Mayotte

Scope

Mayotte is a French overseas department and an EU outermost region. It is part of France and the EU customs territory, but not the EU fiscal territory; general EU customs rules apply alongside the local octroi de mer and regional octroi de mer taxes. French Customs says VAT is not charged in Mayotte.

This describes local jurisdiction and tax status; it does not establish that private yachts may clear at any port or determine the temporary import, stores or period of stay for a particular vessel.

Verification status: Officially checked online. This section records only Mayotte's customs and tax-territory status.

Ports of entry and departure

A French customs decree lists Longoni and Dzaoudzi as ports open to international traffic in Mayotte. Mayotte border-control rules separately list Dzaoudzi as a controlled maritime border crossing. These lists establish the ports' legal classification, but do not by themselves prove that both locations provide full immigration, customs, health and port formalities for foreign private yachts. The Mayotte Commercial Port Public Establishment (EPPCM) took over management of Longoni Port in September 2026. Before arrival, confirm yacht reception point, procedures and berth arrangements with the harbour master, customs and border authorities.

Verification status: To be confirmed. The legal port lists were checked; full private-yacht clearance services remain unconfirmed.

Pre-arrival notification

Mayotte clearance instructions from 2025 say to notify the maritime authority at least 48 hours in advance and contact Mayotte Traffic on VHF 16 when in range.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Clairance.odt

Crew and passenger entry

Foreign visitors must hold valid travel documents recognized by France; depending on nationality and applicable exemptions, they may also need a visa valid for Mayotte. Do not assume a Schengen visa is valid for Mayotte. Current Mayotte entry rules require travellers to be checked at a controlled border crossing. Regulations list Dzaoudzi as a permanent maritime border point and require document checks and stamps on entry and departure. A specific exemption applies to some cruise passengers who do not leave their vessel; do not extend it automatically to private-yacht crew or passengers. Before sailing, confirm requirements for each person's nationality, documents and itinerary with border authorities.

Verification status: Officially checked online. Visa eligibility varies by person; the cruise-passenger exception is not a private-yacht exemption.

Vessel customs

Vessel-document preparation note: have registration/nationality documents, proof of ownership or the owner's authorization, insurance, previous-port clearance and an inventory ready. Ask Mayotte Customs whether temporary admission, retention aboard, repairs, crew changes, sale or conversion to commercial use require additional formalities. No duty-free period or guarantee requirement applicable to all foreign vessels has been confirmed. Berthing permission is not customs release.

EU territorial-status exception: The European Commission lists this French overseas territory as within the EU customs territory but outside the scope of the EU VAT Directive. Confirm applicable local import taxes/territorial duties and the actual requirements for temporary admission with Customs; do not automatically apply mainland France visa or tax rates.

Official source: European Commission: EU customs and VAT territorial scope

Quarantine and biosecurity

A 2026 notice from the Prefecture of Mayotte says fresh plant products carried in travellers' baggage arriving by air or sea are restricted and plants must undergo phytosanitary inspection. Check current prefectural orders for specific exemptions and permits. This concerns baggage and plant quarantine; it does not establish yacht-specific requirements for stores, pets, vessel health declarations or waste disposal. Before departure, confirm declarations and handling for food, plants, animals and waste aboard with port quarantine/customs authorities.

Verification status: To be confirmed. Traveller plant-quarantine guidance was checked; its application to private yachts must be confirmed.

Restricted items

French Customs says goods arriving in Mayotte above the applicable duty-free allowance must be declared and relevant taxes paid. Some goods are prohibited, and weapons, ammunition and endangered species/products may require advance permits or special procedures. Requirements depend on item category, origin, traveller status and import method; check the latest French Customs list for Mayotte item by item. Available information does not say whether personal-use goods aboard a private yacht may remain aboard, be sealed or avoid an ashore declaration. Confirm this with Customs before arrival.

Verification status: To be confirmed. This section summarizes general goods rules and does not determine how they apply to yacht stores.

Arrival procedures

Raise the Q flag in the waiting area and follow instructions. The process also involves border police and maritime authorities; marina registration alone is not sufficient.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Clairance.odt

Fees and departure

The guide says French customs clearance itself is not charged; this does not exempt the vessel from berth, transport or other service fees.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Clairance.odt