This is a Port of Entry and a Biosecurity Port of Entry for Australia. Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry carry out customs, immigration and biosecurity clearance formalities here.
For full details of Clearance into Australia, see the Noonsite Australia Formalities page.
Prior to approaching Australian waters, especially in the Torres Strait area, expect to be hailed by aircraft from the Australian Border Force (ABF) aircraft who will ask you:
ABF will then advise you what you need to do before we entering Australian waters.
Along with providing at least 96 hours notice of your arrival to the ABF, TI officials also encourage cruisers to email thursdayisland@abf.gov.au or call +61 7 4083 1800 with any questions. This way officials can provide advance assistance to anyone concerned or stressed about where to anchor and how the clearance will be conducted.
There is no dedicated customs/quarantine pontoon or mooring buoy for arrivals and departures. This means that Border Force and Biosecurity officials will either have to get to the anchored yacht via a government vessel (if one is available), or the crew will have to come to Thursday Island office via their own tender. Almost all vessels choose to anchor near Horn Island due to more favourable conditions there. However, crossing the channel in certain conditions may be difficult.
If you arrive on a weekend, it is possible to stay on your boat and then go to the Fisheries Wharf on Thursday Island where you will be met by Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity officials.
The Customs office is a 5-minute walk from the main jetty on Thursday Island. A ferry is available from Horn Island to Thursday Island.
It is important to speak to Quarantine officers about food restrictions. The Torres Strait area is a strictly controlled marine park, and certain foods cannot be taken from Thursday Island to your next port of call.
If you are staying longer than two weeks then you will need to go to Cairns within that time frame and go through full Biosecurity clearance. They don’t come to your boat on Thursday Island. There is a AUD$155 vessel arrival charge and AUD$37 for a 15 minute interview.
It is advisable to make an appointment to clear out with officials but they are reported to be very friendly and flexible if you keep them advised of your plans. The process takes about 20 minutes at the Customs/Immigration office. They like you to leave as soon as possible after clearance – but within 24 hours is acceptable.
Last updated: August 2025
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