| The rules and regulations of yacht entry differ from | | | | and captains may check for opening hours with the |
| port to port around the world. For the yachting | | | | Port Authority on CH68 or by contacting the marina |
| capital of the West Indies, Antigua & Barbuda, there | | | | directly. Some charter agencies or yacht services will |
| are very specific standards and regulations for yacht | | | | provide an agent on site to handle the clearance |
| entry into these high volume ports. Below are several | | | | procedures. If prior arrangements are made, the |
| of the clearance regulations for Antigua & Barbuda | | | | agent can clear your vessel before your yacht even |
| that are applicable to captains, crew and guests. | | | | arrives. |
| While many yachties are experts when it comes to | | | | If you are aboard a caribbean yacht charter and wish |
| touring the Caribbean, staying informed may help | | | | to cruise in the waters of Antigua & Barbuda, the |
| their Antigua Yacht Charter run a little smoother. | | | | captain must check with the local Port Authority for |
| All yachts and vessels arriving from an overseas port | | | | permission to do so. The port officials will issue a |
| who request entry must fly a yellow ‘Q’ | | | | Cruising Permit which can range anywhere from |
| quarantine flag from a high point in the rigging of a | | | | $8.00- $20.00 depending on the length of the vessel. |
| sailing yacht or at the bridge of a motor yacht just | | | | This permit will allow the vessel to cruise in all Antigua |
| before they anchor or dock alongside a marina. This | | | | & Barbuda waters unless a specific area has been |
| ensures officials that members on board are all | | | | prohibited for draft or national security reasons. |
| healthy and fit to enter the island. | | | | Last, all passengers and crew wishing to depart from |
| All passengers and crew must remain on board until | | | | a vessel that will remain in Antigua & Barbuda’s |
| clearance has been obtained. Since crewmembers are | | | | waters must have a valid airline ticket or proof of |
| included in these rules, only the Captain (skipper) may | | | | exit to another island or country that will accept |
| go ashore to the customs and immigration offices. | | | | them without question. This ticket or substantial |
| Captains of vessels arriving after hours must make | | | | proof must be presented to the immigration officer |
| sure that no one from the vessel goes ashore | | | | before guests may depart from the vessel onto land. |
| before they have been cleared at the earliest | | | | The island’s strict berthing and cruising laws |
| opportunity. Antigua’s ports anticipate providing | | | | make these Caribbean waters safe to enjoy. While |
| 24-hour customs and immigration services in the near | | | | passport and immigration laws continue to change, |
| future. | | | | Caribbean travelers are becoming yacht charter |
| As of right now, opening hours of Customs and | | | | aficionados to maximize the benefits of their travels. |
| Immigration offices vary from port to port. Agents | | | | |