Santiago de Cuba - Clearance

See Cuba Formalities for detailed information on clearing into and out of Cuba, including fees.

General Clearance:

Make an effort to hail “El Morro” as you approach. You will be answered in Spanish. You may not have success and can also try Marlin Marina on Channel 16 between 1800 and 0800, otherwise CH 72. Sometimes Marlin Marina will hear your call and hail you in English.

On arrival, you will either be instructed to anchor in the "quarantine" area on the other side of the harbor (approx. a mile from the marina) or you can opt to berth at the marina. If you proceed directly to the marina be sure not to step ashore until you have been cleared. You will be told to berth alongside a concrete wall and officials will come on board.

A health inspector will come on board to check everyone on board is fit and well and inspect the fresh food on board.

Other officials may come to the boat. Clearance can involve up to 6 different people and a fair amount of paperwork. The entire procedure can take between 3 and 5 hours.

Expect up to three sniffer dogs which will not have shoes. Handheld VHF, GPS, flares and Very pistols are wrapped and sealed and must not be taken ashore.

Note that if you declare that you have come from Haiti you may be put on "Cholera Watch" - all crew temperatures to be taken every four hours and logged until the Sanitary Department say you are clear.

Immigration have an office in the marina where you can visit them to deal with paperwork.

Outward clearance is much quicker.

Last updated: August 2020