Belgium - Clearance

Notice April 2022: Russian flagged or registered yachts are not permitted to enter any ports in Belgium. See news item for details.

With the introduction of the Europe-wide entry and exit system (EES)  (now delayed until 2024), biometric data will need to be recorded on entry and exit for third country travelers. While this negates the need to have passports stamped, it will require a visit to an official office at a port of entry, therefore flexible clearance at marinas may no longer be possible once it is implemented. It is not yet known how rigidly EES will be enforced for pleasure boat users.

PRE-ARRIVAL

Yachts coming from, or going to, a third country (thus crossing the
Schengen border) must complete the online pleasure boat declaration at https://www.police.be/bordercontrol/en/pleasure-craft-declaration.
And must report to Maritime Police Control at a Port of Entry during
opening hours.

Declarations can be completed on arrival as well.

This form must also be stamped on departure.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

General Process:

As Belgium is a signatory of the Schengen Agreement, yachts having on board nationals of EU countries which are not signatories of the Schengen Agreement, (such as the UK), must clear immigration at a port of entry into Belgium. See Main Ports.

Yachts coming from, or going to, a third country (thus crossing the Schengen border) must complete the online pleasure boat declaration (if not done pre-arrival as stated above), and must report to Maritime Police Control at a Port of Entry during opening hours.

As part of the customs territory of the EU (which includes territorial waters) Customs checks may not always be required on arrival and departure.

CLEARING OUT

Yachts going to a third country (thus crossing the Schengen border) must complete the online pleasure boat declaration at https://www.police.be/bordercontrol/en/pleasure-craft-declaration and have it stamped by the Maritime Police Control on departure.

Last updated:  October 2022