Australian Government reform
On 19 March 2015, the Australian Government announced comprehensive reforms for Norfolk Island. We were part of the joint agency taskforce coordinating the Norfolk Island reform process, led by the
Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
On 1 July 2016, the Australian Government integrated Norfolk Island with Australia’s tax, health and social security systems and commenced delivering essential national functions such as immigration, customs and biosecurity in Norfolk Island.
Arrangements in Norfolk Island from 1 July 2016
We are now delivering immigration and customs functions in Norfolk Island, where we have a permanent Australian Border Force (ABF) presence.
For immigration purposes, Norfolk Island has been integrated into the Australian migration zone. This means that passenger movements between the Australian mainland and Norfolk Island are considered domestic travel. All people (non-citizens as well as Australian citizens) travelling between Norfolk Island and an overseas destination are subject to Australian immigration requirements in accordance with the Australian
Migration Act 1958 and
Migration Regulations 1994. For non-citizens, this includes being required to hold an appropriate Australian visa to enter, visit or reside in Norfolk Island. With the introduction of these new immigration arrangements, the Norfolk Island
Immigration Act 1980 was repealed.
For customs purposes, people and goods arriving in and leaving from Norfolk Island will remain international movements. The Norfolk Island Customs Ordinance 2016 applies a modified version of the
Customs Act 1901, the
Customs Regulation 2015 and the
Customs (International Obligations) Regulation 2015 in Norfolk Island. The
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the
Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 also apply. With the introduction of these new customs arrangements, the Norfolk Island
Customs Act 1913 and
Customs Regulations 1986 were repealed.
There are no customs duties, GST or other indirect taxes (for example, Luxury Car Tax) on goods arriving in Norfolk Island.
The current mainland Australia requirements for goods exported to and imported from Norfolk Island have not changed (for example, export and import declarations are still required). Implementation of customs functions in Norfolk Island is consistent with existing arrangements in the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
More information on the following new arrangements in Norfolk Island will be available soon:
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Information for travellers
- Importing and exporting goods clearance
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Importing and exporting firearms and weapons
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Information for airlines
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Arriving aircraft, air cargo, passenger and crew reporting requirements
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Departing aircraft, air cargo, passenger and crew reporting requirements
- Arriving vessel, sea cargo, passenger and crew reporting requirements
- Departing vessel, sea cargo, passenger and crew reporting requirements
- Visa arrangements for Norfolk Island:
- The Norfolk Island
Immigration Act 1980 was repealed and current Australian visa arrangements under the Australian
Migration Act 1958 now apply.
- Non-citizens who want to enter and remain in Norfolk Island must hold an Australian visa that is in effect.
- Permits issued under the repealed Norfolk Island
Immigration Act 1980 ceased to be in force on 1 July 2016.
- Former holders of Norfolk Island permits, and those who held permanent residency in Norfolk Island, have been transitioned to an Australian visa.
More information on
transitional visa arrangements is available.
Other useful information
