivery. For further information you may contact the Christmas Island Post Office on 08 9164 8495 or cipost@pulau.cx.
Taxi and Car Hire
A number of car hire firms operate on Christmas Island and can provide both cars and 4W Drives. It is best to book in advance, which may be arranged through the Christmas Island Tourism Association. Pick up and delivery can be arranged from the airport. For those shorter trips or for sight seeing, a taxi service is available.
Telecommunications
Christmas Island has access to a range of modern communication services. Four television stations are broadcast from Western Australia via satellite. These are ABC, SBS, WIN and GWN. A local radio station, 6RCI, is staffed by community volunteers and provides some local content while ABC Regional Radio, Radio National and FM music stations are also broadcast.
The telephone service is part of the Australian network. The area code is +61 (0)8. Public phones are available at various locations across the Island. The Telstra GSM mobile network operates on Christmas Island. Phones, SIM cards, mobile accessories and phone cards may be purchased on Island.
Fax and other business services are available through the Post Office.
Internet and other services (photocopying and printing) are available at the Christmas Island Visitors Information Centre.
Electricity
Electricity (consumer voltage 240V 50hz) is generated by a diesel plant at the power station operated by the Indian Ocean Territory Power Authority.
Water
Water is pumped from underground sources. The water supply is managed and maintained to Australian Standards by the Water Corporation under contract to Attorney-General's Department.
Freight
Freight to Christmas Island may be sent by air or sea.
Sea freight is from Fremantle, Western Australia every 4 to 6 weeks contact Zentner Shipping Pty Ltd 08 9337 5911 or zentner1@iinet.au.
Air Freight may be arranged for the scheduled flights to Christmas Island through the Freightshop by phone on 08 9477 6088.
Newspaper
The local newspaper The Islander is produced fortnightly by the Shire of Christmas Island and is available from various shops on the Island.
Recreation
There is a wide range of recreational activities and facilities available on the Island for visitors and residents alike. The Christmas Island Visitors Information Centre can provide information on the activities and facilities. Notices of events are posted in the local Newspaper, The Islander, and on the blackboards at the Roundabout.
Christmas Island National Park covers approximately 63% of the Island and contains large tracts of tall rainforest, beaches, caves, freshwater streams and waterfalls as well as rare plants, bird life and other wildlife. A Visitor's Centre is operated by Parks Australia at Drumsite where advice on plants and wildlife and sight seeing is provided. The park is accessible by road and there are many walks along boardwalks or tracks. Sight seeing tours are available.
Spectacular fish, corals, rock formations and caves provide exciting snorkelling and diving opportunities on Christmas Island, from both the shore and by charter boat.
The famous migration of large numbers of red crabs occurs between October and January each year. Whale sharks are also seen at this time of year.
There are many vantage points to watch birds, some unique to Christmas Island, such as Christmas Island Frigate Bird and the majestic Golden Bosun.
A Recreation Centre at Phosphate Hill provides a modern swimming pool, gym and sports hall. A crèche and café operate at the Recreation Centre.
Golf can be played amongst the palm trees with views of the ocean at the Christmas Island Golf Club.
The outdoor Cinema operates every Saturday Night at Poon Saan, even when it is raining. Check the blackboard or The Islander for the week's movie.
Many events are held throughout the year to celebrate the varied cultural aspects of Christmas Island such as Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Anzac Day and Territory Day. Visitors are welcome to join these celebrations and details are available through the Christmas Island Tourism Association .
Many of the activities on the Island are run by volunteers.
Dress
The relaxed attitude of the islands is reflected in the casual attire worn by residents and visitors. Business dress is smart casual. A hat and sunscreen is recommended when outdoors. Strong walking shoes are recommended for the jungle. Reef shoes or sandshoes should be worn near the water to avoid injury from stone fish and coral.
When visiting the Kampong, appropriate attire should be worn to respect the Malay community. Women and men are asked to wear modest outfits which cover the shoulders and upper legs.
Health
Special vaccinations and medications are not required for travel to Christmas Island.
It is important to ensure that supplies of personal medications are brought for the duration of the intended travel. Supplies of special medication may be limited and could take up to a week to obtain.
A small hospital operates on Christmas Island providing health services. People sustaining serious illness or injuries may be sent to Perth for treatment. It is important for people to check their health and travel insurances when planning a trip to Christmas Island.
Pharmaceuticals and general supplies are available from the chemist.
It is important to drink plenty of water, use sunscreens and wear a hat.
Information for Visiting Yachts
Christmas Island welcomes visiting yachts and provides moorings, water and bathroom facilities at Flying Fish Cove.
On or before arrival please contact Customs and Immigration on +61 (0) 8 9164 7228 or VHF channel 16 or 82 (local repeater system), tie up to an available mooring and display the yellow quarantine flag. Anchors must not be dropped in Flying Fish Cove to avoid damage to the corals. It is necessary to clear quarantine, Customs and Immigration before disembarking.
There is a small charge for mooring. For further information contact the Harbour Master at westernci@pulau.cx, VHF channel 16/82 or phone +61 (0) 8 9164 8434.
Fuel is available by contacting Gaseng Petroleum on 08 9164 8313 or mobile 0439 215 058.