Ireland - 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 Ireland. See news item for details.

Ireland Arrival Procedures for Yachts

As Ireland is a member of the European Union, EU regulations apply.

• At night, a red light over a white light, not more than six feet apart, must be shown.
• Fly flag Q as a courtesy.
• Contact the harbourmaster at the first port of entry (or if there is no HM available, phone the nearest one). Harbourmasters' and Customs phone numbers are listed in Reeds Almanac and the Sailing Directions.
• All boats must report to Immigration.
• Boats from non-EU countries, or EU boats arriving from a non-EU country, must notify Customs, whether having dutiable stores on board or not.
• On arrival, the Customs office should be contacted, or if no Customs officer is available, the local police (Garda). All dutiable, restricted and prohibited items must be declared to Customs.

Ireland Departure Procedures for Yachts

The officer in charge at the port of departure must be notified of details of the yacht, its destination and name of the captain. Last updated:  March 2025