Aruba

Oranjestad Harbour is the main clearance port for visiting yachts in Aruba. Before entering Aruban waters, confirm immigration permission and clearance arrangements; do not remain in local waters without authorisation from Immigration.

The port authority identifies Oranjestad Harbour as the main yacht entry port. The recommended approach is through the north-west entrance, then follow Port Control Tower directions to the yellow-marked waiting area at Pier H. The Aruba Ports Authority website also provides information about Barcadera port, but the specific yacht clearance location may change with port operations. Before departure, contact Port Control on VHF 16 to confirm the designated location for that day.

The Aruba Ports Authority's published yacht-clearance guide does not specify a standard advance-notice period or online reporting platform. Before departure, contact Port Control on VHF 16 to confirm arrival time, designated berth, and customs and immigration arrangements. Have the previous port's clearance, vessel registration documents, and crew and passenger lists ready.

All crew and passengers must undergo immigration inspection. Everyone must remain aboard until entry formalities are complete. Visitor visa requirements depend on nationality and travel document; the immigration officer at the port makes the final entry decision. Check the official visa requirements before sailing and have valid travel documents and any required arrival cards for everyone aboard.

The vessel must complete customs formalities at a designated entry port and comply with the port authority's rules for the port and its waters. Have vessel registration, previous-port clearance, and crew and passenger lists ready. Confirm temporary import, declarations for items aboard, and permitted stay with Aruba Customs. The available official yacht page does not state a uniform temporary-import period or security requirement for visiting yachts.

Before bringing pets, plants, meat, or other animal products ashore, confirm permit and health-document requirements with Aruba Customs and the relevant quarantine authorities. Aruba Customs lists animals, plants, meat, and meat products as restricted items. Do not assume that personal-use goods or pets aboard are automatically allowed entry.

Import, export, or transit of firearms and ammunition requires advance authorisation; drugs are prohibited. Medicines, plants, meat, animals, and some radio-communication equipment may also require permits or be strictly restricted. Before departure, confirm with Aruba Customs and the relevant authorities how items aboard must be handled. Do not assume an item need not be declared merely because it remains on the vessel.

When approaching Oranjestad Harbour, contact Port Control on VHF 16 and follow the Port Control Tower's directions. Fly the yellow quarantine flag as instructed in the official guide and wait in the yellow-marked area at Pier H for customs and immigration inspection. Everyone aboard must remain on the vessel until entry formalities are complete. The Port Control Tower operates 24 hours a day; the official working channels are VHF 16 and 11.

Before departure, contact Port Control on VHF 16 to arrange customs and immigration departure formalities; leave only after completing them. The Ports Authority website lists port tariffs, but includes documents from different years and does not establish the current amount payable by visiting yachts. Confirm applicable charges, payment method, and required departure documents with the Ports Authority or an agent.