1. Lenakel, on Tanna, isn’t too bad as a Port of Entry, anchor in the sand at 19 32.07S 169 15.91E, just behind the reef, and you will have a comfortable stay unless the wind moves to the South from Southeast and then it will be rolly. Do not even try to use the concrete wharf!

2. It is possible to temporarily clear into Vanuatu at Port Resolution on the SE side of Tanna if you get advance permission from Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue. You need to give at least 24 hours advance notice, but you can apply up to two months in advance. This can be done on this form from the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue website.

You will need to let them know the place that you wish to arrive at in Vanuatu, e.g.  Port Resolution, Tanna, an approximate date of arrival, name and description of the boat, who is on it and documentation plus anything that you are carrying that may need declaring. So basically copy all the information on your advanced arrival form that you have completed and paste it into the email when you are requesting approval. The fine men at the Customs Department will get back to you with approval in a short time providing nothing is untoward.

Once you have this and you arrive at Port Resolution, Werry at the Yacht Club will contact Customs and Immigration who will travel over to inspect and clear you. There is a fee of 5000vatu for Customs and 5000vatu for Biosecurity for clearing in a port other than a Port of Entry. There is also a charge of 15000vatu for travelling for 2 hours over the horrendous road from Lenakel and 2 hours back again. Just remember they will help you if you play by the rules, but woe betides those who don’t.

If you need to know anything about Vanuatu you can refer to the cruising/sailing section of  www.vanuatutravel.info where or email cruising@vanuatutravel.info

You can find out more about the RCC here.