Spain : Formalities

Clearance

European Union regulations apply and boats from other EU countries must only clear in when arriving from outside the EU. In practice, however, the authorities expect to be informed of one's arrival even if coming from a neighbouring EU country. As a result of the implementation of the Schengen Agreement, boats having on board nationals of EU countries which are not signatories of the Schengen Agreement must clear Immigration at the port of entry into Spain.

In the case of non-EU boats, the captain should proceed ashore and clear customs (Aduana) and immigration at a port of entry. Normally officials then come to inspect the boat. In subsequent ports where Guardia Civil and/or customs officials are stationed, the clearance procedure may be repeated, although this varies from place to place. Sometimes the local yacht club or marina inform the authorities about the arrival of foreign yachts and many marinas have their own customs office.

After having cleared into Spain, the procedure at subsequent ports seems to depend on the attitude of local officials. However, one should be prepared to show all relevant documents whenever asked. One may be asked for registration papers, crew lists, certificate of competence and proof of marine insurance. Once cleared, yachts are free to stop in ports and anchorages where there are no officials.

For non-EU boats, a temporary importation period of up to eighteen months is possible. If the boat is not in use, one may ask customs to put the boat temporarily in bond or under seal (precinto). This will stop the clock, and the time when the boat had been under seal does not count towards the allowed six-month period.

One should clear with Immigration and Customs on departure from Spain. Customs will record the date of departure on the customs permit if one has one. This permit can be used again if re-entering Spain within the period of its validity. Each arrival and departure must be noted by customs on the permit.

At least one member of the crew should have a VHF radio operators certificate.

Last updated October 2010.

Immigration

Spain is a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. See Noonsite' Schengen page for more details on the immigration rules.

Often the immigration official does not stamp passports of people entering on yachts, but if planning to leave Spain by another means of transport, an entry stamp (entrada) will be needed.

Last updated October 2010.

Customs

Firearms must be declared. Rifles and shotguns for hunting purposes are permitted if a Weapons License is obtained from the Spanish authorities prior to arrival. Obtaining such a license is generally a lengthy one.

Yachts in transit can import spares and equipment duty-free but the procedure is not simple. The owner must lodge a cash deposit with the local customs office equal to the value of the imported goods. This is returned when the goods have been placed on the boat under customs supervision. In the absence of a customs officer, the document must be signed by the police before the deposit is returned. In some places it may be necessary to employ the services of a shipping agent.

EU regulations apply concerning temporary importation. See EU VAT page for more information.

British cruisers who recently imported their boat into Spain (in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) with the new improved Spanish system, reported the process to be simple. All paperwork is done at Trafico and 12% of the purchase cost (not current value) of the boat needs to be paid.

Last updated October 2011.

Health

Tap water Over recent years the water system in Spain has undergone great improvements and tap water in built-up areas is relatively safe. Unfamiliar water can still cause minor stomach upsets and you may wish to purchase agua mineral, bottled water. Agua con gas is fizzy water and agua sin gas is still water. In small villages, the water may be well water and not mains so if in doubt, ask.

Dentists Any dentistry carried out will normally have to be paid for as they are all private. The yellow pages of the telephone directory carries a good list of dentists (dentistas). You will often find a dentist in the large supermarkets.

Drugs Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from chemists (farmacias), distinguished by large green crosses.

Documents

Yachts must carry their original registration document, insurance policy (and a translation into Spanish) and ship's radio licence. One member of the crew must have a radio operator’s certificate of competence. For EU boats, proof of VAT status is also required.

Although a Certificate of Competence is not required, many Spanish Harbour Masters believe it is, so it is advisable to have one.

Fees

Overtime is not normally charged, as all formalities are completed during normal working hours and yachts are not expected to clear at other times.

Harbour fees are charged in most ports if there are any facilities provided for yachts. A special tax (G5 tax) or surcharge on docking fees is payable in most ports within the region of Valencia.

All ports are supoosed to collect a lights and buoys fee calculated per square metre per calendar year, although not all do so (or at least, not separately from harbour or marina fees).

Last updated October 2009.

Restrictions

The island of Cabrera, in the Balearics, has been declared a national park. Overnight stays are only allowed with a permit obtained from ICONA, in Palma de Mallorca (Tel. 971 72 50 10). Boats must not use their own anchors but tie to one of the moorings provided. July and August: one night in every seven nights. June and September: two nights in every seven. There are no restrictions between October and May.

A recent law has been passed (2007) which prohibits leisure craft from mooring anywhere except in harbours or designated areas. The aim being to protect the seabed. While existing on paper, at present this law is unenforceable, although there are a few local areas where this initiative has been applied; Cala Fornells (Menorca) being one.

Foreign yachts can charter in Spain under certain conditions. Charter vessels must not exceed 72 ft (22 m) LOA nor carry more than 12 passengers. They must comply with the international regulations for the safety of life at sea and have an insurance to cover both crew and passengers. A special permit must be obtained from the local maritime authorities (Comandancia de Marina) and also a licence from customs. Yachts will be granted a five month period (extendable for two further periods of five months) in which to charter. If such vessels are engaged in any kind of fishing, proper licences must be obtained both for the passengers and crew.

ISDMT (or Matriculation) Tax, is levied on boat owners who stay in Spain for more than 183 days in total (aggregate not sequential) in any one year. It is exactly the same tax that people have to pay when they "import" (bring permanently) their family car into Spain because they have moved there. If you plan to "base" yourselves in Spain, it is advisable you are clear about the implications of this tax. See related reports on Spanish taxes adjacent for further information. An interesting article. from the Islander, Mallorca, dated August 2009, explains this tax quite well and how it is currently being applied.

Pets

PET REGULATIONS - The Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) is valid in Spain and allows dogs and cats to enter and leave Spain with the necessary micro chip (to ISO standards),current Rabies Vacination Certicate (valid from 30 days prior to travel and up to 12 months after arrival),and current Health Certificate and Pet Psassport. Dogs must wait at least 6 months after blood test. The following ports are included in the PETS scheme as follows :- By ferry - Calais to Dover, Coen,Cherbourg, Le Havre and St Malo to Portsmouth By rail - Eurotunnel shuttle service but not Eurostar. By air - From certain Europe airports to Heathrow London (check with Airline or Tour Operator for details) Check Regulations for pets coming into Spain from United States and Canada. Potentially Dangerous Dogs - some breeds are subject to strict control and regulations so you need to check your dog is not in that category. Dogs, cats or ferrets under 3 months old are now allowed to enter Spain. Up to five animals are allowed to enter Spain as non-commercial import per traveller. Five or more animals, or animals travelling alone, come under the rules for commercial imports. Once in Spain pets need Passport in order to travel to other countries within or outside the European Union.