Bitung - Clearance

This is an official Port of Entry.

See Noonsite Indonesia Formalities for full details.

A yacht clearing in here October 2024 reported dropping anchor off this pier while undertaking formalities.

The officials here are reported to be very friendly, many speak English and are extremely helpful. However, corruption still exists so take care (see cruiser feedback via the speech bubble icon under the "Explore Port" dropdown). Cruisers have reported that an agent is not needed here for clearance.

Clearing In:

If possible, advise Customs of your proposed arrival date, even when you have completed your inbound VDS registration online.

They will definitely expect you to have a boat stamp. You are also expected to have a “Green Book” (Ship’s Health Book) when both clearing in and leaving Indonesia here. If you don't have one, it can be purchased at the Quarantine office for a small fee.

All offices are located in the same general area of Bitung:

• Port Captain: See location of office here. Ph: +62 438 35762
• Immigration: See location of office here. Note: all crew will need to visit this office for fingerprinting and photo. There is often only one immigration officer to stamp passports and he may not be available due to having to visit incoming cargo ships.  However, it is easy to arrange a time to attend the immigration office. Staff here are accustomed to clearing out yachts and crew.
• Customs Clearance: See location of office here.
  Customs will want to board your boat for an inspection, so best to visit them last. Inspection takes approx. 30 minutes. Their inspection is very thorough and everything is photographed.

Transport may be needed to get to the various offices.  Expect to pay around 300,000 rupiah for a day's car hire and driver.

There is no fee for Customs or Immigration clearance.

Clearing Out:

After completing your outbound VDS registration online a few days prior to departure, you must then visit:

• Immigration: To get exit stamps in passports.
• Customs: Only the captain is needed to finish the outbound clearance process.  Customs officers may want to inspect your boat.  You will need the Customs exit papers before visiting the Port Captain's office.
• Health Department: Ensure you have your Indonesian "Green Book" as the Port Captain will want to see this before you can leave.
• Port Captain: Ensure you have all the required documents from Immigration, Customs and Health before visiting the Port Captain to get your exit papers.

The process could take the whole day.  See the following report from Luc Callebaut of SV Sloepmouche from October  2024 - Indonesia, Bitung:  Notes on a Lengthy Check-Out

Last updated:  October 2024