Recife - Clearance

See Brazil Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of Brazil.

Follow the clearance procedures as soon as possible, as the marinas will have faxed the "Capitania" to inform them of your arrival. Checking in is straight forward and an easy walk from the center of old Recife.

Domestic Clearance

Checking in and out with the Policia Federal is necessary for every port.

International Clearance

From the water taxi dock, follow the main road with the river on your right-hand side, walk past a large stone Lion statue [8°03’28.4″S - 34°52’10.4″W].

1. Immigration (Policia Federal)
   The road bends left and a security fence starts on your right-hand side. Follow the fence to the security gate, show your passport to the guard and ask for the Federal Police. Their offices along with Customs are inside the security area. The guard will radio the Federal Police, and someone will lead you around the corner to the actual office. It is slow, but a free, easy and friendly process.
2. Customs (Receita Federal)
   Retrace your steps back past the lion towards the centre of town. Customs is at 8°03’16.5″S 34°52’05.0″W.
3. Port Captain (Capitania  Dos Portos)
   On your right hand side, one street back is the big impressive yellow government building for the Capitania  Dos Portos. Report here for the final part of the check-in.

Clearing out

Simply follow the clearing in procedure in reverse order.

There are no fees for clearance.

Last updated:  February 2025

See this useful report as to location of offices etc. by a yacht that cleared in here February 2023.