Christmas Island travel information

For more information visit the Christmas Island Tourism website.

Air services

The Australian Government, through the department provides significant investment in underwriting air services to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT), as these services are not commercially viable.

A freighter aircraft operates from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands each fortnight (see Services section below for freight arrangements).

Virgin Airlines operated an air service between Perth and Christmas Island up until 31 October 2025.

Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) has been selected as the new long-term air services delivery partner for the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT), following an open and competitive tender process.

Qantas will deliver both passenger and air freight services to the IOT for a period of five years, with two possible two-year extension options. These services commenced on 3 November 2025. Refer to the Qantas website for specific flight details from 3 November 2025.

Time difference

Christmas Island is one hour behind Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), and three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Daylight saving is not observed on Christmas Island.

Customs and immigration

Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Christmas Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence or Proof of Age card, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Customs and Immigration. 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.

Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia. A passport is necessary and a visa may be required. Refer to your travel agent or the Department of Home Affairs for further details.

Duty free purchases may be made for travel to and from Christmas Island.

Quarantine

Christmas Island is home to some unique endemic species of wildlife. It is also free of many pests and diseases that are found in other parts of the world. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is the border agency charged with the task of protecting the environment and human health from pests or disease incursions. The Department's objective is to facilitate the movement of passengers, cargo, aircraft and vessels in a way that minimises any inconvenience to the people involved, while maintaining the quarantine integrity of the island. This is achieved through various reporting, screening, inspection and treatment mechanisms. Certain products are prohibited on the island while other items may require some form of treatment before they can be released.

Any person wishing to know more about the quarantine requirements on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands should refer to the Department Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry webpage or phone 1800 900 090.

Importation of cats and dogs

The importation of dogs and cats into Christmas Island is prohibited by the Importation of Dogs and Cats Ordinance 1973 (CI), due to concerns about environmental, social, cultural, animal health and welfare issues.

The Administrator has the discretion to approve the importation of a dog if it is an assistance animal. If a person wishes to import an assistance animal, an application in writing can be made to the Administrator of the Territory of Christmas Island at PO Box 868, Christmas Island Indian Ocean WA 6798.

The Shire of Christmas Island has a local law in respect of dogs and cats. Further information may be obtained from the Shire of Christmas Island's website or by phone 08 9164 8300.

Services

Tourism

For information on accommodation, restaurants, bars, shopping, car hire and visiting yachts please refer to the Christmas Island Tourism Association's website or contact the Visitor Centre on 08 9164 8382 or Office@christmas.net.au.

Banking

Westpac Banking Corporation has a branch on the island offering full banking services including foreign currency exchange. The Christmas Island Post Office is also a Commonwealth Bank agency and provides services for many banks including Citibank, Statewest, Bankwest, Metway, Hong Kong Bank of Australia and Adelaide Bank. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available as well as cash advances from credit cards of up to AUD$800 per day.

There is one generic Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) on Christmas Island.

Postal services

Australia Post and its licensees are responsible for the delivery of mail to the Indian Ocean Territories and meeting customer service requirements for mail. Mail is uplifted via regular passenger and freighter services.

Freightshop coordinates the delivery of air freight to the IOT, including mail lodged with Australia Post, in consultation with Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas) and Toll Logistics.

Cargo space on the Regular Public Transport services is limited, with passenger numbers, excess baggage, runway conditions and weather at all airports (including alternate airports) impacting on the amount of freight that can be uplifted.

Air freight is prioritised according to the following categories based on the critical nature of the goods:

  • Category 1A—Medical and Aircraft on Ground Spares
  • Category 1B—Approved Must-fly
  • Category 1C—General Must-fly
  • Category 2—Perishables
  • Category 3—Australia Post Mail
  • Category 4—Priority General Cargo
  • Category 5—General Cargo.

In the event that air freight, including mail, cannot be uplifted due to capacity constraints, goods will generally be transported on the next available flight.

Any queries about mail deliveries should be referred to Australia Post.

For additional information regarding air freight uploads, including lodgement times, please contact Freightshop at perth@freightshop.com.au, or on 08 9477 6088.

The Post Office provides full postal and philatelic services, including special Christmas Island stamps and first day covers. Postal services to Christmas Island are weekly. Envelopes and Express Post Packages will be sent by air. All other post, including airmail packages, will be sent via seamail which may take up to two months for delivery. For further information you may contact the Christmas Island Post Office on 08 9164 8495 or cipost@pulau.cx.

Freight

Freight to Christmas Island may be sent by air or sea. Air freighter services depart from Perth, every fortnight. Sea freight is from Fremantle, Western Australia every four to six weeks.

For further information:

Telecommunications

Christmas Island receives the standard digital television channels from Western Australia. Radio 6RCI is the local radio station, transmitting on 105.3FM from Rocky Point and 102.1FM from Drumsite. Transmissions are in English, Malay and Chinese. Christmas Island also receives Red FM—a commercial station based in West Australia as well as ABC Radio and JJJ FM.

Christmas Island has full phone access to and from the Australian mainland. The area code is +61 8 international or 08 domestic. Public phones are available at various locations across the Island. The Telstra GSM mobile network operates on Christmas Island. Phones, SIM cards, mobile accessories and phone cards may be purchased on Island. Contact IOCOMM Technologies on 08 9164 8505 for further information.

