Bonaire : Formalities

Clearance

Clearance must be made with Customs and Immigration during working hours.

Immigration will normally provide clearance out of Bonaire free of charge. However, if one wants a Zarpe, or proof of exiting Bonaire, there is fee.

Usually yachts are granted a stay of 3 months, extendable for another 3 months. If one leaves and returns to Bonaire (reports are that this should be at least 4 days), one can obtain another 3 months as long as one has proof of having been out of the country (for example, clearance papers from Venezuela).

Last updated July 2008

Immigration

Passports are required by all visitors.

Nationals of almost all countries can stay for 14 days without a visa. See www.InfoBonaire.com for a detailed list of countries whose nationals require a visa for visits up to 90 days.

Citizens of most European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Venezuela do not require visa for stays of up to 90 days.

For stays exceeding 90 days all nationals require a visa.

When Bonaire officially becomes part of the Kingdom of Holland, it is possible that these rules will change to conform with those of the Schengen Area Agreement.

Last updated March 2009.

Customs

All firearms are impounded until departure, including flare guns and spearguns.

To either buy or import equipment duty free you must fill in a special form obtainable from the customs office. Customs sometimes insist on inspecting the boat before departure to see that the item is still on board.

Last updated July 2008

Health

No vaccinations or preventative medications are necessary.

The water is safe to drink.

Fees

Marine Park fees: $25 diving fee (the Marine Park Tag) allows diving at all sites, and $10 for all other users.

There are no customs or immigration fees.

Last updated July 2008

Restrictions

Bonaire National Marine Park regulations:

Due to the marine park status of the island, spearfishing is forbidden and marine life of any description may not be removed or destroyed. Spearguns must be left with customs for the duration of one's stay as it is illegal to have a speargun in one's possession.

The authorities are making great efforts to protect the marine environment. Anchoring is prohibited everywhere. 40 mooring buoys have been placed in the area between North Pier and Harbour Village Marina (who manage them for the National Marine Park). The charge is $10 per day.

Anchoring, except in an emergency, is an offence. The only exception is for boats under 12 ft (4 m) who may anchor with a stone anchor. Cruising boats are now expected to have holding tanks and the discharge of any waste is prohibited.

There are mooring buoys on all popular diving sites. The marinas collect fees on behalf of the Bonaire National Marine Park. See www.bmp.org for more information.

Radio Use Cruising boats are expected to use only VHF Channels 71, 77 and 88A, as most other channels have been allocated to local operators. Which channels to use as working channels should be ascertained when clearing in as the use of unauthorised channels can lead to fines and confiscation of equipment.

Dress Code Casual (but no beach wear) downtown. Evening clothes are casual to casual nice. Topless sunbathing and nudity is prohibited on beaches.