Curacao - Customs

Customs Rules for Yachts Arriving/Departing Curacao

For additional Customs procedures on arrival, be sure to review the Clearance section.

Length of Stay

Yachts are permitted to stay for a maximum of six months, unless registered in Curaçao. Three months will be granted on arrival, and then a 3 month extension can be applied for via Customs.

The anchor permit in Spanish water is issued for 90 days (3 months), with the option to purchase one more.

Restricted Goods

Restricted goods, such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, etc. must be declared. Customs Officers will pick up the restricted goods at the yacht and take them into custody for the length of stay. Upon checking out, they will be delivered back to the boat.

Leaving Your Boat

If you wish to leave your boat in Curacao there is no time limit, but it must be stored in one of the Customs-approved storage facilities. The following 3 facilities have bonded warehouse status on Curacao [entrepot]; this means that yachts can be stored without a time limit when uninhabited:

• Curaçao Marine Service - St Anna Bay, Willemstad
• Royal Marine Services – Piscadera Bay
• Seru Boca Marina – Spanish Waters

If leaving your boat in Curacao, you will need to present a letter to that effect and show your flight ticket to harbour Immigration when you depart. Harbour Immigration will check you out from your boat and there is a fee. When returning to Curacao you need to return to harbour Immigration and check in again on your boat.

Importing Parts/Spares

Duty paid on equipment will be refunded on departure. Spares may be imported free of duty, but this must be arranged with Customs at the airport and it is usually easier if the services of a local agent are employed.

See Curacao Ports Yachting page for more Customs info.

Last updated:  September 2024