Ascension Island

Ascension Island receives visiting pleasure yachts. Yachts must anchor as directed and complete port and immigration formalities. Anyone intending to go ashore must obtain an approved e-visa before arrival. Pleasure yachts must also make a biosecurity declaration and obtain biosecurity clearance before people or goods land. The master and crew must carry medical insurance covering medical evacuation and COVID-19 for more than 10 days, to account for unplanned delays.

Visiting yachts should anchor in the designated area of Clarence Bay, Georgetown, approximately 7°55.2′S, 014°24.7′W, between the buoyed area and the floating pipeline. Use your own anchor; do not moor to buoys or moorings in Clarence Bay, and do not obstruct vessel movements or cargo operations. The only authorised landing point is the steps at the head of Georgetown Pier. Dinghies must use the landing-stage moorings beside the steps and must not be tied to the steps themselves.

At least 24 hours before the expected arrival, the master must send the pleasure-yacht biosecurity arrival declaration to the Biosecurity Officer at [email protected]. Biosecurity clearance is required before people or goods land, and arriving vessels may be subject to a compulsory inspection. Clean the hull before sailing to Ascension Island; hull cleaning is prohibited in the local Marine Protected Area. Anyone intending to go ashore must obtain an approved e-visa before arrival. When registering, the master should have vessel details, crew list and passports, proof of medical insurance, and departure clearance from the previous port ready.

All visitors intending to go ashore must obtain an approved e-visa before arriving at Ascension Island. Immigration formalities are handled at the Port Office at the head of Georgetown Pier. When registering, the master must bring the crew list, passports, and proof of medical insurance. The insurance must cover medical evacuation and COVID-19 and provide more than 10 days' cover. The e-visa fee is payable when applying.

Contact the Assistant Harbour Master as early as possible to arrange vessel registration and port formalities. Bring vessel details, crew list and passports, proof of medical insurance, and departure clearance from the previous port. The Ascension Island government yacht information reviewed does not explain the customs treatment, period, or charges for temporary import of private yachts. Confirm these with the port or customs authority before arrival.

All pleasure yachts must submit the dedicated biosecurity arrival declaration to the Biosecurity Officer at least 24 hours before the expected arrival. The master must obtain biosecurity clearance before people or goods land; arriving vessels may also be subject to compulsory inspection. Take reasonable steps to prevent discharge in Ascension Island waters of waste, bilge water, sewage, sullage, or ballast water containing animals, plants, or their products. Clean the hull before arrival, and do not clean it within the local Marine Protected Area.

Controlled items such as live animals, plant material, fresh produce, compost, peat, soil, and natural packing materials require a permit or prior approval before landing. Animals are strictly prohibited from landing and must remain aboard at all times. Before arrival, check shoes, bags, hiking/fishing/sports equipment, ropes, anchors, anchor chains, and fishing lines and remove soil, weed seeds, and attached organisms. Confirm permit conditions for other items with the Biosecurity Officer.

After arrival, the master should contact the Assistant Harbour Master on VHF 16 as early as possible to arrange shore registration and port formalities. Immigration formalities are completed at the Port Office at the head of Georgetown Pier. Bring vessel details, crew list and passports, proof of medical insurance, and departure clearance from the previous port. Yachts arriving after 16:00 or at weekends must report to Ascension Island Radio on VHF 16. Crew must not go ashore without Port Control authorisation. Ask the Assistant Harbour Master about the anchorage location.

Each yacht must pay a compulsory £15 lighthouse fee at the Assistant Harbour Master's office. The e-visa fee is paid separately when applying. The official sea guide reviewed does not list complete yacht departure procedures or other departure charges; confirm these with the port authorities before leaving.