Explore: Grenada - Formalities
Clearance
COVID-19 coronavirus: New procedures are in place for arriving yachts – see Biosecurity for details.
PRE-ARRIVAL
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational here. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs.
For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Do not proceed to other marinas or anchorages until customs and immigration clearance has been granted.
Grenada uses the Red Right Returning Rule, which means red buoys mark the starboard side when approaching.
Ports of Entry:
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, Grenada Immigration are planing to restrict ports of entry in Grenada. These are not yet confirmed as of March 5, 2020.
For other restrictions due to COVID-19 see the biosecurity section.
General Process:
Proceed to a Port of Entry, anchor and fly the Q Flag and the courtesy flag of Grenada from the starboard spreader of your main mast while clearance formalities are carried out.
All crew must present themselves to Health Authorities, Immigration and Customs and must sign the prescribed declaration. Crew may be subjected to a non-invasive screening by a Health Professional on arrival.
You must obtain a customs clearance immediately on arrival in Grenada. Do not leave your yacht before receiving clearance from customs officials (other than for obtaining customs officials clearance or emergency purposes).
If a vessel arrives after hours (4pm), the captain must ensure that no crew goes ashore for any reason, until clearance has been completed at the first opportunity (i.e., immediately the next morning – 8am).
The Captain must provide the following information:
- Ship’s papers showing ownership and the nature of business in which the vessel is primarily engaged
- Clearance documentation for last port prior to Grenada that includes a Customs Declaration
- Passports for all crew and passengers and any appropriate visas
Customs and immigration offices at marine bases are generally open Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00 and Weekends and Holidays 09:00-14:00. Some variation in the hours exists at some of the ports of entry (for example at Grenada Marine, St. Davids, offices for clearance are only open Tuesday and Thursday morning). Always ask for a receipt for any monies paid for clearance.
There is a clearance overtime fee if you make your clearance with Customs on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
Domestic Cruising:
Customs issue a monthly cruising permit (see Fees section).
CLEARING OUT
When departing, you may clear out during normal working hours but must leave within 24 hours. It is advisable to attend the office by 15:00 in order to complete formalities before the end of the working day.
If departing for Trinidad, it is now possible to file a passage plan with the Coast Guard. For more information check the Caribbean Safety and Security Net website.
Last updated: March 2020
Related Businesses
Carriacou Marine Yacht Clearance Office
Address: Carriacou Marine, Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, Grenada,
Carriacou Marine has been appointed as a Port of Entry for yachts arriving from outside Grenada or Carriacou, open:Monday to Friday: 08.00–11.45 and 13.00–16.00Saturday, Sunday... Read More
Grenada Marine – General Yard Services
Address: PO Box 679, St. George's, Grenada,
Full service boatyard with extra wide Travelift (70 tons / beam 32′ / 9.75m). On-site chandlery and bar/restaurant. Customs clearance. Storage and repair facilities for... Read More
Grenada Ports Authority
Address: The Carenage, P.O. Box 494, St. George's, Grenada,
Grenada's official ports of entry are operated and administered by the Grenada Ports Authority, which regulates and controls navigation within port limits.Information on the official... Read More
Port Authority – Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough (Carriacou)
Address: Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough (Carriacou), Grenada,
Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
Passports must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry into Grenada.
A proof of citizenship bearing a photograph is acceptable from British, Canadian and American citizens. All travelers from the USA must provide a passport to enter or re-enter the USA on vacation or business travel, as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security.
A visa is not required from citizens of the US, Canada, UK, British Commonwealth, Caribbean countries, most European countries, South Korea, and Japan.
All others require visas, although a visa-free stay may be granted on arrival if continuing on to another destination within 14 days.
See Grenada Visa Information for a complete list. Download a visa application form here.
Length of Stay:
In recognition of Grenada’s popularity as a long term ‘base’ for yachts, Grenada Immigration has changed its policy on extension of visas for yachting visitors.
A three month stay is now generally granted on arrival if requested, but this can subsequently be extended up to 12 months. Note that the first three months are free, however, after that time, the visa needs to be extended monthly with a monthly charge (see Fees below).
Once the 12 months period has been reached, the latest information is that you now have to leave Grenada to reset your visa if you wish to return (either by plane or sea).
Visa extensions:
Passport stamps are dated. If you need an extension visit immigration about 3 – 5 days before your stamp expires with your passport. Pay up your cruising permit at Customs first.
Visa extensions are done in Grenada at immigration at the Botanical Gardens, St. Georges.
Visa extensions in Carriacou are done at the police station in Hillsborough near the bus station. Pay up your cruising permit first at Customs in Tyrrel Bay. It’s best to not go on busy days (i.e. Monday and Friday).
