Ascension Island - Clearance

Ascension Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts

• You MUST have exit papers from your last port-of-call. Without them, you cannot stop here.
• You MUST obtain an E-Visa and Medical Insurance prior to arrival.

Immigration

All visitors to Ascension Island must obtain an E-visa at least 14 days prior to arrival and Medical Insurance to cover medical costs which must include provision for medical evacuation. See Immigration for more details.

It should be noted that Sage Pay (for payment online for the E-visa) is currently experiencing problems (January 2025). Payment can be made in St. Helena via the local bank or you can make a bank transfer. Contact Immigration for bank transfer details.

Immigration Office at Ascension Island Police Detachment. Tel: (247) 66412 or E-mail: police.admin@ascension.gov.ac

Cruisers have reported having assistance from St. Helena Tourist Office to get the visa pushed through faster than 14 days.

It should be noted that if a short stay of 3 days or less is planned, then a landing permit can be applied for on arrival instead.

Pre-Arrival Notification

• It is strongly advised to contact the Assistant Harbour Master by email before your arrival in the port. Contact Kitty George: kitty.george@ascension.gov.ac
• Four miles out from Clarence Bay please contact Ascension Radio on Channel 16.
• One mile from Clarence Bay, please contact Ascension Radio or Ascension Port Control.

Ascension Arrival Procedures for Yachts

Anchoring is only permitted in Clarence Bay and landing only permitted when granted and at the pierhead steps.

Arriving yachts must anchor in the area to the north of the pier head at Georgetown in a position where they do not obstruct the arrival and departure of ships or cargo operations. See Clarence Bay, Georgetown, for full details on anchoring here, getting ashore and the various restrictions.

General Procedure

See https://www.ascension.gov.ac/travel-and-shipping/travel-by-sea/#yachts for full details of procedures for yacht arrivals.

At the earliest opportunity after arrival the Skipper must contact the Assistant Harbor Master on VHF Channel 8 to agree a time to come ashore to register the vessel. apply for a landing permit (if only staying for a maximum of 3 days) and carry out port formalities. Immigration procedures will also be carried out at the port office which is situated on the pier head.

Yachts arriving after 16:00 and over the weekend must report their arrival to Ascension Radio on VHF Channel 16, which operates 24 hours a day.

The Skipper should bring ashore details of their vessel, a crew list and crew passports with proof of medical insurance and clearance from their last port of call.

No crew may leave the yacht at Ascension Island without prior permission.

Notes:

• Landing of animals is strictly prohibited.
• Be sure to read the official website before visiting the island.
• If a hire car is required, then this will need to be booked in advance through the Assistant Harbour Master's Office - kitty.george@ascension.gov.ac
• See Yachting Essentials for services available here.

Last updated:  April 2025