Azores - Clearance

As part of Portugal, the Azores are members of the EU, with which they have a special relationship. The usual EU regulations apply, although because of their isolated position, the authorities tend to treat all arriving yachts as if coming from a non-EU country and subsequently subject them to the full range of clearance formalities.

Azores Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts

As you approach the port of entry and before entering the harbor, make contact with the marina/harbor authorities on VHF Ch. 16 (or in Horta Ch. 09). They can provide you with anchoring/berthing instructions during working hours (Winter: 08:00 to 17:00 / Summer: 08:00 to 20:00).

The Q flag should be flown on arrival from outside the EU at the first port of entry into the Azores, together with a Portuguese courtesy flag and an Azores courtesy flag (flown below that of Portugal).

Ports of Entry

• Ports of entry for yachts arriving from outside the EU are on the islands that have international airports. That is: Faial - Horta, Sao Miguel - Ponta Delgada and Terceira - Praia da Vitoria and Angra do Heroismo.
• PORT NOTICES:
  - The port of Lajes das Flores, is still being re-built, expected completion 2028.
  - The port of Vila do Porto on Santa Maria has restricted berthing due to storm damage December 2024.

Azores Arrival Procedures for Yachts

General Procedure

At the first POE the following officials need to be seen by all arriving yachts (both those from the EU and those from elsewhere):

• Marina Office/Port Captain
• Immigration (SEF)
• Customs (Alfândega) - if Customs needs to be visited, the SEF official will direct you accordingly.

Officials will want to see copies of:

• Passports of all crew
• Boat Registration
• Boat Insurance

A "Lighthouse Tax"  is levied for all yachts sailing in Portuguese waters. This is payable to the Policia Maritima via the Port Captain/Marina. See Fees for details.

Notes:

• Without boat insurance you will still be able to anchor in the POE, but won't be permitted to use the marina/docks.
• Procedures do vary between islands, so it's always a good idea to ask in the marina office what local requirements are.
• In some ports you may also be visited by the Policia Maritima (who has some Coastguard duties) and the Guarda Nacional Repubicana (GNR), who are the local police. Particularly in ports with no marina.
• It is likely no English will be spoken.

Azores Domestic Cruising

It is important to note that in both the Azores and in mainland Portugal, yachts must check in and out with all the above officials at EVERY port visited.

Officials are usually located within the marina office, or nearby.  Locations and opening times of each island’s Customs and Immigration offices are tied with marina office schedules. See each port page (Explore Country + anchor symbol) for further details.

Azores Departure Procedures for Yachts

On departure, fees must be paid at the marina/harbour office and have passports ready to be inspected by Immigration (SEF) officials for clearance out.

Last updated: April 2025