Entering by boat: Madeira
What to do to enter Madeira 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
- Notify the authorities 24 hours before arrival.
The steps
- Give the marina 24 h notice (non-EU boat).
- Call the Maritime Authority on VHF 16 when entering Madeira waters.
- Customs, immigration, harbour office; the police issue a clearance document.
Papers to have on board
- Passports for the whole crew
- Boat papers (registration certificate)
- Insurance certificate
- Crew list
- Ship’s stores declaration
Good to know
- Non-EU boat: give the arrival marina 24 h notice, then see customs, immigration and the harbour office in person.
- Arriving from the Canaries, declare ship's stores.
- Check in and out at each Madeira port, even between islands; online registration (simplifica.madeira.gov.pt) reported for Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens.
Ports of entry
The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.
Madeira
Porto Santo
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- udiregelverk.no/contentassets/dfbab8a5bbc7469e9502b46067658598/sphbg_annex04_2026.07.03.pdf
- noonsite.com/place/madeira/formalities
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.