#TurksandCaicos, February 7, 2023 – As of 1st February 2023, the owner or master of a pleasure craft (like a yacht or other vessel for recreational use) before sailing to or from the Turks and Caicos Islands MUST use SailClear (www.sailclear.com) to submit information about their voyage to the Customs and Immigration at least 24 hours before arrival or departure.

SailClear is an online yachting clearance system designed to facilitate the clearance requirements of Customs and Immigration throughout participating regional territories. Registering for a user account is simple. Once an account has been activated a user can begin entering his voyage details and other information related to crew, passengers, weapons and stores. This submitted information is immediately available to Customs and other authorities.

SailClear allows the user to edit the information if travel plans change.

Arrival

On arrival, display the International Pratique Q-flag and travel directly to the port of entry to satisfy the face-to-face requirement.

Whether you are a returning resident or a visitor, you need to comply with the following entry requirements;

1. All persons onboard MUST have a valid passport and visa; if required;
2. You MUST have the relevant permits for the importation of certain foods, animals and prescribed medicinal products, firearms and ammunition and explosives. TCI have strict laws to protect its citizens and the natural environment. Penalties may be imposed if you breach those laws by illegally importing prohibited or restricted items including cannabis-infused products, products containing cannabidiol derivatives, and any oils containing cannabidiol
3. You MUST declare cash or other negotiable instruments with a value over USD 10,000
4. You MUST stay onboard until clearance is given. No person other than a Port Health, Customs and/or Immigration officer is allowed to board the vessel, nor can any person, animal or article leave the vessel until full clearance has been granted. It is an offence to go ashore without prior clearance. Depending on the arrival time, occupants of the vessel may be required to remain on board overnight before being cleared the following day.

In case of an emergency; medical, mechanical or adverse weather conditions, a notification must be submitted IMMEDIATELY on arrival by a crew member, passenger or agent. This will help in expediting the clearance process.

If there is a notifiable illness on board, the Department of Environment Health MUST be contacted via email at thinds@gov.tc and occupants of the vessel must comply with any instructions given.

Departure

Customs clearance is required before a pleasure craft can depart. This is available at any designated port. The owner, master or agent must submit a notice in advance through SailClear to avoid unnecessary delay. It is an offence to depart without clearance.

If you want to extend your stay in the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is the master, or agent’s responsibility to update the outbound notification in SailClear. You must also file a request with the Immigration Department to extend/change your leave to enter before your authorized stay expires.

Charges

The master must pay an inbound fee of USD 50.00 to Customs on arrival and an outbound fee of USD 50.00 to Customs for departure. An overtime Fee is charged if clearance is needed outside of working hours.

Overtime Fees

Weekdays 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. $10.00 per hour

Weekdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. $10.00 per hour

Monday – Thursday 4:30 p.m. – Midnight $10.00 per hour

Friday 4:00 p.m. – Midnight $10.00 per hour

Weekdays Midnight – 6:00 a.m. $12.00 per hour

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays $15.00 per hour

The Customs department encourages using credit/debit cards to pay fees as a swipe machine is available.

Failure to Report

The Customs Department and its law enforcement partners are actively monitoring Turks and Caicos Islands waters. Failure to submit an advance notice for arrival or departure to Customs may result in detention, seizure or forfeiture of your boat and/or monetary penalties.

If you fail to report, even if your purpose is non-discretionary (non-optional) such as to refuel, you may face severe penalties.

If you carry any goods for industrial or commercial purposes, your boat becomes a commercial vessel and is no longer a pleasure craft, for that entry. Different customs rules will apply.

For further information visit www.customs.gov.tc/travel