Hell-Ville (Nossi-Be) - Clearance
This is a Port of Entry.
See the main Noonsite/Madagascar/formalities page for the full details of clearance.
Anchor off the main dock and call at the Port Captain’s office (often close Saturdays and always on Sundays). He will ask for a fee (64,00 Ar, about $19) to issue a local cruising permit (a “Permis de Circulation”). No other port has such a permit and it is only issued to foreign yachts.
To clear in, it is necessary to visit the relevant offices (Port Captain, Police, Immigration, Customs and Health). They are based in the building next to the Catholic church. Speaking French may be an advantage.
It may be possible to anchor in Crater Bay and take a taxi into Hell Ville (cost about US$19). If you admit to officials that your yacht is there and not in the harbour (they cannot see the yachts from their offices), they may try and insist on you paying a fine.
First, call on the Immigration police in the portacabin inside the port about 20 yds from the slipway. A small fee is payable but asks for a receipt before handing over any money. Then go to the Port Captain’s office. This is outside the port, 100 yds up the road on the corner of the 1st RH bend (closed 1200-1500). He requires a copy of boat registration and will try and get you to pay your port fees in advance at the port cashiers (office 50 yds away). Insist that you will pay your port fees on check-out. GET A RECEIPT.
You need to check in/out each province visited. This involves getting a crew list stamped by the Immigration police, then taking it to the Port Captain to get clearance. There is a stiff fine for not doing so.
Do not pay the Immigration police a fee on check out. It is not required and the Hellville police can confirm this.
If a visa on arrival is required, you will be directed to a government office near the Champion supermarket.
Last updated: November 2015
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Related to following destinations: Madagascar, Nossi-Be (Hell-Ville)
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Apr 18, 2019 03:02 PM
We cruised the Nosy Be Area for 3+ months in 2018 calling in many times at Nosy Tanihely, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Komba, Nosy Mamoko, Russian Bay, Nosy Iranja, Nosy Antsoha, Tsara Bajina and Nosy Mitsio, We preferred the Hell-Ville (Andoany) Town Anchorage as our ‘home base’ rather than the Crater Bay anchorage given the watchful eye / good services provided by the ‘boat-boys’ Jimmy and Kool and close proximity to stores and restaurants.
Posted on behalf of Stephen Poulson of SV Emerald Sea:
Spending time in Nosy Be and need an excellent tour guide to show you the highlights of Nosy Be? Thomas works at LemurLand, a small zoo, in Hellville, and provides tour guide services there in addition to island tour services (his time and that of a 3rd party vehicle).
He has studied botany at college, fluent in English, French and Italian and has been recommended by a number of cruisers presently here including ourselves. He can be contacted at 0328824608.
Posted on behalf of Brian Simm
After all the horrors of the pilot books re bribery, demands etc. our arrival was easy and pleasant.
Anchoring by moonlight in Crater bay was easy. This is now the preferred local anchorage with over 50 local and visiting boats, and an active small yacht club.
Next morning anchored off Hellville with the dinghy welcomed on the dock by Jimmy the current local fix it. Care of dinghy sublet immediately and we were guided on the rounds. Police(immigration), port, customs 1 and customs 2. Fees were posted on the walls and fully receipted.
Fees totalled about 200000 Ariary for a 17m boat and 2 crew while very good lunch in the 2 1/2 hour office break brought the full total to 270000 local or $90.00.