Where is Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island is situated in the Pacific Ocean approximately 1,600km north-east of Sydney, 890km north-east of Lord Howe Island and 1,100km north-west of Auckland.
What time zone is used in Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island observes Norfolk Time (UTC+11). Daylight saving is observed on Norfolk Island (UTC+12). This means that Norfolk Island is always one hour ahead of Australian east-coast jurisdictions that observe daylight saving time.
How do I get to Norfolk Island?
Regular air passenger services operate to Norfolk Island from Sydney and Brisbane, and can be booked through your preferred travel agent.
What identity documents do I need to travel to Norfolk Island?
Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Norfolk Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence, Proof of Age card or current Norfolk Island Document of Identity, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance by the Australian Border Force. A valid passport meets this identification requirement and is the preferred means of documentation to expedite passenger processing and provide passenger identification in the case of a flight diversion to another country.
The visa requirements for Norfolk Island are the same as for Australia. If you are arriving directly to Norfolk Island and you are not an Australian citizen, you will require a visa. This also applies to cruise ship passengers. See visa information here.
What about children travelling without identification?
Children may travel accompanied by an adult who has appropriate documentation. Unaccompanied children will experience delays in processing until an Australian Border Force officer is satisfied as to their identity.
Flights depart and arrive via international terminals, do international movement conditions apply?
Yes, your travel experience will be similar to an international traveller. You must complete an incoming passenger card, and you and your luggage will be screened and could be inspected by Australian Border Force and Biosecurity officers.
From 1 July 2016, the Biosecurity Act 2015 will apply to movements onto Norfolk Island, and biosecurity import conditions will apply to all goods arriving onto Norfolk Island.
You must declare certain food, plant material (including wooden articles) and animal products on your incoming passenger card.
If you have items you don’t wish to declare, you can dispose of them in the bins provided. You will not be penalised if all items are declared, even if they are not allowed into Norfolk Island. If you are not sure what you can take, ask a Biosecurity officer.
Do COVID-19 travel restrictions apply on Norfolk Island?
For the latest COVID-19 travel information for Norfolk Island, please visit http://www.norfolkisland.gov.nf/covid-19-travel-information-and-entry-pass.
Do I need travel insurance to cover a medical emergency or a medical evacuation from Norfolk Island?
From 1 July 2016, medical treatment on Norfolk Island will be covered by Medicare as it is on mainland Australia. Emergency medical treatment will be covered by Medicare or your private health insurer.
If you need to be medically evacuated from the Island, you will be transferred from Norfolk Island's health facility to the closest, appropriate mainland hospital. The cost of the medivac will be covered by the Australian Government.
Can I purchase/replace my medicines on Norfolk Island?
Yes, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme apply on Norfolk Island since 1 July 2016, and the cost of medicines will be comparable to mainland Australia.
Can I shop duty free on Norfolk Island?
Yes, similar to other Australian external territories, there is no limit on the amount of duty free goods you can buy on Norfolk Island. However, when returning to mainland Australia standard duty free concessions will apply. You will need to produce documentation, such as a valid boarding pass and passport, to be eligible to purchase duty free goods at Sydney or Brisbane Airports.
What public holidays are observed on Norfolk Island?
Norfolk Island observes the below public holidays each year, as listed in the Employment Act:
- New Year's Day: 1 January (and, if that day is a Saturday or Sunday, the next Monday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (or, if that day is a Saturday or Sunday, the next Monday)
- Foundation Day: 6 March (and, if that day is a Sunday, the next Monday)
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day: 25 April
- Bounty Day: 8 June (and, if that day is a Saturday or Sunday, the next Monday)
- Sovereign's Birthday: the first Monday after the second Saturday in June (or, if that Monday is observed as Bounty Day, the next Monday)
- Show Day: the second Monday in October
- Thanksgiving: the last Wednesday in November
- Christmas Day: 25 December (and, if that day is a Saturday or Sunday, 27 December)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (and, if that day is a Saturday or Sunday, 28 December).