Customs Clearing in Antigua

[Tranquil42]

Hi. We are chartering a catamaran in Antigua later this week. Re: Offshore fishing and customs clearance - Charter company claims that if we go offshore 10 miles or more we need to clear back into customs upon returning. That seems a bit strange. Do I need to clear out first? It would seem odd to show up at customs to clear in after a 6 hour fishing trip when my departure and return is to the same port in Antigua.


Boats in the U.S. certainly don't do that. Maybe other countries have different rules?


Thoughts?

[Orion Jim]

It is best to go to the source https://customs.gov.ag/ rather than rely on vague or speculative responses. You never want to get on the wrong side of a customs officer.

[Tranquil42]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

It is best to go to the source https://customs.gov.ag/ rather than rely on vague or speculative responses. You never want to get on the wrong side of a customs officer.

I did reach out to them. Unfortunately, no response.

[S/V Illusion]

Check with the folks at Nelson’s. Last winter, we had no such requirement.

[donradcliffe]

Have done many Antigua race weeks, and there was never a need to clear in and out as we went day sailing.

[Zanshin]

I've been going to Antigua for years and this is the first time I've heard such a specific rule. I think you would see some some strange looks when you try to fill out the computer clearance system with previous country as "Antigua" and without proper exit papers from Antigua when you do a day sail.
I think that Antigua only had 3 customs boats (donated from the USA) and that 2 of them are still broken. So I wouldn't worry about it - and if asked say you were only 9.5 miles offshore.

[Tranquil42]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

I've been going to Antigua for years and this is the first time I've heard such a specific rule. I think you would see some some strange looks when you try to fill out the computer clearance system with previous country as "Antigua" and without proper exit papers from Antigua when you do a day sail.
I think that Antigua only had 3 customs boats (donated from the USA) and that 2 of them are still broken. So I wouldn't worry about it - and if asked say you were only 9.5 miles offshore.

Agree completely. Thanks for the responses.