Falkland Islands

Scope

This batch first verifies personal visitor permission. Yacht port entry, temporary import, quarantine and protected-area landings still await specialist verification.

Official reference link (individual provisions in this field have not been rechecked online): Visitor Permit

Private and commercial yachts and other small craft must make Stanley their first Falkland Islands port of call. Departure from an undeclared port requires prior permission. Contact Customs and Immigration on arrival. The official port booklet lists other ports and applicable conditions.

Except in emergencies, the Falkland Islands Maritime Authority and Customs and Immigration require arrival notice at least 24 hours ahead. ETA should be the expected Reporting Line crossing time. The official booklet recommends yachts/small craft with limited or no onboard internet give an expected arrival date before leaving the previous port wherever possible. Notice may come from the vessel, agent or shore representative.

Immigration

A general visitor permit may be endorsed in the passport on arrival. An ordinary immigration officer can grant up to one month without referral; longer stays require senior approval. Apply ahead for extended stays. This does not establish advance-visa exemptions for all nationalities.

Official reference link (individual provisions in this field have not been rechecked online): Visitor Permit

Yachts must report entry and departure to Customs and Immigration. Vessels able to report electronically should follow the official guidance for their category. For yachts unable to do so, officers may board after arrival to process documents. First call at Stanley; departure from an undeclared port needs permission. Do not load/unload cargo, ship's stores or waste without permission.

Food, leftovers, packaging and rubbish taken ashore must all be returned aboard. Do not leave food ashore or feed wildlife. International catering waste from all seagoing vessels must be handled as prescribed. Vessels at FIPASS use designated yellow bins; yachts at other anchorages use yellow biohazard bags supplied during customs entry, which customs may collect at outward clearance.

Restricted goods including alcohol, tobacco, firearms, ammunition, live animals, meat, fruit and vegetables face customs or biosecurity controls and may need additional documents. Do not load/unload cargo, stores, vessel waste or other goods without permission. Animals must remain below decks while berthed. Confirm specific declarations and permits with customs.

Near the Reporting Line, make a verbal report to the Maritime Authority/Stanley Port Control on VHF 10, and notify again after anchoring or berthing. Contact the FIPASS duty manager on VHF 15 for berth confirmation. Obtain permission before leaving the berth/anchorage and report departure when crossing the Reporting Line eastwards. Although yachts and other pleasure craft are not subject to mandatory reporting, official guidance still asks them to report wherever possible.

The official Falkland Islands port booklet lists customs service and port-clearance charges based on factors including normal/out-of-hours service, declared/undeclared ports and tonnage. Rates may change. Consult the latest Harbour and Ports Information Booklet or customs for applicable amounts before processing. Complete the relevant outward report and clearance before departure.