Explore: Saba - Formalities
Clearance
Contact the Harbour Master at Fort Bay on Channels 16 or 11. Once contact has been made safely moor the boat.
See Fort Bay Clearance for possible mooring options.
Clear with Customs and Immigration, then check in/out with the harbour master. If Customs and Immigration are not available, then the HM deals with all formalities.
Due to the number of forms to be completed (with multiple copies), clearance can take a surprisingly long time. It speeds things up to have the forms ready. The Customs and Immigration form can be downloaded here.
Clearing in and out at the same time is possible, even if you are staying a few days.
Yachts must also clear in with the Marine Park at the office in Fort Bay. Download the yacht registration form (editable PDF format) here.
The Harbour Office is open 0600-1800 Monday to Saturday.
Last updated February 2018.
Immigration
A valid passport is required by all visitors. Passports (or a copy) should be carried at all times.
Although Saba is now a municipality of the Netherlands, it is not part of the European Union nor included in the Schengen Agreement Area.
Nationals from a large number of countries do not require a visa to enter Saba. For example, visitors from the United States and European Union countries do not need a visa. It depends on your nationality and length of stay.
Most visitors are permitted a stay of 90 days. Dutch and US citizens are permitted to stay for up to 6 months in any 12 month period without a visa.
Where and How to Apply for a Visa
Find out about the Caribbean Visa for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten at the Kingdom of the Netherlands official website.
A visa (if required) must be obtained prior to arrival. Find a consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands near you at http://www.government.nl/issues/embassies-consulates-and-other-representations/contents.
Last updated: May 2019
Customs
This is no longer a duty-free port.
All firearms must be declared to Customs.
For a list of restricted goods see https://www.sabaport.com/customs
Last updated February 2018.
Health
ZIKA VIRUS: In 2016 there were reported cases of the Zika virus on Saba. There is growing concern about the rapid spread of the ZIKA Virus and the impact of the virus on pregnant women and babies. ZIKA is transmitted by mosquitos in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and there is currently no cure or vaccine. This situation is evolving rapidly, so please refer to the CDC’s dedicated website if you are intending to cruise in one of the affected areas.
Fees
There is a Marine Park fee of $3 per person per week for mooring maintenance, plus $1/per person per night for nature management.
There is a visa fee of 35 euro.
The harbour fee depends on the tonnage of the vessel (prices subject to change):
0 – 40 US$ 20
40 – 60 US$ 40
60 – 80 US$ 60
80 – 100 US$ 80
100+ US$ 100
Departure Tax: An Airport and Harbour departure tax fee of $10.00 is payable when departing Saba. There are no ATM’s at the airport and harbour.
Last updated February 2018.
Restrictions
All the waters around Saba were made a national marine park in 1987 and anchoring is restricted to sandy areas where the coral will not be damaged. Spearfishing and the taking of coral or shells are prohibited. Marine Park officials patrol the anchorages and welcome yachts.
A fee is charged for the maintenance of the underwater park.
The moorings in the Park are 45cm (18in) float balls with a blue reflective band and are colour-coded to indicate the varied user groups. White and red moorings are for licensed diving vessels only. Yellow moorings are specifically for use by visiting yachts up to 18m (59ft). They cannot be reserved and are on a first-come, first served basis. Vessels are allowed to occupy these moorings for up to seven (7) days.
Local Customs
Bathing suits should not be worn within the villages and actually going shirtless is illegal.
Pets
Pets older than three months may be admitted on presentation of an up-to-date declaration of health issued by your vet and an up-to-date vaccination record (in particular for rabies vaccination).
