 Azores : Formalities
The
Q flag should be flown at the first port of entry into the Azores.
Yachts must clear in at the marina office at one of the ports of entry.
After which they will direct you to customs (Alfandega), Immigration
and Guarda Nacional Republicana.
In larger ports, the Policia Maritima should also be visited, as well as the Port Authority (Capitania).
A transit log may be issued by the Port Authority to those yachts
from countries not belonging to the European Union, although it appears
its use is being phased out.
Several of the marina offices at Ports of Entry are computerised and
details of the yachts' arrival are automatically reported to all the
appropriate officials.
In all ports of call in the Azores visited subsequently, the transit
log must be taken along and presented to the local Guarda Nacional
Republicana office.
As part of Portugal, the Azores are members of the EU, with which
they have a special relationship. The usual EU regulations apply,
although because of their isolated position, the authorities tend to
treat all arriving yachts as if coming from a non-EU country and
subsequently subject them to the full range of clearance formalities.
After clearance, boats must display the Portuguese [courtesy] flag as well
as the Azores islands flag (right below the Portuguese one and, of course, on the same mast).
Last updated August 2008
The Azores comes under Portugal's Schengen Area agreement and therefore has similar visa regulations.
See Portugal/Immigration for details.
Last updated October 2008.
Firearms
must be declared, and it may also be advisable to declare prescription
medications as the customs authorities can enforce strict regulations
concerning the temporary importation of such items.
Yachts may stay for a six month period before becoming liable for duty.
Last updated June 2008
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from an infected area.
Yachts
must carry their original registration document, insurance policy and
ship's radio licence. One member of the crew must have a radio
operator’s certificate of competence. For EU boats, proof of VAT status
is also required. It is also very useful to have a typed sheet
containing the name of the boat, port of registry, and the crew list.
A transit log (Livrete de Transito) is issued to non-EU yachts by
the Capitania or Delegaoes Maritimas on arrival. All subsequent
movements of the yacht are recorded in this log until departure. Yachts
must clear in and out of all ports, including harbours on the same
island. If arriving from Madeira, the same transit log may be used, but
if arriving from mainland Portugal, a new log is usually issued.
There is a small fee to the Lighthouse Service for yachts over 79 ft (24 m).
Spearfishing
within 164 ft (50 m) of a public beach, port or protected area, and
spearfishing with scuba tanks anywhere, is prohibited. A permit to dive
can be obtained from the Capitania.
It is forbidden for boats, local or visiting, to anchor at Porto Pim (south of
Horta) due to the optical fiber submarine cable laid there.
The
Azores comes under the EU Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and pets must have
Pet Passport, to have microchip and current Health Certificate and
Rabies Vaccincation Certificate issued by authorised Veterinarian.
Cats and dogs entering from non-E.U. countries, are subject to
obtaining prior authorisation from "Direccao Regional de Pecuaria de
Madeira". Written authorisation to be requested at least 24 hours prior
to arrival via fax +351-291-233156.
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Azores
Formalities