Easter Island - Clearance
COVID-19: Entry protocols for yachts have been affected by the pandemic. See the Biosecurity section for details.
PRE-ARRIVAL
According to Chilean Government Regulations, visiting yachts cannot clear in themselves but must use the services of an agent on the island. Clearance must be undertaken at Hanga Roa. However, cruisers who arrived in December 2022 – the first cruising boat to enter the country in more than six months – reported being made very welcome and no agent was needed or used.
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General Process:
Call the Port Captain before arrival on VHF Channel 16. Answers to “Pascua Radio.” You may not get an answer depending on the time or day but keep trying. English is spoken but there may be difficulties. WhatsApp is a good alternative way of communicating.
You will need to provide copies of passports, boat registration and PCR test results. You may also be asked for your AIS track or a screen shot of your daily way-points.
Official who will visit include customs, immigration, agriculture, medical, financial and navy. Expect a lot of paperwork but it will be completed with impressive efficiency.
Pre-COVID it was a requirement to use an agent to contact the different authorities (Customs, Immigration, Health Department & Agriculture) and arrange clearance. He will charge a fee for this service. See Related User Comments for more information.
Moving Anchorages:
The Armada requires all visiting yachts to monitor VHF Channel 16 at all times, even at night. If you move anchorages, due to swell and weather conditions, you must notify the Armada of your movements in advance.
However, it is not necessary to have someone on the boat at all times, nor is it neccessary to monitor VHF Channel 16 and you are free to do as you wish according to a recent cruiser report (December 2022).
DEPARTURE FORMALITIES
On departure, it is necessary to clear with Customs and Immigration. Visit the Gobernacion Maritima and they will organise for Immigration to come and stamp your passport. An exit zarpe will be issued.
If proceeding directly to Chile, the zarpe will allow you to avoid repeating clearance procedures on arrival to the mainland.
Last updated: January 2023
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It’s not yet an easy job to get into Easter Island after the opening of the borders related to COVID. Checking the sites seems like a really good idea. No specifics for entry for yachts, unfortunately. https://www.gob.cl/noticias/luego-dos-anos-rapa-nui-reabre-sus-puertas-al-turismo-conozca-los-requisitos-para-visitar-la-isla/
There have been reports that the Port Captain for Easter Island has been advising yachts (coming from Galapagos and mainland Ecuador) that they will be allowed into Easter Island. However, Immigration (PDI) are not permitting yachts to enter as the borders are closed. In an emergency, yachts may be permitted to anchor and get food/fuel.
Posted on behalf of Davidi Gilo
We just sail to Easter Island from Galapagos via Lima, Peru (February 2020) and we wish to inform you of this information regarding entering Easter Island by Boat from outside Chile:
Every boat arriving to Easter Island from outside Chile must clear upon entry in Hanga Roa however:
Based on Chilean government regulations, boat are not allowed to clear in themselves and they are required to you an agent.
There is ONLY one agent in Easter Island and he change about 4 times more then other agent charge anywhere else in Chile or other location in South and Central America
We are 37M sailing yacht and his fees were around $3,000 – he charges others fees such as to bring the custom and immigration officer to the boat $250, we paid the same boat $20 for the same ride. He charge $200 communication fee and on and on. Basically it is a total extortion and there is no way around it, we argues for 5 hours with the Chilean port authorities – but they refuse to get involved in this extortion and we had no choice but to use him.
Other points:
There is ability to fuel in Easter Island, however you must use the agent and he charge $1500 for providing the fuel pump and marine’s fuel protection at sea plus $250 per 1,000 liter delivery plus fuel costs. (Prices are Feb 2020).
I hope it is helpful,
Kind Regards,
Davidi Gilo
Visiting in August 2014.
Impossible to anchor in front of Hanga Roa, always during our stay -10 days- S to SW swell 3,5 m to 4 m!
Anchorages of Hotuiti and of Anakeda alternative BUT very uncomfortable because of the swell not the same direction than the wind.
Beautiful stop, winter, few people in sites.