customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu Yachts Clearance : Vanuatu Customs & Inland Revenue

Organization : Customs & Inland Revenue
Type of Facility : Yachts Clearance
Country: Vanuatu
Website : https://customsinlandrevenue.gov.vu/index.php

Customs Inland Revenue Yachts Clearance

The port of Lenakel on the island of Tanna, the port of Port Vila on the island of Efate, the port of Luganville on the island of Santo and the port of Sola on the island of Vanua Lava are the only ports of entry in the Republic of Vanuatu.

Related : Vanuatu Customs & Inland Revenue Post Clearance Audit : www.statusin.org/8616.html

Arrival

All Crafts on route to Vanuatu must provide a minimum of 24 hours advance notice of arrival to Customs.

Notice must be provided by e-mail stating :
(a) the name of the vessel; and
(b) the voyage (last 3 ports); and
(c) the estimated date and time of arrival in Vanuatu; and
(d) the appointed port or other place where the craft will land or berth; and
(e) the name of the master or skipper of the vessel; and
(f) the name and contact details of the person providing the information; and
(g) the names of passengers on board; and
(h) list of goods to be landed (if any).

** According to Quarantine laws, the vessel is required to fly the yellow flag as soon as it enters Vanuatu’s exclusive economic zone.
** Upon arrival at the port vessels can call “Customs” on VHF radio Channel 16 (only at Port Vila and Lenakel at the moment).

** Master of all yachts entering Vanuatu from a foreign port or place must first report to the Customs, Quarantine and Immigration authorities at either the port of Lenakel or Port Vila or Luganville or Sola.

** Vessels may not call at Mystery Island (Anietyum) or Port Resolution (Tanna) or any other place in Vanuatu, prior to entering one of the ports nominated above for customs clearance, unless prior written permission is granted by the Director of Customs & Inland Revenue.

** The Master of vessels who visit these places prior to obtaining customs clearance, being issued with an “Inter-island Cruising Permit”, or obtaining written permission may be subject to fines and/or prosecution.

** It is an offence to come ashore in Vanuatu unless having undergone customs clearance procedures on arrival.
** Interactive Inward Reporting forms are available on the Customs website under Forms.
** To facilitate clearance, filled out forms can be emailed to the address provided on the form prior to arrival.
** Interactive Passenger Arrival forms are available on the Customs website under Forms.
** To facilitate clearance, filled out forms can be emailed to the same Customs Border email address prior to arrival.
** The filled out form is required by Immigration to complete arrival formalities.

Arms And Ammunition

** On arrival all arms and ammunition must be declared and surrendered to the Customs Officer for safe keeping.
** If Customs are satisfied that firearms and ammunition can be safely secured under seal on board the importing vessel this may be allowed.
** In cases where no suitably secure sealing arrangements exist, the goods will be detained by Customs throughout the vessel stay in Vanuatu.
** At least 48 hours notice of intended departure from the finale port of clearance must be given in such cases.

Prohibited Goods

The laws of Vanuatu prohibit the importation of narcotics, obscene publications and materials (books, magazines, DVDs, computer stored images and videos, and video cassettes), and certain firearms such as automatic weapons. These have severe penalties for any breach of these prohibitions.

Port Dues

All visiting small crafts are liable for port dues of 7,875 Vatu for a 30 days period or any part thereof. After 30 days from the date of first arrival, the vessel is liable for an additional charge of 100 vatu per day. Port Dues are to be paid at the Ports & Harbour office, or if unavailable, at the Customs office at the final port of departure (Lenakel, Port Vila, Luganville or Sola).

Quarantine

Live animals, reptiles, birds of any description, fresh meat, fruit or vegetables imported by yachts must not be taken ashore. Additionally, some restriction on whether such goods will be permitted to remain on board after the arrival at a Customs port may be enforced by officers of Bio-security. No foreign garbage may be landed in Vanuatu without permission from Bio-security.