Oranjestad - Clearance

Currently Aruba Ports sends all yachts to Barcadera harbor to do the clearance.

See Aruba Formalities for detailed information on Clearance, Customs and Immigration Rules.

On approach call Aruba Ports Authority on channel 16. The port Captain will probably want to switch to channel 11 or 14. You will be directed to one of two ports; Oranjestad cruise ship docks or Barcadera for clearance.

The following is General Clearance information for Oranjestad for when it once again becomes a port of entry for yachts:

Customs agents are present in Oranjestad harbor, the Immigration officer will have to come down from Barcadera. Calling in your arrival 1/2 hour in advance will expedite the clearing in process.

Proceed NW past Renaissance Marina towards the second basin (see image). The port captain will assign you a place to tie up on one of the harbor docks and notify the authorities. This will most likely be at the second basin, to the west of the long cruise ship dock, at the “Hans dock” to port 12° 31.285′ N 70° 02.709′ W.

The authorities are on the 2nd of the two big piers which has a small white building at the end of the pier and a lone palm tree (see photo above). There are big yellow bollards along the pier, which is made of rough concrete and has big tires chained along it.

If you ask, the Port Authority may let you tie up along the concrete behind the big tug on the outer face of the pier. There is about 50 feet of concrete pier with no tires just behind that tug. If you tie up behind the tug the prevailing winds should be pushing you away from the pier.

Be sure to prepare long mooring lines which will be exposed to quite a bit of chafe as it can be choppy here with the wake from passing ships. It is likely you will be berthed between 2 tug boats. A fender-board or lots of fenders are recommended.

The Immigration and Customs officers will come to your vessel to do the clearance. All crew must stay on board. Both agencies will arrive at your boat by car, will take your forms and documents back to their offices and return in short order with your clearances.

Call Aruba Port Control on vhf 16 when departing the pier.

Last updated: September 2022