Germany - Clearance

ALERTS

European Entry and Exit System (EES)

With the introduction of the Europe-wide entry and exit system (EES)  (now delayed until October 2025), 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.

Russian-Flag

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

Germany Arrival Procedures for Yachts

Ports of Entry:

It is only necessary to complete immigration procedures when arriving in or departing from Germany from/to outside the EU. This has to be done at a community port where there is a Bundespolizri Office. In small ports, there may not be an office (call the Head Office in Hamburg on +49 40 66995050 to check if in doubt). Customs must also be visited at a port of entry [see main ports]. Laboe, at the entrance of the Kiel Fjord, is the Customs clearance point for yachts entering or leaving Germany via Kiel.

General Process:

No formalities are required for yachts departing for or arriving from Poland. On arrival, the Q flag must be flown, unless arriving from an EU or Scandinavian country. For arrivals from outside the EU, passports and two crew lists must be produced. One crew list will be stamped and has to be shown when signing out of Germany at your last port. Duty-free stores must be declared to Customs. Immigration must be cleared on arrival and departure. Kiel Canal: If passing through the Kiel Canal, but not visiting Germany, the 3rd substitute pennant must be flown. Last updated:  March 2025