Incoming/Outgoing Crew and Guests:
When flying into Grenada, you might be asked to produce a return ticket. Be sure to have a copy of your vessel documentation and clearance papers to show at the airport which might help, or if you are joining a vessel have a letter from the Captain of the vessel stating that you will be joining the vessel.
Always take your vessel documents and clearance papers with you when flying in and out.
If you have crew leaving the boat and flying out of Grenada, visit the Immigration Officer prior to the day of departure and request the form for each person that is usually completed on an incoming flight. The stub of that form can be presented to Immigration at the airport at departure time. That form will be presented to the Immigration officials at the airport during departure processing.
Grenada has an EC$50 per person (EC$25 if under age 12) departure fee at the airport.
There is an embarkation tax of EC$20. This is paid on departure by yacht and is levied on each person aboard who is not ‘bone fida’ crew (i.e. passengers and those not involved in the operation of the yacht). Typically this will not be levied on a cruising ‘couple’ running their yacht but may be on any additional people on board at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.
Last updated: September 2020
Related Businesses
Customs and Immigration – Prickly Bay
Address: Prickly Bay, Grenada,
Customs and Immigration are in the group of buildings adjacent to Prickly Bay Marina at the NW end of the bay.... Read More
Immigration Office – St. George’s
Address: Botanical Gardens Complex, Tanteen, St. George's, Grenada,
Grenada's Immigration and Passport Department is an extension of the Royal Grenada Police Force and is responsible for administering and controlling the movement of people... Read More
Customs
Anyone entering Grenada must declare anything contained in their baggage, or carried with them, which has been obtained outside of Grenada. Passengers are also required to answer all questions asked by the Customs Officer relating to their travels, baggage, its contents and other items being imported.
The combined Immigration/Customs declaration forms are distributed at ports of entry and exit, airline and ships agents, and their offices. It is advisable to fill out your declaration in advance of your arrival in order to expedite Immigration and Customs clearances.
Other Items:
Firearms must be declared to Customs and will be sealed on board in a proper locker or kept ashore in custody until departure. A receipt will be issued by the police.
Medicines such as morphine in the medical stores must be declared.
Importing Parts/Spares
Grenada now has a computerised customs system (called ASYCUDA), through which all imports of goods are recorded.
Importers of boat part/spares must apply to Customs at the marinas for a Permit to Ship Stores (C14). It must be signed and stamped by the Customs Officer where the boat and Captain are registered.
A Customs Entry must be prepared to allow for the 2.5% concessionary rate. The C14 “Permit to Ship Stores” should be attached to the entry. The only way a customs entry can be prepared is to employ a Customs Broker. The Entry and supporting documentation and the signed and stamped Form C14 must be presented to the Customs Officer at any port of entry to receive the concessions.
In theory, it should be possible to engage a Broker remotely before you return. If he is provided with a list of the parts and copies of the invoices and boat papers he can make the customs entry and seek clearance (Form C14) ahead of time. The forms could then be returned to you (scans are acceptable) for presentation on arrival.
Your boat parts will be held in the Customs Store at the airport, and be safeguarded by them (not the airport operator) until the proper Customs entry has been prepared and submitted to Customs. There is no charge for this service.
When the cost of a broker, and of returning to the airport the following day is more than the saving from the duty-free concession, you can choose to pay duties and fees at the time of entry and take the goods away with you. Note that every air passenger has an EC$300 duty-free goods allowance.
Island Water World will also provide assistance clearing in “Yacht In Transit” items providing it is not an item that is normally sold within their stores.
Most chandleries and boat service companies will provide products and services at “duty-free” prices if you present your ship’s documentation and the Grenada Customs/Immigration papers you were issued upon arrival.
It can take between 3 to 14 days for the goods to actually be released.
Last updated: February 2020
Related Businesses
Customs and Immigration – Prickly Bay
Address: Prickly Bay, Grenada,
Customs and Immigration are in the group of buildings adjacent to Prickly Bay Marina at the NW end of the bay.... Read More
Grenada Customs & Excise Division
Address: Burns Point, The Carenage, St. George's, Grenada,
Collects revenue, facilitates trade and travellers and assists in securing the social, ecological and economic environment of Grenada, in accordance with all laws and regulations... Read More
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
01 February, 2021
- For the latest published yacht entry protocols see details here. In short:
- Register with www.sailclear.com at least 24 hours prior to entry into Grenada.
- If yachts do NOT register on SailClear, they will not be permitted entry into Grenada.
- Only St George’s (Grenada) and Tyrell Bay (Carriacou) are open for health clearance.
- All travelers must have a Pure Safe Travel Certificate in order to travel to Grenada which must be shown on check-in.
- Arrive with a negative COVID-19 rt-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure for Grenada (children 5 years and under are exempt).
- Mandatory quarantine of up to 7 days in designated anchorage.
- PCR test is done on the 4th day after arrival in Grenada. A Ministry of Health Clearance will be required to exit quarantine after receiving a negative test result. Results can take up to 48h to be available.
