Montserrat

Official Montserrat tourism information says visiting yachts may anchor off Port Little Bay. Vessels should contact the Montserrat Port Authority on VHF 16 for anchorage and berthing arrangements. Customs and immigration formalities are handled by the respective authorities; arriving travellers may submit arrival/departure information online as required. Follow current instructions from the Port Authority and customs/immigration for anchoring and documents.

Ports of entry and departure

Private yachts may anchor outside Little Bay Harbour and clear in the terminal area.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Getting Here By Sea

Pre-arrival notification

Information may be entered in advance through SailClear or at the port-entry kiosk.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Getting Here By Sea

Montserrat Immigration publishes visa-required and visa-exempt lists by nationality. Visitors who need a visa may apply online for an eVisa. The official page lists a non-refundable fee of USD 50 and a usual processing time of about one business day, although individual cases may take longer. The official FAQ says a valid eVisa may be used at any authorized port of entry. This visitor-visa information does not replace crew work permits, crew changes or arrangements for an extended stay. The master should confirm requirements for each person's nationality and itinerary with Immigration.

Montserrat's Customs Act defines a pleasure craft as a vessel arriving for private recreational use only, or a vessel approved by the Comptroller of Customs. A vessel arriving from overseas must generally proceed to a customs port unless otherwise authorized. The Act text is revised through 2019; subsequent amendments have not been confirmed. Check specific declarations and port arrangements with Customs.

Montserrat's animal-import regulations expressly apply to vessels and other watercraft. Animals require advance permission to enter, may be landed only at a customs port or a location approved in writing, and are subject to inspection. The Agriculture Department currently asks for at least two months' advance notice to its veterinary unit of an intended dog/cat import. Plants and regulated agricultural products may also require an Agriculture import permit and phytosanitary certificate from the country of export; a 2025 official notice specifically addresses citrus requirements. These sources do not give complete rules for food stores or vessel waste aboard yachts. Declare items in advance and confirm with veterinary/plant-quarantine officials. Do not land animals or regulated goods before release.

Montserrat's Customs Act lists firearms, ammunition and certain other goods as restricted or prohibited imports. Firearms and ammunition generally require written permission from the police authority; tear gas and plants used for medicinal/drug purposes are also subject to statutory authorization restrictions. Montserrat Customs says it inspects people arriving by sea and seizes restricted items; protected wildlife and products are subject to separate permit controls. Personal use, locking items away or keeping them aboard does not automatically create an exemption. Declare firearms, ammunition, medicines and protected species in advance and confirm requirements with Customs and police/agricultural authorities.

Arrival procedures

Normal customs clearance hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. Port security monitors VHF 16 around the clock; outside working hours, ask security to contact Customs.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Getting Here By Sea

The Montserrat Port Authority website currently lists yacht port charges of XCD 50 (about USD 19) for vessels under 20 GRT and XCD 100 (about USD 37) for vessels over 20 GRT. It also lists an XCD 10 clearance fee (about USD 4) and USD 5 per declared passenger (XCD 13.50). The Port Authority and Tourism Board pages describe the times when the clearance fee applies differently, and neither clarifies the rate for a vessel exactly 20 GRT. Before arrival, confirm the current currency, overtime charges and applicable category with the Port Authority. These are listed port-authority charges, not a total including agents, berths or other services.