Hong Kong, China

Scope

Visiting yachts must meet the Marine Department's arrival/departure permit requirements and the Immigration Department's inspection requirements for people separately.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Port Operation Procedures

The Hong Kong Marine Department requires visiting yachts to obtain permission to enter. Submit a pre-arrival notification through VTC and complete arrival formalities at the Marine Office assigned to the vessel. The page does not provide a general list of ports; confirm the approved arrival point before departure.

Pre-arrival notification

At least 24 hours before entering Hong Kong waters, the owner, agent, master or helmsman must apply to the Marine Department for permission by submitting a pre-arrival notification (PAN). Visiting yachts may submit the official form through VTC by email at [email protected] or by fax at +852 2359 4264.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Port Operation Procedures

The Immigration Department's guidance for visiting yachts says eligible non-local crew may be permitted to remain for up to 90 days or until the yacht departs, whichever comes first, subject to conditions including service aboard the vessel. Individual visa eligibility still depends on nationality and circumstances.

The Hong Kong Marine Department requires visiting yachts to submit a written pre-arrival notification (PAN) at least 24 hours before entering Hong Kong waters. Within 24 hours of arrival, report to the Marine Office and present the vessel's registration certificate, MD 510, a crew list stamped by Immigration, and the previous port's clearance. Obtain outward clearance before departure and submit the vessel's registration certificate, MD 510 and departure notification; the outward clearance expires 72 hours after issue. The Marine Department's published arrival and departure clearance fee is HKD 58 per vessel per voyage for each clearance. Other stay-permit, overtime or port charges may apply; refer to the Marine Department's current forms and fee schedule.

Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department requires an advance plant import permit and a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin for imported plants, except for specified exemptions; plants affected by pests and soil are restricted. Entry of animals may also require a prior special permit and quarantine. Requirements differ by type for food, pets and items aboard. Before arrival, yacht crew should confirm requirements with Hong Kong Customs and the relevant quarantine authorities. Do not assume an exemption for small quantities of food carried by passengers also exempts vessel stores from vessel quarantine requirements.

Hong Kong Customs lists dangerous drugs, weapons and ammunition, fireworks, strategic commodities, endangered species, animals, plants, meat, poultry, eggs, rice and powdered formula among commonly prohibited or controlled items. Specific goods may require a licence, health certificate or written approval under the applicable laws. Firearms, harpoon guns, crossbows and similar items may be controlled weapons in Hong Kong. Check each item with Customs and the responsible authority before departure.

Yachts must obtain permission to enter and submit a pre-arrival notification through VTC at least 24 hours before arrival. Within 24 hours after arrival, report to the assigned Marine Office and submit the forms and vessel/personnel documents. Complete clearance before departure. Confirm current forms, locations and fees.

Fees and departure

At least 15 minutes before departure, report to VTC on the designated VHF channel with the vessel name, call sign, position, next port, outward-clearance permit number and confirmation that outbound immigration checks for everyone aboard are complete, then request departure permission. This is a port procedure; total applicable fees have not been verified.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Port Operation Procedures