Livingston - Clearance

Clearance is straightforward here as officials are used to dealing with yachts.

Fly the Q flag and the officials will come out to the yacht in office hours (weekdays 0800-1300, 1500-1700), for initial clearance and inspection. Customs will take the zarpe from the last port and ship's papers, Immigration authorities take the passports. The captain must collect these later from the shore offices with the necessary entry stamps as well as a new zarpe and cruising permit.

This can all be done in one day if arriving early enough, and some cruisers have reported it only taking 2 hours. Quetzal will be needed to pay various fees.

You should arrive in Livingston early in the morning (the offices open at 8 am) so that you can deal with the formalities and leave at high tide to get past the bar. If the sea is choppy, it may be difficult to work out where the buoy is, but you will be able to follow your arrival route in reverse.

If you choose, there is a cruisers customs agent, "Raoul", half a block from the Municipal Dock. He has been recommended by many. His fee is approx. US$200 including the fees charged by the authorities. It is quite possible that he will come out to the boat with the officials to offer his services. With his help, clearance is quick and simple and you may not even have to go ashore.

Last updated May 2018