Norfolk Island Traveller Information
Transport
Scheduled air services from the Australian mainland are currently provided from Sydney and Brisbane. To view flight schedules please follow the link to the Norfolk Island Government web site and click on 'Airlines'.Scheduled air services from New Zealand (Auckland) are provided by Air New Zealand.
There are no port facilities on Norfolk Island. All loading and unloading from vessels is by lighters. Information on the maximum size and weight, along with details of the shipping lines and agents which provide services between Norfolk Island and the mainland and New Zealand, can be found on the Norfolk Island Government web site.
Travel
Air services from the Australian mainland to Norfolk Island depart from the International terminals at Sydney and Brisbane airports. A current passport or document of identity will be required to clear customs and immigration on departure and arrival. Persons who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens must hold an Australian Government Immigration entry visa in order to enter Norfolk Island.
Immigration
The immigration laws that apply to mainland Australia, namely the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), do not extend to Norfolk Island. Entry to and residence on the Island are controlled by Norfolk Island laws.If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen and wish to visit Norfolk Island for a holiday and for less than thirty days you will usually be granted a visitor’s permit on arrival, provided you have a current Passport or document of identity. If you are not an Australian or New Zealand passport holder and you wish to visit Norfolk Island, you will need an entry visa to Australia issued by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
There are no fees for a Visitors Permit but a departure fee of $30 is payable on departure from Norfolk Island. Federal departure tax is not payable by persons travelling to Norfolk Island from the mainland.
Further information on Norfolk Island’s immigration laws and permits for stays in excess of 30 days can be obtained from the Norfolk Island Government web site.
Currency
Australian currency is used on Norfolk Island.Health Services
Most medical and health services are provided through the Island’s 24 bed hospital. The hospital’s facilities include a full range of dental services and a prescription dispensary. However, as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme does not apply, medications are likely to be more expensive than on the mainland.
In emergency situations, where the medical treatment required is beyond the services provided by the hospital, emergency medical evacuation to the mainland or New Zealand may need to be arranged.
Customs and Quarantine
Australian Government Customs and Quarantine laws do not extend to Norfolk Island. However local laws apply. A local customs duty is imposed on most items entering the Territory. Some exemptions exist. Quarantine controls generally mirror those on the mainland. Plants, fruit and vegetables may not be imported.
For more detailed advice see the Norfolk Island Customs web site.
Time difference
Norfolk Island time is one and a half hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time and half an hour ahead of Eastern Daylight Saving Time.