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Entering by boat: Aruba

What to do to enter Aruba by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.

Check with the authorities before you leave (last checked on 28 October 2026).

Before you arrive

  • Online procedure: SailClear (douane) + carte d'embarquement/débarquement (ED card) pour chaque personne — sailclear.com

The steps

  1. Before arrival: SailClear and an ED card for each person.
  2. Call Aruba Port Control (VHF 16/11) before entering Barcadera harbour.
  3. Moor at the north-west (Customs) dock; the captain alone goes to immigration then customs, crew stays aboard.
  4. Move on to a marina or approved anchorage with Port Control's permission.

Papers to have on board

  • Passports for the whole crew
  • Crew list
  • Boat papers (registration certificate)
  • Outward clearance from the previous country

Good to know

  • Barcadera is the ONLY port of entry for yachts; Oranjestad sends yachts to Barcadera.
  • Since January 2025: USD 20 sustainability fee per person; clearance itself is free.
  • Stay in the channel until abeam of the dock: shoal; draft over 3 m, call Port Control.
  • Crew usually allowed 30 days: ask for longer on the form.

Ports of entry

The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.

Prepare your arrival with Hullteam

In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.

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Sources

This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.