Colombia

Official procedure overview

The Colombian Maritime Directorate's (DIMAR) SITMAR is the online maritime traffic and transport system. Its international traffic module covers the arrival, stay and operation of vessels on international voyages. DIMAR also lists a stay permit for foreign-flag yachts and sailing vessels. Confirm the formalities for the particular vessel with the relevant harbourmaster according to flag, voyage type and port of call.

Official sources: DIMAR: SITMAR system description; DIMAR: foreign-flag yacht and sailing-vessel stay permit

Arrival ports and admission

This guide provides no single Colombian entry-port list applicable to every vessel type. Before departure, confirm with the DIMAR harbourmaster responsible for the destination whether entry can be processed there. Foreign-flag vessels on international voyages normally require a maritime agent to submit arrival notification through SITMAR, generally at least 24 hours in advance; the competent authority handles voyages shorter than 24 hours. Separate procedures apply to voluntary calls by non-commercial recreational/sporting vessels: at least 12 nautical miles from the destination, the master, maritime agent or authorised marina must report on VHF 16 to the maritime traffic control station or competent harbourmaster and obtain port-entry permission before entering.

Pre-arrival contact and declarations

DIMAR's SITMAR international traffic module provides international vessel arrival procedures. Before departure, use SITMAR and the intended port's harbourmaster to confirm this vessel's reporting steps, information, submission channels and deadlines. Do not apply another country's notice periods. If the voyage or crew/passenger details change, confirm whether declarations must be updated.

Official source: DIMAR: SITMAR system description

Immigration and entry formalities

International maritime passengers and crew undergo Colombian immigration controls. Foreign nationals' visas or entry/stay permission depend on nationality and intended activities. Before sailing, confirm travel documents, visas or permits and permitted stay individually with Migración Colombia. Crew status does not automatically confer a visa exemption or admission.

Official sources: Migración Colombia: entry and exit requirements; Migración Colombia: immigration-control FAQ

DIAN places private ocean-going yachts accompanying tourists under its temporary-import procedure for tourists' means of transport. The master/tourist should apply before or on entry, using DIAN's electronic system with the customs branch responsible for the entry port. Listed documents include identification for the person responsible for the vessel, valid yacht navigation/registration or ownership documents, an inventory of foreign goods and accessories aboard where applicable, Colombian immigration admission permission and recognised customs passage documents. Close the temporary import/re-export record on departure. DIAN's operating manual requires verification that the departing vessel matches the original admission record; if departure records are missing, supporting proof from the competent authority must be supplied. DIMAR international outward-clearance documents and customs temporary-import closure are linked. Confirm documents and stay periods with arrival DIAN customs and the DIMAR harbourmaster.

Biosecurity and quarantine

Dogs and cats require health documentation and inspections under Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) rules. Contact the ICA office at the arrival port, airport or border point. Animals and animal- or plant-origin products may require quarantine documentation or import compliance. Before departure, ask ICA about each item and do not take controlled goods or animals ashore before receiving authority instructions.

Official sources: ICA: requirements for bringing dogs and cats into Colombia; ICA: border quarantine FAQ

Onboard goods and temporary import

DIAN includes qualifying foreign tourists' private recreational/sporting vessels in the temporary-import procedure for tourists' means of transport. Applications may require owner/responsible-person identification, vessel ownership/registration documents, a valid navigation licence, an inventory of foreign goods and accessories aboard, Colombian immigration entry permission and applicable international customs passage documents. Declare onboard goods accurately. Weapons, medicines, animal and plant products, food and other controlled items may need separate authority permits or quarantine documents. DIAN's general guidance does not mean these goods are all admissible. Before departure, check each category with customs and relevant authorities.

Arrival and departure formalities

Foreign-flag vessels intending to enter Colombian ports must have a maritime agent submit arrival notification through SITMAR under DIMAR requirements, normally at least 24 hours ahead. Notification or inspection may require a general declaration, passenger list, crew list, Maritime Declaration of Health, ship's stores declaration, cargo/crew-effects and dangerous-goods declarations, and certificates appropriate to the vessel category. Non-commercial pleasure craft must also follow the procedure of reporting by VHF 16 to the traffic control station or harbourmaster at least 12 nautical miles from the destination and obtaining authorisation before arrival. Foreign-flag vessels on international voyages should apply for zarpe (outward clearance) through SITMAR at least 12 hours before departure. The local harbourmaster may require additional documents; confirm with the agent and destination port before sailing.

No fixed departure/clearance fee applicable to all foreign private yachts was confirmed from public official information. DIAN requires verification of vessel departure and closure of the temporary-import record through authorised procedures. DIMAR separately publishes maritime procedure and service tariffs; charges depend on actual services, vessel and port and cannot be generalised into a uniform yacht departure fee. Before leaving, ask the local Capitanía de Puerto, DIAN customs branch and port/agent about zarpe, inspection, agency, berthing and out-of-hours charges, and obtain the official basis for each fee.