Cambodia

Yacht and vessel entry overview

Cambodian customs rules require declarations for seagoing vessels and generally restrict berthing and unloading to ports with customs offices. The General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) website lists a procedure specifically for foreign tourists' vessels temporarily imported and re-exported, but its detailed guidance could not be read on the public page. Before sailing, obtain written confirmation from customs, port and immigration authorities about approved private-yacht entry ports, border checks, berthing, temporary-import declarations and time limits.

Seaports for formalities

Customs rules require vessels to berth and unload at ports with customs offices unless duly justified force majeure applies. The customs office directory lists Sihanoukville International Port and Phnom Penh International Port branches. Neither the rule nor the directory is an approved list for private-yacht entry, berthing or immigration clearance. They also do not confirm yacht-clearance eligibility at Koh Kong, Kampot or elsewhere. Ask Cambodian customs and port/immigration authorities which port can receive this particular vessel before sailing.

Pre-arrival declarations

Customs regulations require manifests under the sea-cargo rules. If customs requests them, the master must present the original manifest and copies immediately after entering the coastal customs area. Ordinary sea-cargo manifests have advance-reporting requirements by cargo type; these are not necessarily private-yacht arrival-notice deadlines. GDCE lists a foreign-tourist-vessel temporary-import/re-export procedure. Confirm detailed forms, online steps and yacht deadlines with customs and the intended port.

Immigration and electronic arrival reporting

The General Department of Immigration says Cambodia e-Arrival may be filed within seven days before arrival or on the day of arrival. Every crew member and passenger must still meet individual passport, visa/exemption and entry-screening requirements. Public guidance does not explain special private-yacht crew visas, shore leave or remaining aboard, nor establish identical procedures at every sea entry point. Give immigration the crew list, nationalities, entry port and intended stay for confirmation.

Vessel customs and temporary import

GDCE currently lists a dedicated 'customs procedures for temporary import and re-export of foreign tourists’ vessels' topic, the most directly yacht-related customs guidance located. Its detailed rules and declaration gateway could not be read from the page. Do not rely solely on cargo-ship manifest procedures or assume automatic duty-free temporary admission. Contact GDCE before sailing about eligibility, registration/ownership documents, electronic declarations, security deposits/taxes, permitted stay and re-export steps. Make cargo declarations as customs requires.

Plant, animal and food quarantine

Plants, seeds, live animals and related agricultural products are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and its agencies. Food and aquatic products may also require other authorities' approval. Customs restricted/controlled-goods rules require the relevant permits or evidence. Public information does not establish complete yacht-specific declaration and disposal rules for food stocks, pets, stores or rubbish. Declare the items and their origin to MAFF and customs before sailing, and do not unload until approved.

Restricted goods and onboard items

Customs regulates imports/exports under prohibited and restricted goods lists. Dangerous goods, weapons/ammunition, medicines, endangered wildlife and products, and quarantine-controlled food or biological materials may require permission, declaration or be prohibited. Rules depend on the precise item, origin and use. An old cargo restrictions list is no substitute for dedicated vessel temporary-import guidance. Confirm firearms, medicines, alcohol, pets, food, plants, aquatic products and intended landed items individually with customs and the relevant agencies.

Port calls, inspection and release

Customs regulations require the master to present the vessel's logbook for endorsement on entering port, as requested by customs, and submit a vessel report and cargo manifest within 24 hours of arrival. They also require berthing/unloading at a port with a customs office, except in force majeure. These customs/cargo rules do not replace port, immigration, health or yacht-berthing instructions. Contact the chosen port in advance about inspection order, berth/anchorage, requirements to remain aboard and documents.

Fees and departure

No current official uniform schedule was found for private-yacht clearance, temporary import, berthing, pilotage or departure fees. Cargo-import taxes are not necessarily temporary-yacht-entry charges. GDCE lists a dedicated vessel procedure but its details could not be read. Before departure, request an itemised written bill from customs and the actual port and confirm temporary-import re-export reporting, inspections, deposit refunds and departure permission.