Hong Kong - Clearance

While entering Hong Kong is possible for foreign cruising yachts, spending time and cruising the country is virtually impossible.

For full details of entry procedures to Hong Kong, click on this link for the Hong Kong Marine Department (Mardep).

http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/ocean/notes_ymaster.html

PRE-ARRIVAL

Permission to enter Hong Kong waters is required by submitting the pre-arrival notice 24 hours in advance. Download the PAN of a Visiting Yacht/Pleasure Vessel form.  This official form should be emailed to hkmrcc@mardep.gov.hk. Alternatively, complete this form online.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

The Hong Kong Port Operations Service operates on VHF Channel 12, 14 and 68, call sign MARDEP 24 hours a day. Yachts may be boarded and searched in Hong Kong or Chinese territorial waters. Illegal immigration and smuggling are major problems.

General Process:

Formalities should be completed with Health, Immigration and the Marine Department.

For Health formalities on arrival see Biosecurity.

For Immigration formalities see Hong Kong Immigration Clearance of Pleasure Vessels.

Visiting yachts vessels should, within 24 hours after the vessels’ arrival, report their arrival at one of the District Marine Offices of the Marine Department. The following paperwork will be needed:

• A General Declaration Form MD 510;
• Port Clearance issued by the authority of the last port of call;
• Certificate of Registry of the vessel;
• Crew list (ID 207A) in triplicate - this will be stamped by Immigration;
• Passenger list in duplicate;
• Travel documents or Hong Kong permanent identity card of all persons on board;
• Completed arrival cards of all persons on board, if necessary; or
• Other relevant documents as requested.

A prescribed fee of HK$58 for the arrival clearance would be charged.

As long as yachts clear in within 24 hours of arrival, it is not necessary to go to a prescribed anchorage, instead non-commercial yachts may go to an anchorage or a yacht club for check-in procedures. Usually, foreign-flagged yachts go straight to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

Domestic Cruising:

To cruise in Hong Kong waters, a "permit to navigate" can be applied for provided that specific requirements have been met, including a clause in the yachts’ insurance as well as a locally licensed captain. An RYA yachtmaster can obtain this by doing an exam on the local rules, although there is a long waiting list for this exam.

CLEARING OUT

Report to the Port Formalities Office before departure with the necessary papers:

- Crew list in duplicate for departure clearance;
- Passenger list in duplicate;
- Travel documents or Hong Kong permanent identity card of all persons on board;
- Completed departure cards of all persons on board, if necessary; or
- Other relevant documents as requested

A Port Clearance Permit must be obtained within 36 hours before departure, which is valid for 72 hours.

Immigration clearance out must be done within 24 hours of leaving.

A prescribed fee of HK$58 for the departure clearance is charged.

Last updated:  November 2022