Port Mathurin - Clearance

Rodrigues Clearance Info.

For clearance information see Mauritius Formalities.

Clearance Formalities for Rodrigues are unique to the Island and not the same as formalities for Mauritius. Clearance can be obtained in Port Mathurin on Rodrigues Island. Clearance is only valid during the stay in Rodrigues and one must clear in again on arrival in Mauritius at Port Louis (or clear in again in Rodrigues if you have already cleared into Mauritius).

A Shipping Agent is not required for clearance in Rodrigues.

Cruisers advise against clearing in on a Sunday and be prepared for a great deal of paperwork and endless forms.  See the following cruising report for more information.

Indian Ocean Crossing Part 1:  Australia to Rodrigues Island - Mauritius [Oct, 2024]

Rodrigues Arrival Clearance Process

• Call "Rodrigues Coastguard" on VHF channel 16 when several miles out and advise of ETA.
• Call them again on your approach.
• If you have not done so, the Coastguard will call you on channel 16 when you are in territorial waters.
• Note that night time arrivals are not permitted to enter the port. In this case, you will need to anchor off until daylight.
• The Coastguard will phone the Port Captain on your behalf to get permission for you to enter the harbour.
• Recent reports are that officials ask you to anchor off, however, you may be able to tie up to the commercial dock on arrival if a supply ship is not at the dock.
• Biosecurity officials will come on board first with their paperwork. There is a fee to pay (see notes on fees below).
• They will be followed by the Police.
• You will then have to go ashore by dinghy to complete formalities with Immigration, followed by Customs and then Coast Guard Officials.
• Be sure to review Mauritius Formalities for details of Customs rules etc. (spearguns are not permitted).
• You will also need to deal with Biosecurity fees and getting a Health Certificate while ashore (see further info. under fees below).
• If you intend to go to Port Sud-Est, advise the local authorities upon arrival.

Note: Cruisers advise against checking in on a Sunday due to overtime fees, paperwork and the time taken.  No banks are open on a Sunday so you will have to wait until Monday.

Fees:

• Fees can only be paid in cash and in Euros or US$.
• The Biosecurity fee has to be paid for in a different office - hidden away in a small window between two sections of a building.  The receipt needs to be taken back to the health office for verification of payment. After you have paid (approx. 1000 MUR cash in the local currency), take your receipt to the health officials office (first floor of the market building) to get the Health Certificate. This is a local requirement.
• There are no fees payable in Port Louis.

Rodrigues Departure Clearance Process

• You must clear-out of Rodrigues if you are heading to Mauritius, Saint Brandon, or another country.
• It is possible to clear out while staying at anchor.
• You must give Coast Guard officials notice of your departure 24 hours in advance and they will arrange all the relevant officials.
• Checkout and departure is supposed to be done during office hours.
• Once exit formalities have been completed, no one can leave the yacht and you must depart within two hours.
• You may get a Coast Guard escort to the three mile limit.
• The meteorological office is extremely helpful and forecasts are made available free of charge to departing yachts.

Last updated:  October 2024

• Indian Ocean Crossing Part 1:  Australia to Rodrigues Island - Mauritius [Oct, 2024]
• This report from SV Knot Safety who visited Rodrigues in August 2024, gives some very useful information on the clearance process
• This report by SV YOLO who visited Rodrigues in May 2015, gives some very useful passage information for the Island.