Greenland - Clearance

Greenland Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts

For the safety of navigation in the waters off Greenland, two ship reporting systems have been established with the purpose of monitoring ships’ navigation in these waters and, if necessary, to cause search and rescue operations to be launched. Both are free of charge, but are aimed at larger superyachts and ships:

1. The GREENPOS system is mandatory for all vessels (including yachts) sailing to or from Greenland waters. Vessels must report their position, course, speed and actual weather information every 6th hour.
2. KYSTKONTROL (coastal control) is mandatory for vessles moving between Greenland ports and places of call that are over 20GT.

See this pdf by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) for the legal text and reporting details for both systems.

SAR Greenland worked with the DMA to develop a program that suits small sailors and boats with a limited internet connection.
Find out more at https://www.barentswatch.no/arcticinfo/.
The program provides ice reports, AIS, safety info., weather, forecasts etc.

SAR Greenland, JRCC Greenland
Telephone: +299 364 000
Email: jrcc@jrcc.gl

Danish Maritime Authority: https://dma.dk/

Ports of Entry:

In spite of its association with Denmark, Greenland is not a member of the EU and therefore all arriving boats – even yachts coming direct from EU countries – must follow the usual clearance procedures and make their first stop at a port of entry.

Alert:

Since July 2024 Nuuk Harbor is out of bounds and is not accepting any sail boats to either moor or anchor due to overcrowding. Some small bays around are available but with no kind of access, facilities or service. As of 2025, Nuuk harbour Master announced that only passenger cruise ships will be permitted to enter its harbor.
Our thanks to Victor Wejer, OCC Port Officer, for this information.

Greenland Arrival Procedures for Yachts

While these are the official procedures, EU cruisers who cleared into Nanortalik reported that in fact the authorities were very relaxed and they only needed to report to the Police Station for Immigration.

Advance Notification:

Be sure to contact the port authorities in advance of arrival for special permission to enter the ports, if possible 24 hours beforehand on VHF Channels 12 or 16.

General Procedure:

You will be visited by a Customs officer who will give you a few forms to fill in and sign. Passports may be taken away for inspection or you may have to visit the Police Station. There are no fees to pay.

Domestic Cruising in Greenland

Many cruisers report their departure from port to the port authority as a matter of safety. See safety links in pre-arrival information above.

Greenland Departure Procedures for Yachts

No departure formalities are required.

Last updated:  August 2024