Ascension Island Eases Formalities for Yachts

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-08-19 00:50:55
Contributors: Geoff Fairhurst
Topic: Cruising Information
Countries: Ascension Island

Immigration Procedure for Yachts

Ascension Island warmly welcomes members of the sailing community.

Arriving yachts may anchor in the area to the North of the Pierhead at Georgetown. They must not anchor in any position that could obstruct the arrival and departure of ships or the unloading of cargo. They must not tie up to any buoy or mooring in Clarence Bay.

Landing is permitted only at the Pierhead steps, Georgetown. An Entry Permit Fee of £11.00 per person is payable at the Police Office (Children under 12 gratis).

At the earliest opportunity after arrival the Master of any yacht must report to the Police at the Police Office to clear immigration and customs (open from 8.30 am - 3.30 pm Monday - Friday and 8.30 am to 12.30 pm Saturday). Emergency messages may be passed on VHF to the Maersk Gannet or via Ascension Radio. The Master should bring ashore details of his vessel, a crew list and crew passports. No person may take leave of a yacht at Ascension without the prior permission of the Administrator.

Permission will normally be given for a yacht to remain for any reasonable period and for the crew to come ashore between the hours of 7 am and 11 pm unless they have a special pass issued by the Police to stay ashore overnight. The pass will give details of the Island sponsor with whom the visitor must stay. (Sleeping rough on shore will not be permitted). Applications for such passes will not be accepted after office closing hours.

The Master and all crewmembers are required to take out Medical Insurance (ideally in advance of arrival) to cover medical costs including, if necessary, medical evacuation by air to country of origin. If medical insurance is not taken out in advance, a local medical insurance cover must be taken out on arrival at Ascension, the cost of which is currently £4.00 per person per day. Fresh water shower facilities are available at the Georgetown Swimming Pool. This is a community project provided by the people of Ascension and we request that you keep the facilities clean and use the scarce water sparingly.

Animals are not normally allowed ashore. Cooking gas is not available at Ascension.

Visitors should note that credit cards are not in general use on the Island. There is no commercial bank. Sterling, St Helena currency and the US dollar are all accepted on the Island.