Madeira - Clearance
Madeira Pre-Arrival Procedures for yachts
Non-EU yachts and yachts arriving from outside the EU, should give the marina at the intended port of entry, 24 hours advance warning of arrival.
Madeira Arrival Procedures for Yachts
Although Madeira is a member of the European Union, all boats (including EU yachts and citizens) must contact the authorities on arrival and departure, even if only moving to another harbour in Madeira.
Ports of Entry
All four marinas [Calheta, Funchal, Quinta do Lorde and Porto Santo] are ports of entry.
General Procedure
The marina staff will handle all paperwork and it’s unlikely, if arriving from another EU country, that officials will want to see you.
If arriving from the Canaries, an additional declaration of ship’s stores and other items is required.
Non-EU yachts or yachts arriving from outside the EU may need to visit official authorities (see info. below). They are very unlikely to come to a yacht, so the captain must report to their offices. Yachts have got into trouble for failing to report to the authorities. The marina office will advise.
Customs Office:
Both EU and non-EU boats arriving from a country outside the EU must contact Customs at the first port in Madeira. On arrival in a port of entry, boats from non-EU countries must clear with Customs.
Immigration Office:
Boats from non-EU countries must clear with Immigration.
Port Captain’s Office:
Boats from non-EU countries must clear with the Port Captain.
Guarda:
A clearance document is issued to all yachts at the port of entry by the Guarda, and must be presented to the authorities when visiting any other island. Even if possessing a transit log from mainland Portugal or the Azores, clearance must still be done on arrival in Madeira. A new transit log may be issued.
Domestic Cruising in Madeira
As in the Azores, it is necessary to clear in and out of each port visited.
Madeira Departure Procedures for Yachts
International Clearance:
EU Vessels: An EU boat with all EU citizens on board going to another EU country does not need to officially clear out.
If leaving the EU, then the skipper should the check local regulations and, if possible, obtain a ‘zarpe’ or other official documents, to show that they legally left their previous destination when arriving in a new country. This is normally issued by Customs.
Non-EU Vessels: A non-EU boat leaving the Schengen Area needs to have that recorded with Customs even if moving to another EU country.
Any non-EU crew are advised to report to Immigration. This is especially important if they are leaving the Schengen Area.
Last updated: July 2024
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We arrived at Marina Quinta do Lorde on August 14, 2024. This marina is located in one of the windiest areas of the island, where wind gusts can suddenly reach up to 30 knots right at the entrance, alongside strong tidal currents that must be considered when entering. The marina entrance is quite narrow.
The staff at the marina are friendly, and the check-in process is smooth. As we were coming from Spain, we were not required to clear with the authorities, as the marina notified them on our behalf. However, it is essential to contact the Portuguese Maritime Authority via VHF Channel 16 upon entering Madeira waters to inform them of which marina you will be docking at.
This marina is part of a resort complex (currently under renovation) and features a small coffee shop, a dive center, and a whale-watching tour operator. It is relatively isolated, with the nearest market located about 5 km away, so renting a car is advisable for greater mobility. There is a bus stop in front of the complex, and taxis are readily available.
If you wish to sail within Madeira’s waters—such as to Porto Santo, Desertas Islands, and Selvagens Islands—you must register and complete the request forms at https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt. You can also request scuba diving permits through the same portal. For additional information, you can email info.srtc@madeira.gov.pt.
We cleared out of Madeira via Marina Quinta do Lorde, which kindly filled out the official form for us. Our last port of call before exiting Portuguese waters was the Selvagens Islands, where there is a military base. You must call in on Channel 16 when approaching. In this area, there is only one allowed anchorage area, which is at Ensenada das Cagarras in the southern part of the island. It is necessary to pre-book the single anchorage buoy. If the buoy is occupied, you can drop anchor in the bay, but be aware that the bottom is flat and rocky with limited grip.
Marina Quinta do Lorde is very much open even though the resort is closed.
Marina staff very friendly with good English. Immigration will visit the marina to stamp passports in and out.
Good discounts for Ocean Cruising Club members.
Some interesting links about Madeira:
The Islets of Porto Santo: A treasure to preserve
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/LivroIPSanto.pdf
Ponta de São Lourenço: The most Eastern peninsula of Madeira
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/Livro_PSLourenco_2011.pdf
The Eastern Mountainous Massif of Madeira
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/LivroMMOrientalMadeira.pdf
The Laurissilva of Madeira-World Heritage
https://ifcn.madeira.gov.pt/images/Doc_Artigos/Divulgacao/publicacoes/livros/FLORESTA%20LAURISSILVA.pdf
We arrived from Gibraltar at the Quinta do Lorde Marina 26th May 2017. The Marina can be highly recommended. Everything is in perfect order, there are enough places for visitors. The staff is very helpful and the facilities are first class! The price for one week is moderate. The Marina is integrated in a 5-Star Resort with apartments, hotel and restaurant, very quiet. There is also a very experienced French ship chandler on site, who can manage a lot of problems of the boat.
Bus connection to Funchal. Rent a car by the Marina Office. Small Supermarket in the Marina. Petrol station just at left hand side of the entrance.
The marina Funchal is very crowded and cannot be recommended. Alternatively is Calheta Marina (inform them you are coming first by telephone).
A. Griesemer – SY Gamper