- Yachts that have been at sea for a minimum of 4 consecutive days, with no land stop, will be permitted to test upon arrival or at the earliest available testing day. Proof of route will be required by providing GPS tracker data.
- Arrival details and procedures with quarantine zone guidance can be found here.
- Please check https://covid19.gov.gd/travel/ and https://grenadagrenadinesyachting.com/ for more recent travel information.
- The email addresses for more information about arriving in Grenada are:
[email protected] (for general enquiries about yacht arrivals).
[email protected] (for health protocol questions).
[email protected] (for Carriacou yacht arrivals). - If arriving by air to join your yacht, follow the airport arrival protocol and quarantine in approved accommodation ashore. You will not be permitted to quarantine on your yacht.
Our thanks to MAYAG for advising Noonsite of the revised protocols.
History:
- At the start of March, 2020, the Government raised its public health threat level to HIGH and began tracking travelers from China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Singapore, and other region where community transmission had been established. MAYAG began consulting with Immigration and Health on the protocol for arriving yachts. Port Louis Marina and Tyrell Bay were the only two ports of entry operating for pleasure craft.
- 19 March: Mandatory 14 day quarantine ashore was introduced if arriving from anywhere with community contagion. Visitors arriving from a number of countries (including anywhere in Europe, USA, UK) were being refused entry.
- 21 March: All yachts were permitted to enter at Port Louis Marina only (except those coming from Guadeloupe and Martinique) but were not permitted to step ashore and had to undertake 2 weeks quarantine.
- 25 March: A limited state of emergency was declared in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinque for the next 21 days. All ports of Entry closed. Boats that had arrived in the country from 21 March were not permitted to leave their yachts.
- At the start of April MAYAG made a proposal to the Ministry of Tourism to allow the scheduled and controlled entry of yachts into Grenada to shelter for hurricane season. All yachts interested in coming to Grenada had to pre-register.
- During lockdown, crew on yachts already in Grenada had to shelter in place on board with designated shopping days for when they could go ashore. No water activities were permitted.
- 16 May: Grenada partially reopened for foreign yacht arrivals when MAYAGs proposals for yachts with bookings in marinas and boatyards for hurricane season to be allowed entry into Grenada, was approved.
- End of July: Grenada airport opened to commercial flights
- 31 August: Phase I of Grenada Yacht Arrivals managed by MAYAG came to an end. Phase II, managed by the authorities, used the SailClear system to collect the forms (clearance, and health forms) for yachts intending to arrive into Grenada.
- 18 September: Grenada was among the CARICOM states identified as low-risk COVID-19 destinations allowing travel from similar states without PCR tests prior to arrival and without having to undergo a quarantine period.
- 01 November: Grenada deactivated the CARICOM travel bubble. Minimum number of entry quarantine days increased to 7 for ALL incoming tourists.
- The current yachting protocols have been in place since November and are working very well.
Resources:
- Grenada Gov. – https://www.facebook.com/GISgrenada/
- Grenada Ministry of Health – https://www.facebook.com/HealthGrenada/ and https://covid19.gov.gd/
- Grenada Cruisers Information – Grenada Cruisers Facebook page
- Grenada Yachting (MAYAG): https://grenadagrenadinesyachting.com/
MAYAG Facebook page. - Now Grenada – https://www.nowgrenada.com/
Reports:
- Caribbean Bound 2020/21 – Yachting Protocols
- Retreat from Paradise (December 28, 2020)
- Grenada: Yachting in Times of COVID-19 – by Chris Doyle (July 2020)
- Grenada: Covid19 Field Report (April 2020)
- The Great Caribbean Shut Down – by Chris Doyle (April 2020)
Contacts:
There are two helplines (45VIRUS) 458-4787 and (53VIRUS) 538-4787 to benefit the Grenadian public as well as visitors to the island.
Related Businesses
Ministry of Health – Grenada
Address: Ministerial Complex, Southern Wing 1st & 2nd Floor, Botanical Gardens, Tanteen, St. George's, Grenada,
Health
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Grenada so vaccinations are recommended for certain groups of travellers including children who may play with dogs, those working with animals or those involved in outdoor or other activities. See the CDC website for more detailed information.
Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are travelling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission. Currently the YF virus is found in sub-tropical areas of Africa and South America. See the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more detailed information.
Food and Water Concerns:
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended as there is a risk of contracting these diseases through contaminated food or water in Grenada, regardless of where you are eating or staying. See the CDC website for more detailed information.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Grenada has been classified by UK and US health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as having a risk of Zika and Dengue Fever virus transmission. Cases of Chikungunya virus have also been confirmed in Grenada.
