Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Yacht clearance in Saint Pierre and Miquelon is governed by local Customs procedures. Non-resident vessels must display a yellow flag as required, notify Customs and proceed to a designated Customs station at Saint-Pierre or Miquelon. Check immigration/visa requirements, vessel customs and port fees separately.

Non-resident yachts should proceed to Quai de la Douane at Saint-Pierre or Quai de la Douane at Miquelon for Customs clearance. In general, do not berth at a port without a Customs office unless force majeure applies or permission has been granted. Contact local Customs before arrival to confirm berth availability and processing hours.

The master, owner or agent of a non-resident yacht should notify Saint Pierre and Miquelon Customs before arrival and confirm the intended Customs quay and crew information. The page requires notification but does not set a fixed advance-notice period for all yachts.

The maritime Customs process requires the master to report crew and passengers but does not fully explain visa rules for non-residents. Check passport, visa and stay-permit requirements under the rules applicable to the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Vessel release by Customs is not permission for people to enter.

Vessel customs

Vessel document preparation: have registration/flag documents, proof of ownership or owner’s authorization, insurance, previous-port clearance and an inventory of items on board ready. Ask Saint Pierre and Miquelon Customs whether temporary importation, keeping the vessel in the territory, repairs, crew changes, sale or commercial use require additional procedures. No general duty-free period or guarantee requirement for all foreign vessels has been verified; permission to berth is not customs clearance.

EU territorial-scope limitation: The European Commission lists certain French overseas territories as outside the EU territory, customs regime and VAT system. Do not treat Saint Pierre and Miquelon as an EU yacht temporary-import area solely because it is associated with France. Follow the local customs regime.

Official source: European Commission territorial scope table

The local Customs webpage does not provide a complete yacht biosecurity list. If carrying pets, food, plants, animal products or waste, confirm declaration, permits and onboard-retention rules with local quarantine and Customs authorities. Do not take items ashore without approval.

Declare the vessel and goods to Customs on arrival. Firearms/ammunition, medicines, products from endangered species and dutiable goods may be subject to additional permits or restrictions. Before departure, confirm carriage, sealing, import and re-export requirements with local Customs.

On arrival, display the yellow flag and notify Customs. Everyone aboard must remain on the vessel for at least one hour while awaiting inspection, unless inspectors complete the check sooner and give different instructions. After clearance, people may go ashore or proceed to another port; confirm immigration procedures separately.

This review did not verify a uniform yacht clearance or port fee for Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Clearance, berthing, anchoring, overtime and agent services may be charged separately. Confirm current charges and departure declarations with Customs and port authorities before leaving.