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Clearing In by Yacht in St. Kitts & Nevis: Official Reference Guide Reference Guide
Information reviewed February 2026. Procedures reflect current Customs and Immigration requirements for St. Kitts and Nevis. Always confirm documentation prior to arrival.
Arrival Made Simple
St. Kitts and Nevis sit in the heart of the Leeward Islands. For many crews this is the next stop after Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten, or Nevis. Clearing in is straightforward when preparation is done properly.
Port Zante Marina in Basseterre is the primary yacht entry point for St. Kitts. Christophe Harbour and Charlestown in Nevis also provide official clearance facilities.
Clearing into St. Kitts requires advance documentation, proper arrival procedure, and coordination with Customs and Immigration.
Clearing Into St. Kitts Checklist
Before entering territorial waters ensure the following:
• SailClear arrival notification filed
• Immigration and Customs ED form completed
• CARICOM Advance Passenger Information submitted
• Vessel registration and last port clearance ready
• Passports for all crew and passengers available
• Yellow Q flag ready to hoist
• VHF 68 monitored for marina coordination
Incomplete documentation is the most common cause of clearance delays.
Pre-Arrival Requirements
1. Immigration and Customs ED Form
Complete the electronic declaration form online before arrival. Each crew member and passenger must be listed exactly as shown in their passport.
Spelling discrepancies between passports and submitted forms can cause delays.
2. CARICOM Advance Passenger Information (eAPIS)
Submit the passenger information form for each person on board prior to arrival. This system provides advance information to Immigration authorities.
All passengers and crew must be declared.
3. SailClear
Register an account at sailclear.com. Enter vessel and crew details once. File your arrival notification before entering St. Kitts territorial waters.
When departing, file your departure notification on SailClear prior to clearance out.
Errors in SailClear entries are one of the most frequent reasons for processing delays.
4. Supporting Documents to Have Ready
Bring the following ashore:
• Vessel registration and ship’s papers
• Last port clearance certificate
• Crew list with passport numbers
• Passports for all persons on board
• Veterinary documentation if carrying pets
• Declarations for firearms or restricted items
Keep digital and physical copies available.
Approaching the Port
Call Port Zante Marina on VHF channel 68 once your ETA is stable.
Provide:
• Vessel name
• Length overall
• Draft
• Crew count
• Arrival request
Wait for instructions before entering the harbour basin.
Speed inside marina basins is limited to 5 mph.
At Port Zante, dockhands assist vessels with reservations. Yachts without reservations should coordinate before entering.
For detailed navigation guidance see:
Approaching Basseterre by Sailboat
Customs and Immigration Procedure
Only the captain goes ashore until clearance is complete. Crew must remain on board.
Present:
• Completed ED form
• eAPIS confirmation
• SailClear arrival notice
• Passports for all crew and passengers
• Vessel registration
• Last port clearance
Customs reviews vessel documentation and declared items. Immigration stamps passports. Health authorities may request health declarations depending on current protocols.
Clearance and port dues are payable at the office. Marina services such as electricity, water, garbage, and access cards are billed separately.
Clearance Timeline | From Arrival to Cleared In
Typical workflow for a prepared yacht:
- File SailClear, ED Form and eAPIS before entering territorial waters
- Call Port Zante Marina on VHF 68 upon approach
- Dock or anchor and hoist the yellow Q flag
- Captain proceeds ashore with documents
- Customs reviews documents
- Immigration stamps passports
- Fees are paid
- Clearance granted
Captains who prepare documentation in advance typically complete clearance efficiently.
During peak cruising season from November through April, arrival volumes increase and wait times may extend.
Anchoring and Dinghy Rules
Not every yacht takes a marina slip. Many anchor outside and clear in by dinghy.
The rules are clear:
Fly the yellow Q flag until clearance is granted.
Contact Port Zante Marina or the Port Authority on VHF before sending a dinghy ashore.
Only the captain goes ashore with required documents.
Use the official dinghy dock at Port Zante in Basseterre or the pier at Charlestown in Nevis.
Do not beach a dinghy or land crew before clearance. This breaches the Customs Act and may result in fines or further inspection.
Anchored yachts pay the same clearance and port dues as vessels in slips.
St. Kitts vs Nevis Clearance
St. Kitts Entry Points
- Port Zante Marina, Basseterre
Nevis Entry Point
- Charlestown Pier (NASPA jurisdiction)
Port Zante provides central access to services in the capital. Christophe Harbour accommodates larger yachts and full-service marina operations. Charlestown provides moorings and clearance facilities in Nevis.
Choose based on vessel size, draft, and cruising plan.
Clearance Fees and Port Dues
Clearance and port dues are assessed based on vessel size and duration of stay.
Additional marina services such as electricity, water, garbage disposal, and security access are billed separately.
Captains should confirm current fee structures at time of arrival.
Departure Procedures
File a departure notification on SailClear prior to visiting Customs.
Return to Customs and Immigration with documentation.
Collect stamped clearance out.
Settle all outstanding marina or port fees before departure.
Carry clearance documents on board when moving between islands within the Federation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to file SailClear before arrival
- Listing crew names incorrectly compared to passports
- Crew stepping ashore before clearance
- Landing a dinghy outside official docks
- Not carrying clearance documents when relocating locally
Preparation prevents inspection delays.
Why Choose Port Zante for Clearance
Port Zante Marina provides:
- Official port of entry processing
- Direct Customs and Immigration access
- Structured docking environment
- Immediate access to provisioning and services
For vessels transiting the Leeward Islands, Port Zante offers efficient entry and central positioning for onward passages to Antigua, Nevis, Guadeloupe, or further south.
For marina details see:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need SailClear to enter St. Kitts?
Yes. SailClear must be filed before entering territorial waters. Arrival without submission may delay clearance.
Can crew go ashore before clearance?
No. Only the captain may go ashore until Customs and Immigration grant clearance.
Can I anchor and clear in?
Yes. Yachts may anchor and clear in by dinghy using the official dock while flying the yellow Q flag.
What happens if I breach clearance rules?
Landing crew before clearance, failing to submit documentation, or breaching Customs procedures may result in fines or further inspection.
Can I clear into Nevis instead?
Yes. Charlestown in Nevis provides official clearance facilities under NASPA.
Essential Contacts
Port Zante Marina: VHF 68
[email protected]
Customs & Excise: +1 869-466-7227 / 7228
Immigration: +1 869-465-8470
SCASPA: +1 869-465-8121
Coast Guard: +1 869-465-8384
NASPA: www.naspakn.com