See Sri Lanka Formalities for full details on clearance.
To enter any port in Sri Lanka, you must use an Agent. See Sri Lanka Agents for a list of available agents.
Your arrival should be timed for daylight as entering the harbor at night is prohibited. Yachts arriving after 18:00 or at night should anchor behind Watering Point (the Peace Pagoda is lit up at night) in 10m of hard sand. The Port Captain refers to this anchorage as "Jungle Beach". This is a much calmer spot to enjoy a peaceful night's sleep.
It is recommended that you call your chosen agent on VHF about half an hour out (before calling Port Control), and again as you get closer. They will arrange for officials to meet you.
Arriving yachts must also call the Port Authority on VHF Channel 16, approx. 1.5NM outside the inner harbor, to notify them of arrival. If you have not yet appointed an agent, they will organize clearance and recommend an agent for you to use.
You will be directed into the port where all the friendly authorities will be waiting for you. You may be directed to berth on the pontoon near the entrance (stern or bow-to with an anchor out), berth alongside a concrete dock in the inner harbor or anchor fore and aft in the inner part of the harbor. The southerly wall is the best choice as it is the most protected with the minimum swell.
First aboard will be Port Security. Once they leave your agent can came on board to proceed with check-in.
Navy, Port Authority, Customs, Health (and more) will take it in turns to come aboard. Be prepared to fill in many documents, all of which need to be signed and stamped.
Be aware that officials here may ask for "considerations" after having been on board (drink, t.shirt, cigarettes etc.). Do not be intimidated into doing so, if you do not wish it. There is a notice at the Port entrance stating it is an offence to offer, receive or request any bribe. See reports and comments from cruisers that have visited Galle.
You will also need to visit Immigration to get your visa (apply online in advance - see the Immigration section for details).
After the clearance procedure is finished you can move the boat to another position in the harbor/Mirissa as long as the harbor master approves. Request this in advance via your agent.
Note: In case of Emergency, the captain can come ashore and contact Customs and Immigration at the gate and inform the Port Authority of arrival. The captain can also appoint an agent whilst ashore.
Last updated: May 2024
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