Dengue Fever is spread to people through the bite of an infected species of mosquito. These mosquitoes also spread Zika, Chikungunya, and other viruses. Refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the affected areas.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer of clothing and gear with Permethrin
- Ensure that all hatch and window screens work properly and use mosquito nets if possible.
Last updated: March 2020
Documents
Necessary Documents for Grenada:
-
Three crew and/or passenger lists
-
Immigration cards for crew members and passengers landing
-
Ships, stores and health declaration
-
A port clearance from the last port of call
-
ID for crew and passengers – valid passport, birth certificate or proof of citizenship.
Cruising Permit:
This must be obtained on arrival and is valid for one year maximum. A new permit must be obtained every time the boat arrives again from a foreign country, even if that is within the validity of the last cruising permit issued.
A vessel’s cruising permit may be paid at any one of these Customs offices: Port Louis Marina, Prickly Bay Marina, Le Phare Bleu Marina or Hillsborough, Carriacou.
Cruising permit fees can be paid every month if you want to, or retroactively when you fly out or sail out.
The period your vessel is on the hard is exempt from cruising permit fees. Your yard bill may not be enough for the Customs officer. You may need a letter from the yard stating the dry period.
See the Fees section for current charges.
Fees
Note: St. George’s is the only place with ATMs. Fees normally need to paid in cash.
Grenada Entry Charges
The charges (EC$) are as follows –
Cruising Permit Fee (per yacht):
- Not exceeding 40 feet -$50.00 XCD
- Exceeding 40 feet but not exceeding 60 feet – $75.00XCD
- Exceeding 60 feet but not exceeding 80 feet – $100.00 XCD
- Exceeding 80 feet – $150.00 XCD
These charges are now PER MONTH, not per cruise as previously.
Customs and Immigration can sometimes take debit/credit cards if there is a machine working. It’s wise to have some cash at hand in case payment by card is not possible.
Cruise Levy (per person) EC$8.10
- Overtime fees are charged outside office hours and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
- A small charge is made for the crew list form if one does not provide one’s own.
Visa Extensions:
After the first initial 3 months free visa: $225 XCD per person for the visa extension.
Departure Fees:
Crew arriving by plane and leaving by boat, are required to pay an Embarkation Tax of $EC20 per person, to the Immigration office at the time of departure. On the departure of the yacht, this fee is also levied on each person aboard who is not ‘bone fida’ crew – passengers and those not involved in the operation of the yacht. It is applied at the discretion of the Immigration Officer.
Arriving by boat and departing by plane costs EC$50 per person (EC$25 if under 12 y.o.) payable at the airport.
Note: an official receipt should be issued for all monies paid.
Last updated: September 2020
Restrictions
Public nudity in Grenada is against the law. Local residents are concerned about nudity on yachts anchored close to the shore and cruisers are asked to respect the rules of Grenada society and keep their clothes on.
Yachts may not anchor in front of the hotels at the south end of Grand Anse Beach.
Lobster and spearfishing are prohibited without a license, which is issued only to Grenadians. Lobster should only be bought in season (31 October to 30 April).
It is prohibited to pump bilge or waste into the water, and marine toilets may not be used within 200 meters of the beaches. There are toilets ashore at both marinas and the yacht clubs.
Yachts are urged to observe the 1.5 km exclusion zone around the undersea volcano Kick ‘Em Jenny, located west of Isle de Ronde off Grenada’s northwest coast (12.18°N 61.38°W).
The volcano continues to pose a threat to vessels. During an eruption an exclusion zone of 5 km is enforced, ie all vessels should stay at least 10km west of Isle de Ronde. More details are available at the Seismic Unit’s webpage dedicated to cruising information. http://uwiseismic.com/General.aspx?id=17
Local Customs
Swimwear is not permitted on main roads and in bars, restaurants and shops. Also, to differentiate between military personnel and civilians, the law in Grenada prohibits civilians from wearing camouflage prints.
Pets
All animals on board must be declared and must have up to date vaccination certificates.
An import permit is compulsory for all animals. Documentation must be produced and the Government Veterinary Officer notified of port of arrival and ETA.
Procedure for Pets
1. The dog and/or cat must have been vaccinated against rabies within twelve (12) months prior to arrival.
2. The dog and/or cat must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a Veterinarian within the two (2) weeks prior to arrival.
3) Apply for the Import Permit with the above information as well as the age, sex, color and breed of dog and/or cat and the applicant’s name and country of residence.
WARNING:
Poison is regularly used where sheep and goats are roaming free. Read this report so you can take due care of your pets when visiting Grenada.
Last updated: January 2020
Related Businesses
The Government Veterinary Officer
Address: Ministry of Agriculture, Ministerial Complex Botanical Gardens, Lands and Fisheries, Ministerial Complex, Botanical Gardens, St. George's, Grenada,
Application for a permit should include all health forms plus age, sex, color and breed of dog and/or cat, also a port of entry and... Read More
