New Clearance Facility in Phuket

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-08-19 00:50:55
Contributors: David Lourey
Topic: Cruising Information
Countries: Malaysia, Thailand

A new 'One Stop" clearance facility has been opened in a new building located right on the beach near the entrace to Ao Chalong Jetty. The office has Immigration, Customs and Harbourmaster. Charges are approximately US$7 for Imigration, $2.50 for Customs and US7/week for Harbour fees.

The following should be noted: Immigration; If any crew wish to fly out of Thailand they should enter as a "Passenger" and not crew. Changing a visa from crew to passenger can be difficult and expensive, perticularly if trying to do it at the airport on departure. Checking in as a passenger will cost approx US$0.50 per passenger in addition to the US$7 for the boat. Visa are normally valid for 30 days.

Customs; In addition to the entry fee (extra US$7 on Sat and Sun)you will have to sign a document stating that you will pay Customs an amount equal to 3.5 times the value of you boat if it stays longer than six months. Harbour Master; A recent fee of US$ 7/week has been introduced for boat cruising the Phuket area. Most boats pay for week only.

The duty free island of Langkawi, Malaysia is only 140nm to the SE of Phuket so most yachts do a trip down there before visa expiry. It is also a good chace to stock up the bar as alcohol is very expensive in Thailand. Clearance in and out of Langkawi is very quick and simple with all facilities being located in the Jetty Complex in Kuah, which is adjacent to the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.