Puerto Rico islands, and the Spanish Virgin Islands of Culebra and Vieques in particular, are great pleaces for sailing!

The archipelago of Puerto Rico counts a total of 143 islands, islets and cays, of which Puerto Rico is the main island. The coasts and islands truly offer natural untouched beauty, with many aficionados coming back every year. Vieques and Culebra in particular have incredible beaches.

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Clearance in Puerto Rico

Please refer to official page for latest update.

 

There are strict security procedures for leisure yachts arriving in Puerto Rico, which are executed by the United States CBP, Customs and Border Protection.

Unless previously authorized to report arrival by app or phone, you are requested to report physically for inspection when arriving to Puerto Rico islands, either from USVIs or foreign ports. The Alternative Inspection Programs which are accepted in Puerto Rico are:

• the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (CBP ROAM)
• the Verified Traveler (including LBO, and I-68 numbers)

Consult this link for more information.
 

Report by phone upon arrival

When arived at a designated inspection site, the Master of the vessel needs to call by phone to report arrival, and to report:

• LBO or Float Plan number (when applicable)
• Name, date of birth and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport number and visa information if applicable)*;
• Name of the boat and/or boat registration number and nationality
• CBP user fee decal number (if vessel is 30 feet or longer);
• If qualified foreign vessel, cruising license number
• Return contact number

 

Designated sites for inspection at ports of entry for private boats operators in Puerto Rico

Call 1-877-529-6840 or (787) 729-6840, 7 days a week from 8am to 00am.

When arriving later, 

• if you have a US phone number: leave a message with boat name, registration number, date and time of arrival and a return telephone number. 
• if you do not have a US phone number: call again after 08am upon arrival. 

Instructions on entering procedures will be given to you for the following inspection sites:

Port of Fajardo
Puerto Real Municipal Pier
In front of the Custom House
(787) 863-0950
(787) 863-0102

Vieques Station
Mosquito Pier
(787) 741-8366
Alternate: (787) 863-0950

Culebra Station
Dewey Dock Ensenada Honda
(787) 742-3531
Alternate: (787) 863-0950

Port of Ponce
Ponce Pier
Caribbean Image Marina
(787) 841-3130
(787) 841-3131

Port of Mayagüez
Mayagüez Seaport
(787) 831-3340/3368/3369/3370
(787) 882-3556/76 (Airport Phone#)

Port of San Juan
San Juan Marinas:
San Juan Bay Marina
Club Náutico de San Juan
Cangrejos Yacht Club
1-877-529-6840
Alternate: (787) 729-6840

Decal stickers

These stickers apply to all private vessels of 30 feet and over, and indicate that the entry in the US has been paid for the calendar year.

If the vessel does not have a decal yet, you must fill in an application and pay for the User Fee when reporting to CBP.

There are two ways to obtain your decal:

• Online on the Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS)
• Via a paper application 
  • by post with the Renewal sent automatically to you,
  • by claiming a form  from a local CBP port office,
  • through the Help Desk (Phone (317) 298-1245 or email decals@dhs.gov )

Failure to Report:
Please note you risk civil penalties. Report to the official page for more information.

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Puerto Rico