Formalities Worldwide
by Noonsite 1 Feb 17:24 UTC

South China Sea © noonsite.com
Australia: The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are working towards improving guidance for visiting yachts on Biofouling Management (i.e. what's growing below your waterline) so that yacht owners can manage the risks before coming to Australia.
DAFF are particularly concerned that the guidelines need to be as easy as possible for boat owners to be compliant, and for this they need your feedback and suggestions. As part of their research, they will be launching a survey on February 6th, intended to gather data from yacht owners that have been to Australia in the last 3 years as well as more general feedback from any long-distance cruisers. Feedback on biofouling management on board is primarily what DAFF are looking for and all survey responses are anonymous. All registered Noonsite users will receive the survey by email on February 6th and it will be live for two weeks. Your co-operation in providing information is appreciated.
Bahamas: Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos is again a Port of Entry for the Bahamas. Customs/Immigration staff are on site at the Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina in White Sound. Check in was reported to be quick and easy, as of January 2025.
Croatia: Navigation Permits / Vignettes issued last year expired on December 31, 2024. If you're planning to sail in Croatia, it's essential to have a valid yacht permit. Find out the details on Noonsite.
Dominica: While the new Online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card System introduced in October 2024 first focused on airport, cruise ship and ferry travelers, it is expected that this will soon be required for yacht arrivals. It should be noted, however, that this does not replace SailClear, which remains in place as a clearance portal for yachts. Find our more at Dominica's clearance page on Noonsite.
French Polynesia: Recently there have been a number of changes made to the requirements and processes which need to be undertaken by cruisers who want to apply for a Long Stay Visa for French Polynesia. Read the latest report from long-term Noonsite contributor, Chuck Houlihan.
Galapagos: Fees continue to rise for visiting yachts. Immigration fees increased on 19 December 2024 from $15 to $32, and this month doubled again to $64 per vessel, payable on arrival and again on departure.
Malaysia: Be aware of bogus websites for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) that are popping up ahead of the official government site and tricking people into paying to fill out the form. Filling out of the form online on the official Government website is free of charge. Find the official links on Noonsite.
New Zealand: Harbour Masters in the South Island are taking biosecurity very seriously this year. Cruisers report that many boats have been checked by active divers and where not complying, the boat is wrapped in a biosecurity 'blanket' and towed to Picton/Nelson and immediately lifted out and cleaned, all at the owner's expense. More at NZ Biosecurity.
St. Helena: Authorities in St. Helena are urging yacht crew to purchase medical insurance prior to arriving. Entry will be greatly delayed and possibly prohibited if arriving without it.
Thailand: As of 1 January 2025, visitors from any part of the world can now apply for a Thai e-Visa. If you obtain a 60-day visa (which can be extended for another 30 days) before you arrive in Thailand, however, life is more simple. Find out more on Noonsite.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.