Permit· Cartagena· Other Caribbean

Colombia Clearance via Maritime Agent (Cartagena)

10° 25.4′ N · 75° 32.8′ W · approximate

Colombia does not let a yacht skipper clear in alone: a licensed maritime agent (agencia marítima) acts as your legal representative with the Port Captain, Immigration, Customs (DIAN) and Port Health, and you also need the agent to move the boat around the bay or out to the islands.

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Practical

Coordinate is approximate: placed at Parque Centenario (OSM), which the Port Captain's office (BCH building, Av. Daniel Lemaitre, La Matuna) faces; you never go there yourself because the agent handles it. Pre-arrival: agree terms with an agent before you sail and send crew list, passport photo pages, all boat papers incl. ownership, and a health certificate; list your last 3 ports. A zarpe from your previous port naming your Colombian port of entry is mandatory (Noonsite). On approach call Cartagena Port Control (Estación de Control San José) on VHF 16/14 (13 also monitored; good English) flying the Q flag; they ask for your agent's name. Nobody goes ashore until the agent says so. Club Náutico (VHF 69, English 8 am–5 pm most days) or Club de Pesca (VHF 71) will relay if you have no email. Agents named by Club Náutico's guide: Rymar (José Bonillo, David Arroyo and assistant Nicole, Alaida), Logimar (María) and Alpemar (Eduardo Tamayo); Ocean Blue is also listed. Cost: Club Náutico quotes close to USD 320 for boats up to 60 ft for a full stay of up to one year incl. Certificado de Permanencia, exit zarpe and exit stamps; a short stay under a week costs significantly less; arriving from another Colombian port about USD 150 (verify locally; Noonsite's country summary gives USD 250–400 for yachts under 55 ft). Temporary importation must be requested within 5 days of arrival; skip it and the boat is limited to 60 days with a fine if you overstay. With the TIP plus Certificado de Permanencia a boat may stay one year, extendable one more. Crew normally get 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. Marinas need copies of registration, captain's passport, Acta de Visita, TIP and Certificado de Permanencia; an agent can get a temporary permit to berth or haul out while papers (up to 2 weeks) are pending. Pets have extra requirements; ask your agent. Coast Guard asks yachts to file a voluntary float plan with the Port Captain by email when you get your zarpe. Emergency: dial 146.

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Getting legal in Colombia: the first call on arrival

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