Ports of Entry
Port Louis is the only official Port of Entry on Mauritius. Detailed information about arrival and clearance procedures in Port Louis can be found on the Port Louis port pages.
Cruisers report being able to clear in at Port Mathurin on Rodrigues where officials are reported to be friendly and welcoming, but it is then necessary to clear in at Port Louis, even if you have previously cleared in at Port Mathurin. Try not to arrive in Rodrigues on a Sunday. It is possible to start clearance on a Sunday, however, will take three times as long, test your patience and will still have to be completed on Monday. Plus there are overtime fees.
Shipping Agents
Use of an agent for clearance is not mandatory, however, an agent will facilitate the entry application (liaise with Port Authorities, send pre-arrival documents to parties concerned and smooth clearance of the yacht in port on arrival) and enter all the details in the digital Vessel Clearance System (VCS). Authorities here have moved from traditional paper-based processes to a paperless, online system, however, a shipping agent is needed to use the VCS. The VCS speeds up clearance times making inward clearance a swift 45 minute to 1 hour process. Clearing in without an agent can take much longer and involves filling in numerous forms by hand. Approximate cost of an agent is MUR 15,000 [USD$350]. See Clearance Agents for listings.
Advance Information to Harbour Authorities
Authorities in Port Louis now ask for advance information by e-mail not later than 24 hours prior to the expected time of arrival at Port Louis Harbour.
E-mail Port Control at – harbourradio@mauport.com
Harbour Radio will enter the following required information into the VCS:
- crew list,
- copy of passports,
- info about last port(s),
- boat registration papers,
- proof of insurance, and
- clearance from last port.
Pets
If arriving with pets on board, they must have an import permit arranged in advance. See the Pets section for more details.
Mauritius Arrival Procedures for Yachts
General Procedure
“Free Radio Pratique” must be given by radio (VHF channel 16/14) before the yacht will be allowed to enter port. Most likely the authorities will contact you on VHF Ch. 16 when 10NM out.
In Port Louis yachts must proceed to Customs Landing Steps (see Port Louis Clearance for details about this dock).
The port is closed from 18:00 to 06:00 so be sure to arrive outside of these times. It is recommended to arrive as close to 06:00 as possible, 7 days a week. If you do arrive out of hours it is acceptable to anchor clear of the entrance until morning.
If you have appointed an agent, they will meet you at the Customs dock. There is an ATM opposite the berth to withdraw cash (in MUR). Agents will want paying in cash.
In Port Mathurin yachts have to anchor outside the port (approx. 200-300m off the quay) and wait for the authorities to board.
Documents needed are as follows:-
1. Ship registry (GRT, Length, Beam, Draft, etc.).
2. Photocopy of passports.
3. Last Port clearance.
4. Insurance certificate.
Health Inspector
- The first official to board the boat when it docks is the Health Inspector.
Nobody (except the skipper) should leave the yacht until the Health/Quarantine Officer has completed his inspection. - You should declare any plants and animals that are on board the yacht.
Customs
After clearance from Health Authorities, the yacht will be boarded by Customs. If they do not, you may need to visit the Customs office in person.
Customs will provide a set of documents to be filled in by the Captain. These documents are all entered directly into the VCS by your agent if you have one appointed:
- Declaration by Master/Owner of Pleasure Boat
- The Crew members and their possession, including dutiable goods
- Name of yacht, registration number, port of registry etc.
- Duration of stay and place of stay
- Last port of call, Purpose of Visit, Name of Skipper, Name of Crew and Passengers (if any)
- Arms and ammunition or allied products form, certifying that there are no such articles on board. If in possession of such articles (spearguns for example), the Master should hand them over to the Customs. Same shall be detained and handed over to Police for safekeeping and will be returned to him upon departure.
- Narcotics and controlled drugs list
- Yacht declaration
Formalities can take some time – be prepared to fill in the 13 forms required by Customs. Be sure to keep the Certificate of Clearance and Yacht Declaration forms safe as they are likely to be checked by the Coast Guard while you are in Mauritius waters.
If using an agent – clearance should take approx. 45 minutes.
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Section (CANS) of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) will search the boat before issuing the arrival clearance.
For details on length of stay and Customs Rules, see the Customs section.
Immigration
All the crew is required to produce a valid passport. Visas will be issued by the Immigration Authorities upon presentation of required documents.
See the Immigration section for more details.
Fees
There are no fees to enter Port Louis (apart from overtime charges with Customs) and only a very small biosecurity fee in Rodrigues. See Fees.
Domestic Cruising in Mauritius
Yachts may visit other anchorages and ports around the island after informing Customs of their intentions and after a clearance certificate has been issued.
Yachts must officially clear out of Port Louis, even if leaving for Rodrigues or Saint Brandon as well as for a foreign port.
Mauritius Departure Procedures for Yachts
International Clearance
Customs should be informed in advance about the scheduled departure. If you have had arms detained by Customs (speargun for example), contact them 24 hours before departure to arrange getting them back. See the Customs section for contact details.
The Customs quay in Port Louis has to be visited for departure. First, visit Coast Guard Harbour Security and inform them you are leaving. They can notify Immigration and Customs, or you can make the necessary appointments yourself (for before 10 am). Once all the paperwork has been done, make a second visit to Coast Guard Harbour Security for them to update their ledger.
On departure, a clearance certificate is issued by Customs. The completed form for clearance has to be approved by Customs at the post office.
All relevant Authorities should notify the Port Master of their respective clearances and the final clearance rests with the Port Master.
If using an agent, departure clearance with Customs is done online by your agent and an electronic clearance certificate issued by Customs.