SRI LANKA
PORT GALLE
CLEARANCE
VISA
An E-Tourist Visa is easily obtained online. It usually takes about a few hours for it to process, but can take up to a day or two.
A 30-day visa costs $51 (it can be extended/renewed for another month in the country for the same fee)
AGENCIES
First of all, at the time of writing, the use of an agent is still mandatory in order to clear into Sri Lanka.
There are at least a handful of agencies that offer assistance to sailors in Port Galle.
The three most frequently discussed agencies are:
- GAC
- TANGO SHIPPING
- WINDSOR
It seems there is slight variations in price from agent to agent, so I will list our fees here, which seems to be the minimum when compared with other boats in the harbour.
FEES FROM GAC AGENCY (All fees quoted are for 1 month, which is the minimum charge)
Agency Service Fee: $100
Port Docking Fee: $100
Port Clearance Fee: $20
TOTAL: $220
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
First of all, it is important to settle the fees with your agency of choice before you get here. It seems most agents are open to negotiations but they might start high.
They will then provide you with a form to be filled out and ask you for the required paperwork, which does not include anything out of the ordinary.
There was a bit of confusion regarding Insurance and I was repeatedly told that it was a requirement to have at least 3rd party in order to enter Galle Harbour. However, in the end, we entered without it and were never asked for the paperwork.
All your paperwork will be completed and sent to the Agency before you leave port to sail to Sri Lanka.
Keep your agent’s email and stay in contact via sat phone as you are near Sri Lanka. We shared out ETA in the last 4 days before arriving. This gives the agent a chance to prepare for you.
When arriving outside the port, call the Galle Port Control on VHF channel 16. He will then give you instructions on how to enter the harbour.
If you arrive at night, he will direct you to an anchorage spot, where you will wait till the morning.
The Port Berthing Officer will be on the dock directing you to your designated berthing spot, and a group of line handlers will be with him to grab your lines. You will most likely also be greeted by the sailors who are already here.
HELP KEEP CORRUPTION OUT OF GALLE HARBOUR: *Although you will definitely be greeted with friendliness and smiles, it seems it is becoming a habit that some line handlers, security guards and agents ask for alcohol as a tip for catching your lines and during other “favours”. In the time we have been here we have seen this escalate, going from a humble request to demands of several beers, with one boat ending up giving away 11 beers as thirsty security guards kept turning up. We disagree with this type of “tipping” as it is unprofessional and quickly turns into a currency for bribery and corruption. We simply said no, and it wasn’t an issue. I suggest that all boats arriving in Galle Harbour, consider what long term effect this kind of generosity might have on the clearance procedure and the professional relationship between authorities and yachties.
CLEARANCE PROCEDURE
The clearance procedure is really quite simple as your agent will take care of most of it and then direct you to the offices for stamps. The entire clearance procedure and office visits all happen meters from your boat and should, of everything is in order, take a couple of hours at the most.
DOCUMENTS
- Passports and copies
- Vessel Registration
- Port Clearance from last Port of Call
- Visas
- Crew Lists
In the end, the agent will provide you with a stamped crew list which will be your pass to enter and exit the commercial harbour, which is guarded by armed security.
*As this is a commercial harbour no visitors will be able to come to your boat unless you inform the agent and he arranges for a permit at least one day in advance. A visitor fee will also have to be payed. Same goes for changes to crew list, which currently is set at about $35.
PORT FACILITIES
NOTE: Galle Harbour is a commercial port and only people registered on the crew list will be able to enter. This means, that yachts are unable to have visitors. The entrance is guarded with armed security and a pass will have to be shown when coming and going.
DOCKING
*First of all, stopping in Galle Harbour during the Southwest monsoon is not advisable, as a southern swell causes a violent surge in the harbour, which makes docking rather unattractive and can at worst cause much damage to your boat.
The only docking facilities in Galle Harbour is directly against the concrete wall of the inner harbour shown in the picture below. There is no doubt that the facility here is a little rough and is not for the sailor who cares too much about his polished topsides.
Even during the Northeast monsoon when the wind predominantly is blowing from the land, a surge does make it into the harbour. This causes the boats to move around a lot tugging hard on the lines and giving your fenders a run for the money.
Although this season should not cause any severe conditions in the harbour, you will have to put some attention into how you secure the boat. It took us a few days to understand how to best adjust the lines to minimize the jerking and chafing. Dock line snubbers, line protectors, or hose to pull over the lines where they touch the concrete are highly advisable.
Apart from this slight nuisance, Galle harbour is an excellent stop on the way west across the Indian Ocean, mostly so, as it gives you a chance of exploring a very special country and eat some incredible food.
*The Cement dust that used to cause sailors grief is not an issue anymore as the factory is shut down.
OTHER FACILITIES
Water and Electricity are available at the dock upon request.
At the time of writing, water is sold by the 1000 litres, at a rate of $8.
Locals confirm that the water is good for drinking, but I imagine at least a filter would be advisable.
Drinking water in big bottles is also available out on the street at about $1/20L.
A short walk from the docks is a small building with cold showers and toilets.
Right next to the docks is the Canteen where very cheap local food is sold at all times. For the sensitive mouths, beware, this food has quite a kick.
PROVISIONING
RE-FUELING
As you might have heard, fuel in Sri Lanka is rationed and at the time of writing, locals only get 5L per week for a scooter and 20L per week for a car.
This obviously makes getting fuel independently a little more complicated.
You can get fuel through your agent or the security at the gate. The best price we found was $1.38/L, however, most agents quote $1.5/L.
Alternatively you can go to the bank to get a Tourist QR code which will permit you to purchase diesel. You will have to pre-pay the fuel at the bank in USD.
Beware, not every station allows you to fill into jerry cans, so check this first.
*Due to the economical crises in Sri Lanka fuel prices are volatile.
FOOD
Due to the political and economical situation in Sri Lanka, imported goods are very expensive. However, you can find most things in the supermarkets if you do have particular cravings.
Local foods such as pulses, grains and spices are very cheap
RECOMMENDED BUSINESS
FLAG & SAIL MAKERS
*FLAGS *SAIL REPAIRS *WIND SCOOPS *AWNING *CURTAIN DECORATIONS
Indrajith & Padmini Windsor
5 Closenburg Road, Magalle, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Email: nwindsor@sltnet.lk / windsorsl@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +94 722683481
I have to recommend this awesome business which is located right at the entrance to the harbour!
Indrajith & Padmini made us a new curtain, and various courtesy flags and a flag with our boat logo on it. Their work is very proficient and their prices are ridiculously fair, at around US$ 3 per flag. Save your money in Phuket and get your covers and sails fixed and stock up on quality flags here!