Yacht Clearance in Scarborough

Yachts can check in at Tobago without stopping in Trinidad on the way.

See Trinidad & Tobago Formalities for complete clearance information, the process and rules, overtime charges, fees and more.

Note that Tobago is divided into 2 parts. Charlotteville has jurisdiction over the northern part of Tobago (from Castara Bay to Prince’s Bay) and Scarborough the rest of the island. If you wish to visit the bays in the north, you must clear out of Scarborough and sail to Charlotteville, clear in there and get a permit for the bays in their jurisdiction.

Local Clearance Info.:

Anchor behind the seawall in the designated area to go ashore to clear in. There are many local boats here, plus ferries turning, so finding a space may be difficult. It may also be possible to berth at the Government/Coast Guard Dock (contact Keonon 868 756 0852). All crew (even small children) should go ashore immediately for clearance.

The Immigration office is difficult to find. Although there is a clear sign, the entrance is down a narrow alley through a metal gate (it looks like a service access), then around the corner and up a flight of stairs. Visit the copy shop at the Mall first if you haven’t been able to copy paperwork beforehand. See Documents for details.

It is also possible to anchor in Store Bay, on the south-west corner of Tobago, and then take a bus or taxi to Scarborough to clear in. It may also be possible to anchor in Bucco Bay and do the same.

It is advisable to time your arrival and departure WELL within normal office hours and go ashore immediately to clear in, to avoid overtime charges as arriving outside office hours is classed as overtime and incurs extra fees. See Trinidad & Tobago Formalities for all the details.

Departure Notes:

A yacht must normally clear out from the same port at which it arrived, but it is possible to clear out from Charlotteville if Customs is advised before leaving Scarborough of the exact date.

If you wish to circumnavigate the island you must file a passage plan and when on the north coast you need to check into and out of Charlotteville as it is a different jurisdiction from Scarborough. Sailing like this is referred to as “Bay Hopping” but you must get permission to do it. Be especially careful if leaving for Trinidad. If you stop en route without permission you will be in trouble on arrival in Trinidad.

When sailing to Trinidad, you must gain clearance from both the Immigration & Customs office with endorsements allowing the vessel to sail to the port of Chaguaramas. If the vessel was cleared to sail to Chaguaramas from Tobago, then the skipper is obligated to report to the Chaguaramas Customs & Immigration office upon arrival.

You may NOT drop anchor en route to Trinidad, but must proceed directly to Chaguaramas. This is a security reason and for your own safety.

See Trinidad & Tobago Formalities for further departure details.

Last updated:  September 2024

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