Guidelines to Foreign Flagged Private Yachts entering into the Commonwealth of Dominica
This information is intended to assist private yachtsmen who are interested in entering into the Commonwealth of Dominica. It outlines the customs requirements regarding yachts as they should apply to both passengers and crew. We therefore wish to solicit the cooperation of all concerned.
Dominica, the nature island of the Caribbean, with unique unspoiled beauty, welcomes you with open arms. We know that your visit will be a pleasant one.
Seaports
In Dominica there are three legal seaports of entry, Roseau, Portsmouth and Anse De Mai. All Foreign flagged private yachts visiting our country must first enter through any of these ports for checking purposes. In order to facilitate speedy customs processing, the customs department can allow inward and outward declarations to be done simultaneously. Coastwise permits when requested can be granted to anchor at other parts of the island.
NB: However, permission will not be granted to anchor within the Scottshead/Soufriere marine reserve situated at the south of the island, and the Cabrits National Park situated at the north of the island. These are designated marine protected areas by the Dominican authorities.
Immigration Documentation required
Both crew and passengers should have valid travel documents.
Passengers disembarking, who require to stay on land, or to transit and depart via a different vessel or aircraft, will be required to complete embarkation/disembarkation cards, which must be submitted together with other travel documents (e.g. passports) to the immigration department normally situated at close proximity to every port in Dominica. Embarkation/disembarkation cards are available at Customs and Immigration offices.
Customs Documentation Required
- Two copies of the Dominica customs boarding form available at Customs.
- Clearance from your last port.
- Three copies of the crew list.
- Three copies of the Passenger list (if passengers are carried).
Crew and Passenger Taxes
On arrival into the Commonwealth of Dominica, all crew members on foreign flagged private yachts will be required to pay a visitor environmental levy of EC$4.00 or US$1.50 (or equivalent in any acceptable currency).
One day passengers 12 years and over will be required to pay the visitor environmental levy (EC$4.00 or US$1.50), and a security charge of EC$5.00. A total of EC$ 9.00 (or equivalent in any acceptable currency).
Over-nighting passengers 12 years and older will be required to pay the visitors environmental levy (EC$4.00 or US$1.50), the security charge (EC$5.00) plus an embarkation tax of EC$46.00. A total of EC$55.00 (or equivalent in any acceptable currency).
NB: Foreign flag private yachts having a compliment of 20 or more one day passengers 12 years or over will be required to pay a cruise environmental charge of (EC$13.50 or US$5.00) plus the visitor environmental levy of (EC$4.00 or US$1.50). A total of EC$17.50 or US$6.50 (or equivalent in any acceptable currency).
Working Hours
The normal working hours of the Customs Department on the Commonwealth of Dominica are as follows:
- Monday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Tuesday to Friday 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
Customs services will be provided on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and at times other than the normal working hours of the department at a small fee.
Fees payable for the boarding of any vessel
- On Sundays and Bank holidays between 5.00 am and 5.00 am of the following day, and on Mondays to Saturdays between 7.00 pm and 5.00 am of the following day - EC$30.00.
On Mondays between 5.00 am and 8.00 am and between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm - EC$25.00
.On Tuesdays to Fridays between 5.00 am and 8.00 am and between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm - EC$25.00.
On Saturdays between 5.00 am and 7.00 pm – EC$25.00.
Fees payable for any service approved by the Comptroller of Customs or the proper officer.
On Mondays:
- Between midnight and 8.00 am - EC$30.00
- Between 5.00 pm and 7.00 pm - EC$25.00
- Between 7.00pm and 5.00 am the following day - EC$30.00
On Tuesdays to Fridays
- Between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm - EC$25.00
- Between 7.00 pm and 8.00 am the following day - EC$30.00
On Saturdays
- Between 8.00 am and 7.00 pm - EC$25.00
- Between 7.00 pm and midnight - EC$30.00
On Sundays and Bank Holidays - EC$30.00
For more information, contact:
Customs and Excise Division
Customs Building
Deep Water Harbour
Fond Cole
Commonwealth of Dominica
Telephone: (767) 266-3117
Fax: (767) 448-7950
E-mail: customs@cwdom.dm