Arrival Formalities for Mayotte

Advance Reporting:

See full details at “Notice for Entry and Departure” document – print off and complete this form.

I was able to fill it in on my laptop without printing it first. But if one is not able to do so, then you will need to print it, complete, scan/photo and send back.

I highly recommend sending it off in whatever quality pre-arrival, otherwise one runs the risk of being stopped by the French Legion patrolling the islands. They are very protective of their island against illegal immigrants from Comoras.

Report by e-mail at least 48 hours before your arrival to the Marina office in Mamoudzou (contact@mayotte-plaisance.com or clearance@mayotte-plaisance.com).

The same form will be used for outbound clearance.

When within VHF range with Mayotte, contact MAYOTTE TRAFFIC on VHF Channel 16.

Anchoring/Mooring for Clearance:

Once you enter the lagoon after contacting Mayotte Traffic, you must head towards the anchorage area near the ACHM (next to the Petite Terre Harbor Office).

(Editor’s Note: The Association des Croiseurs Hauturiers de Mayotte [ACHM] is the local yacht club and welcomes all cruisers – see details here.)

At the bottom of the anchorage a “Stand By” buoy is visible. You tie up on it or anchor next to it.   These waiting areas are each marked by an orange buoy. You may also be directed to go to the Balou quay.   If this has been requested then Customs should contact you within one hour.

Hoist the yellow flag on the starboard side of the ship.  For non-French boats it is also advisable to also hoist the French courtesy flag.

Clearance Document:

If you were unable to complete and send the clearance document in advance of arrival, then the document can be obtained on arrival from:

• Mamoudzou Marina office
• Harbor Master’s Office in Mamoudzou
• Tourist Office in Mamoudzou or Dzaoudzi
• Maritime Affairs Office – opposite the yacht club

The completed form needs to be taken to the various authorities to be stamped for clearance. If you have already completed the form in advance, then print it off to take with you.

We don’t have a printer, so the Police at the airport asked me to email it to them, and they printed it for me.

Immigration:

Go with all your crew and passports and the pre-filled clearance form, to the Airport border police. There is a phone for Immigration on a counter at the airport. Call them on the posted telephone number (on the wall to the left of the phone) and they will come and meet you.

Maritime Affairs:

Once the passports have been endorsed and the clearance stamped, you must submit a copy of it to Maritime Affairs. The Maritime Affairs are located opposite the yacht club on 41-39 Boulevard des Crabes.

This can be done by posting the form directly in the mailbox located on the wall of their office (see photo below).

Or, go to the ACHM (yacht club) and post it in the dedicated mailbox there. The photo below shows the mailbox in the yacht club, where you can drop a copy of the stamped form, if you don’t drop it in to Affairs Maritime.

Harbor Master:

Go to the Marina office in Mamoudzou to file a copy of the Clearance document.

There are no fees, charges or taxes payable for the clearance document.

Return to your ship and lower the yellow flag.  Raise the courtesy flag if you have not already done so and leave the waiting area.  You can anchor wherever you want.

Departure Formalities for Mayotte

The exit procedure must be carried out up to three days before departure until the day before departure, by completing the same form as the entry form and indicating the date of exit from the territory.

Go to the border police at the airport then drop off a copy of the exit document at Maritime Affairs (mailbox). as outlined above.

It is advisable to keep all your Entry and Exit Clearances as they may be useful to you in the event of inspections.