Sailing Guide to Wallis & Futuna: Tips for Yachting

Wallis and Futuna is made up of two main islands: Wallis (Uvea) and Futuna. They are approximately 250 km (135 nm) apart and both have a port of entry.

Wallis and Futuna can be included in transpacific sailing itineraries, where most yachts approach from Samoa or continue west to Fiji or Vanuatu. The journey from Samoa to Wallis and Futuna is approximately one day - see sailing times in How Long Does it Take to Sail to Wallis and Futuna.

Sailing to Wallis

Wallis is the most developed island in Wallis and Futuna and the main service centre. Although there are no repair facilities and yacht services, you will find Yamaha outboard motors at Technic Import (Aka'aka) and a hardware store at Batirama (Fenuarama Shopping Centre, Mata'Utu).

There are also shops for provisioning, so it's a good place to stock up before long voyages. On the other hand, options are more basic compared to larger Pacific ports. Check out the Information, Shops & Services on Wallis Island for services that might be helpful.

Your main entry point into Wallis is via the southern Passe Honikulu, which is wide and well-marked.

Entry instructions for Mata'Utu quayside should be coordinated with local authorities on VHF Ch.16 before arrival. See the "Clearing Customs for Yachts in Wallis and Futuna" section below for more details.

As for experiencing Wallis as a visitor, the island offers stunning natural attractions like crater lakes and uninhabited islets, while there are excellent kitesurfing and snorkelling opportunities in the protected lagoon. Rental cars are available for exploring.

Head to The Complete Travel Guide to Wallis to start planning your visit and check out the "Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna" section below.

© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Sailing to Futuna

Futuna, also known as the Horne Islands (Futuna and Alofi), are less developed than Wallis. However, there is an official port of entry at Leava, which is also your best anchorage option. On Futuna's west coast, it offers the most sheltered conditions.

While the selection of shops for provisioning is not as extensive as Wallis', you'll still be able to pick up essentials and hire a car to explore the island. See the Information, Shops & Services on Futuna to learn more about provisioning.

On Alofi, the island is uninhabited, and the only way to explore is on foot.

Once you've sorted out the logistics, Futuna offers interesting historical sites, distinct Futunan villages, and a chance to hike the territory's highest peak, Mt Puke. The islands offer incredible hiking and cultural experiences.

Plan your visit starting with The Complete Travel Guide to Futuna and check out the "Anchorages in Wallis and Futuna" section below.

Being less visited than other Pacific islands, Wallis and Futuna's yacht clearance formalities are more about letting them know you're arriving by email than filling out official arrival forms. Here are the key things you need to know.

Ports of Entry in Wallis and Futuna

There are two ports of entry in Wallis and Futuna:

• Mata'Utu Port (Wallis): Located in the capital, this is the main entry point for most vessels. The port authority office is situated on the quayside.
• Leava Port (Futuna): A customs office is also located on the Leava quayside.

Yacht Clearance in Wallis and Futuna

Wallis and Futuna require specific clearance procedures for visiting yachts. You'll need to complete formalities on both islands if island-hopping, and the process follows French protocols.

Yachts must announce their arrival to “Wallis Radio” (email: [email protected]).

When arriving on either of the two islands, call Port Authority (Capitainerie) on VHF 16 and turn on your Automatic Identification System (AIS).

Entry Requirements

All yacht passengers must present their passports. Passports must be issued less than 10 years before and be valid for at least three months after the designated departure date.

French citizens only require an identity card, whilst citizens from non-EU countries will require a passport.

© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Wallis Island Clearance

You are required to go to Mata'Utu first to complete your formalities. Note that there are lots of bommies around.

The dinghy dock in Mata'Utu is at 13°17.112S 176°10.152W, which gets very low at low tide.

First, you visit Customs, located on the wharf, then you go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.

The Gendarmerie is located about 800 m (875 yards) from the wharf. At the end of the wharf road (at Gîte Oceania), turn left and continue along the road past the cathedral and round the corner past the post office and up the hill. The Gendarmerie is about 200 m (219 yards) on your left.

Wallis Yacht Clearance Contact Information:

Border Police (PAF)
Phone: +681 82 91 69 / +681 82 25 91
Emails: [email protected] / [email protected]

Customs
Phone: +681 82 29 58
Email: [email protected]

Maritime Affairs / Ports / Navigation Services
Phone: +681 72 26 52 / +681 82 26 52
Email: [email protected]

Veterinary, Food and Plant Inspection Service (SIVAP)
Phone: +681 72 28 34
Email: [email protected]

© WallisandFutunaPocketGuide.com

Futuna Island Clearance

Futuna has no lagoon, so anchorage and mooring areas are fairly limited. The most sheltered and convenient place to anchor is Leava Bay where you will be close to the quayside and shops.

Leava anchorage (14°17.733S 178°09.652W) is a small, pretty exposed harbour with space for a handful of boats to anchor. The dinghy landing (14°17.555S 178°09.564W) has a boat ramp.

Formalities are handled at Leava quayside. First, visit Customs at Futuna Wharf, then go to the Gendarmerie to complete Immigration.

The Gendarmerie is located just south of the wharf. From the wharf exit, turn right and walk for about 90 m (98 yards) and the Gendarmerie is the first building on your right.

Futuna Yacht Clearance Contact Information:

Border Police (PAF)
Phone: +681 83 17 00
Email: [email protected]

Customs
Phone: +681 82 32 42
Emails: dr-wallis-et-futuna@douane. finances.gouv.fr / [email protected]

Maritime Affairs (SAMPPB)
Phone: +681 72 35 23
Email: [email protected]

SIVAP
Phone: +681 72 38 16
Email: [email protected]

Immigration and Customs Restrictions

The Gendarmerie generally want to see each crew member and their passport.

There are no clearance fees on either island.

Yachts may stay a maximum of six months in a 12-month period without paying duty.

All firearms and ammunition require authorisation and must be reported.

For more about what to expect from customs, check out Arriving in Wallis & Futuna: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process whose information also applies to yachts.

There are important formalities that yachties should know when travelling between Wallis and Futuna, as well as when clearing out.

Domestic Cruising

For sailing between the islands of Wallis and Futuna, you'll need to complete full clearance procedures at each island, even if you've already cleared in at the other island in the territory.

Be aware that some areas may have environmental restrictions, and it's essential to follow local guidelines to protect the marine environment.

International Clearance

When departing Wallis and Futuna, you must clear out through both Customs and Gendarmerie, even if you're just sailing to the other island within the territory.

The good news is that there are no fees for these clearance procedures, making inter-island travel more straightforward from a cost perspective.

Wallis and Futuna offer several anchorage options for visiting yachts, each with its own characteristics and level of protection from the elements.

Each anchorage has its merits depending on weather conditions and your specific needs during your stay.