Cruising Resources: Cruising Permits

In some countries, cruising boats are subjected to special regulations or restrictions concerning their movement. In most places if a cruising permit or transit log is required, it is issued at the first port of entry, so it is not necessary to make any preparations in advance. Any restrictions on the freedom of movement of yachts which do not require a cruising permit to be obtained in advance are discussed on that country's Noonsite page. It is most important to know the particular requirements of those permits which must be applied for before arrival, so as to make the correct preparations. The regulations pertaining to at least three such countries, Indonesia, Palau and the Galapagos Islands, have been causing great confusion among cruising sailors for years and their Noonsite pages are regularly updated. There are various reasons why restrictions on cruising boats are imposed, the main reasons being the protection of remote communities from intrusion, the preservation of natural parks and reserves, or the wish of authorities to keep foreign sailors away from sensitive military areas. Restrictions are also increasingly imposed on genuine cruising boats because of illegal chartering.
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Norway: Navigating the New Regulations

Cruising Reports from Norway in 2025 In January 2025, Norway implemented changes to its maritime oversight with the enforcement of the “Regulations on Foreign Vessels’...

Updated 5 months ago

Greece: New Digital Transit Log System for Foreign Yachts

Update April 2025: The e-TL is becoming mandatory in some places (i.e. you can’t apply for a TL on arrival). We’ve just had a report...

Updated 5 months ago

Netherlands, Amsterdam: CA Guidance on New ‘Vignette’

Source: Cruising Association Costing €40 and valid for three years, the charge applies to all Amsterdam waterways – including the Standing Mast Route used by...

Updated 5 months ago

Noonsite 2023 Edition

Why make these changes? Since our last major update in 2019, we have become a victim of our own success as visitor numbers and memberships...

Updated 5 months ago

Clearing into Panama - Cruisers Report on their Experiences

It is recommended that cruisers acquire and retain receipts for any monies paid on clearing into the country, as it may be valuable down the...

Updated 5 months ago

Panama: Clearing into Panama at Puerto Obaldia - August 2012

Puerto Obaldia is on the Caribbean coast and less than 5nm from the Colombian border. Cruising Permit We cleared in at Puerto Obaldia during August...

Updated 5 months ago

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