There are some areas of Christmas Island where mobile reception is not available. It is recommended that any person exploring Christmas Island outside the residential areas carries a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to alert authorities in the event of an emergency. PLBs can be borrowed from the Australian Federal Police building on Gaze Road, Settlement at no charge.

Fax and other business services are available through the Post Office.

Internet and other services such as photocopying and printing are available at the Christmas Island Visitors Information Centre.

Electricity

Electricity (consumer voltage 240V 50hz) is generated by diesel plants in the power station located on the island, and is operated by the Indian Ocean Territory Power Authority.

Water

Water is pumped from underground sources. The water supply is managed and maintained to Australian Standards by the Water Corporation under contract to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

News

Visitors and residents can receive Australian Government updates and emergency information relevant to the IOT by subscribing to the IOT News Facebook page. The Shire of Christmas Island produces a fortnightly newsletter, The Islander, which is available from various shops on the Island and the Shire's website.

Recreation

There is a wide range of recreational activities and facilities available on the Island for visitors and residents alike. The Christmas Island Visitors Information Centre can provide information on the activities and facilities. Notices of events are posted in the local Newspaper, The Islander, and written on the community blackboards at the Roundabout.

Christmas Island National Park covers almost two thirds of the Island and contains large tracts of tall rainforest, beaches, caves, freshwater streams and waterfalls as well as rare plants, bird life and other wildlife. Visit the CI National Park website, Facebook page or CINP app for advice on plants, wildlife and sightseeing. The park is accessible by road and there are many walks along boardwalks or tracks. Guided tours are also available.

Spectacular fish, corals, rock formations and caves provide exciting snorkelling and diving opportunities on Christmas Island, from both the shore and by charter boat. The famous migration of large numbers of red crabs occurs between October and January each year. Whale sharks are also seen at this time. There are many vantage points to watch birds, some unique to Christmas Island, such as the Christmas Island Frigate Bird and the majestic Golden Bosun.

A recreation centre at Phosphate Hill provides a modern swimming pool, gym and sports hall. A crèche and café also operate at the centre. Golf can be enjoyed at the Christmas Island Golf Club. For more information visit the Christmas Island Tourism website.

The outdoor Cinema operates every Saturday Night at Poon Saan, even when it is raining. Check the blackboard or The Islander for the week's movie.

Many events are held throughout the year to celebrate the varied cultural aspects of Christmas Island such as Australia Day, Chinese New Year, Anzac Day and Territory Day. Visitors are welcome to join these celebrations and details are available through the Christmas Island Tourism website.

Dress

The relaxed attitude of the islands is reflected in the casual attire worn by residents and visitors. Business dress is smart casual. A hat, sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended when outdoors, and strong walking shoes are necessary for the jungle. Reef shoes or sandshoes should also be worn near the water to avoid injury from stone fish and coral.

When visiting the Kampong, appropriate attire should be worn to respect the Islamic community. Women and men are asked to wear modest outfits which cover the shoulders and upper legs.

Health

Special vaccinations and medications are not required for travel to Christmas Island.

It is important to ensure that supplies of personal medications are brought for the duration of intended travel, as supplies of special medication may be limited and could take up to a week to obtain. Essential medications should be packed in carry-on baggage. Pharmaceuticals and general supplies are available from the chemist.

A small hospital operates on Christmas Island providing essential health services. People sustaining serious illness or injuries may be sent to Perth for treatment. It is important for people to check their health and travel insurances when planning a trip to Christmas Island.

Information for visiting yachts

Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean at latitude 10°30' south and longitude 105°40' east.

Christmas Island welcomes visiting yachts. Moorings, water and bathroom facilities are provided at Flying Fish Cove.

On or before arrival please contact Australian Border Force Christmas Island on 08 9164 7228 or at dmwaci@border.gov.au, tie up to an available mooring and display the yellow quarantine flag. For more information on quarantine requirements, contact +61 (08) 9164 7456 or at christmas.island@aquis.gov.au.

To avoid damage to coral, anchors must not be dropped in Flying Fish Cove. It is necessary to clear quarantine, Customs and Immigration before disembarking.

Contacts

Further information may be obtained from the following organisations.

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
111 Alinga Street
CANBERRA ACT 2601

GPO Box 594
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Switchboard: +61 2 6136 7111
Media enquiries: 1300 732 749 or media@infrastructure.gov.au

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Christmas Island
PO Box 868
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 7901

Office of the Administrator
PO Box 868
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 7960

Christmas Island District High School
PO Box 866
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 8546
Fax: 08 9164 8544
Email: ian.francis@education.wa.gov.au

Christmas Island Tourism
PO Box 63
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 8382
Fax: 08 9164 8080

Indian Ocean Group Training Association
PO Box 457
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 7220
Fax: 08 9164 7129

Indian Ocean Territories Health Service
PO Box 865
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 8333
Email:ioths@infrastructure.gov.au

Qantas Airways
General Enquiries: 13 13 13
Urgent IOT route enquiries: 1300 026 698 (8am to 7pm Christmas Island time)
Group travel enquiries: 13 26 24
Travel agents' enquiries: 13 17 11

Christmas Island National Park—Parks Australia
PO Box 867
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 8700
Email: christmasislandnp@environment.gov.au

Shire of Christmas Island
PO Box 863
Christmas Island
INDIAN OCEAN WA 6798
Phone: 08 9164 8300
Fax: 08 9164 8304
Email: admin@shire.gov.cx