Luperon - Clearance

See Dominican Republic Formalities for detailed clearance information and fees.

Ocean World Marina & Boatyard, in Cofresi, Puerto Plata, just East of Luperon, is also an official port of entry. It has English-speaking staff, procedures are fast and efficient and it has the only fuel dock on the north coast with special dockage rates for smaller yachts (also accommodates superyachts). Owners can do DIY in the yard here or use the approved contractors.

While the authorities in Luperon, and some other anchorage ports in the DR, have received negative reports in the past (especially Luperon), Luperon has been complying with the official rates list now for several years.

Clearance in Luperon is straightforward with an English speaking Armada translator in their ranks, it can however be slow and you may be delayed a day or two until the correct officials are present.

Clearing into the Dominican Republic at Luperon:

Make sure your Q flag is hoisted.

The Armada/Navy require all vessels to contact Richard, their interpretor, on WhatsApp +1 (849) 855-5987 or +1 (809) 397-5574. This means all boats, whether arriving from a foreign country or moving port to port.

If that's not possible, Papo the harbor contractor with services and moorings, or Handy Andy (the only two legally allowed to conduct business of any kind in the bay) will let the Armada/Navy know you have arrived.

Papo or Andy will assist you with guidance to anchor or to a mooring. See Docking for further details.

Stay on your boat until instructed by the Comandante/Armada.  If you are entering the country then the officials will come out to your boat to do a vessel security check before advising you of the remainder of the check-in procedures.

The Armada/Navy operate as "Romeo" on Channel 68/16.

Inspection on Board:

• You will likely be visited and boarded by 3 official departments for security (i.e. the Armada/Navy, M-2 (Intelligence) and the Department of Drugs). It is customary to offer them a cold soft drink. No money must be given as tips. If anything buy them lunch when they are off duty.

Authorities Ashore:

• After the inspection on board the officials will advise you of the next step; i.e. the skipper and crew will have to go ashore to complete paperwork if arriving in the country.
• With your dinghy head towards the government dock where the authorities are located. The dinghy dock is half way down the government dock on the NW side. Through the commerical dock security gate is a small path leading to a small bridge and the hilltop Armada/Navy outpost. The Commandant will record your presence, giving you legal permission to land.
• All remaining officials are situated in a group of port-a-cabins at the end of the govt. dock. There is a garbage disposal area on the way to the official offices down the dock. Upon entering the country you must give your garbage to the department of agriculture to check.
• Next, visit Immigration, where you pay for your vessel and number of passengers and get your 30-day tourist card (which also allows you to drive legally for 30 days on your overseas drivers licence).
• Next the Port Authority will want to see your boat papers (vessel information) and will ask for a small fee for entry into the harbor and monthly harbor fees.
• Finally, you will see the Department of Agriculture where there is a small fee to cover garbage check and disposal of the same, and if you have pets on board pet vaccination checks (dogs and cats only as birds cannot enter the country without quarantine). See Pet Formalities for more info.
• When you get back to the boat, lower the Q flag and hoist the DR courtesy flag.

Fees:

All fees are posted on the wall of the Portuaria office by the Government dock security gate.

See DR Fees for the standard fees charged on clearing into the country.

Additional fees in Luperon include:

• Entrance to the Bay: US$10 (one-off payment).
• Luperon Harbor Fees:
  US$15 per month for yachts less than 35ft.
  US$20 per month for yachts over 35ft.
  Or part thereof.
  

In Luperón there is no one-stop payment counter, or card facility, but the authorities will let you go into town to the “Banco Reservas” ATM to draw pesos, which works if you are from North America. If you have an EU or British card, you can only use the ATM in the window of the Payeros Supermarket.

As a North American card holder it is recommended to take your passport and get cash from the cashier at the bank, as the ATM's in this town have been known to take money but not dispense the right amount of cash, or worse nothing or swallow your card (which must be retrieved in Puerto Plata - 1 hours drive away). Better still, bring US cash to pay the authorities and you can exchange it at Jumbo’s money exchange in town who gives the best exchange rate.

Domestic Clearance from Luperon:

Obtaining clearance to sail to another port in the DR with a despacho is free of charge from the Armada/Navy. To arrange day-sails down to Cambiaso beach or to anchor by the entrance in the Pinzon anchorage area, go and see the Armada/Navy to ask permission. It’s been reported by many transients during hurricane season 2023, that a long term cruiser/expat tourist now living on land with a boat in the bay is saying everyone must get permission from him to leave harbor, even though he has nothing to do with it. So always go and see the Armada/Navy.

Clearing out of the Dominican Republic at Luperon:

Obtaining international clearance with a despacho is also free of charge. Please give 1-2 days notice as the Armada/Navy and officials will have to board your vessel again for a security check as per international law (especially if you are sailing to USA/Puerto Rico).

Please remember that you MUST obtain Armada/Navy permission to stage up by the entrance in the Pinzon anchorage or to leave port. Guards are stationed at the entrance monitoring what boats are on the "Despacho Exit List".

Additional Clearance Notes for Luperon:

• The Armada will issue local and international despachos at the latest 6pm.
• Port Authority/Customs/Immigration hours are 0800-1600, 7 days a week.
• There are various overseas consulates in Puerto Plata (1 hour drive min.) plus embassies in the major cities in the DR.
• If you are leaving your boat in long-term storage in Luperon, on the water with Papo or Andy (who are the only ones legally allowed to work in the bay), or living on board in the harbor, then prior to 90 days (which your boat is granted on check-in), you must apply with the Armada/Navy for a “navigational permit” (extension for the boat to stay in DR waters  for either 6 months or a year). See Documents for more details.

Last updated:  March 2024