All yachts are required to engage a licensed shipping agent to handle the paperwork on arrival and departure. The same agent must be used for both.

While this system does incur the cost of an agent (see Fees for details), it is greatly simplified as the agent will contact the Port Master and the ICA (Immigration Authorities) in advance of your arrival.

For a list of licensed agents see Clearance Agents

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL

Yachts must contact their appointed Agent a recommended 72 hours prior to arrival but no later than 12 hours prior, so they can do the Arrival Application (AA) with the ICA.

The Agent will need by e-mail:

1. A copy of the boat registration

2. Copies of all the passports for the crew on board

3. Last port / next port / ETA / ETD

4. Crew list (Master & crew)

5. Passenger list (if applicable)

6. Destination marina in Singapore

The ICA will at first grant all crew AIC (NTL) – [Advance Immigration Clearance – Not To Land]. The Agent will forward the email from the ICA to you with the crew
list/passenger list as well as the approval code. All the skipper needs to do is make three copies of each list (for arrival), and a further two copies of each (for departure).

If crew wish to go ashore they must ask the agent to submit shore leave (i.e. convert the NTL to a landing pass (LP)). This process should be planned 3 days in advance, that means after immigration arrival has been approved and before arrival of the yacht into Singapore.

Note: Once on the crew list, the crew are signed on to the vessel and if they want to leave Singapore without the vessel, they need to be signed off or will be stopped by Immigration at the airport. Signing crew on and off the yacht’s crew list also requires an Agent and 6 hrs minimum notification, as does departure clearance.

SINGAPORE PORT REGULATION: AIS REQUIREMENT

It is mandatory for yachts to be equipped with Automated Identification System (AIS) prior to entry into Singapore waters. The AIS transponder must be approved for use within the port by the MPA or the Port Master. E-mail the vessel information to noa@mpa.gov.sg at least 12 hours before entering Singapore waters.

Failure to have an AIS transponder can result in a substantial fine.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

On Arrival at the Port of Singapore:

Fly the “Q” flag.

All approaches are well buoyed and lit, but due to a large amount of shipping, night arrivals should be avoided. Upon entering Singapore Port waters make radio contact with MPA traffic control who will direct you accordingly.

Immigration (ICA) no longer provides the service of clearance out at sea (Western Immigration/Changi General Purpose) for pleasure crafts. All pleasure crafts will need to be docked at their intended marina and will need to take a “water taxi” to Marina South Pier MSP or West Coast Pier WCP for immigration. ONE15 Marina and Raffles Marina, however, do have CIQP facilities on site.

Should entering a marina not be possible (due to lack of space/availability) the MPA will approve yachts to anchor on a case-by-case basis.

• Coast Guard: Expect to be visited by Coast Guard officers who will come on board to inspect your vessel to ensure there are no stowaways, contraband etc.  It is recommended that as well as the required copies of documents for Immigration, you should have additional copies of the crew list and passenger list (if any) to be handed to the Coast Guard officers on request.
• Immigration: The ICA will at first grant all crew AIC (NTL) – [Advance Immigration Clearance – Not To Land]. If crew wish to go ashore they must ask the agent to submit shore leave (i.e. convert the NTL to a landing pass (LP)). This process should be planned 3 days in advance, that means after immigration arrival approved and before arrival of the yacht into Singapore. Crew will need to use water-taxi/private car transport to Marina South Pier MSP or West Coast Pier WCP for immigration (depending on which marina you are berthed at as ONE 15 and Raffles have CIQP on site). At the MSP or WCP, passports are scanned and documents verified by Immigration, then crew are endorsed from NTL to LP. Crew may then go ashore to explore. The landing pass will have a validation date, which can be extended to the maximum stay period (this is up to ICA but normally 42 days).

Required documents:
a. Valid overseas/Singapore vaccination certificate;
c. Valid passports;
d. Online submission arrival card and e health Declaration;
d. Valid visas (if applicable)- see Immigration.
e. Crew list/passenger list with approval code received from Agent/ICA (three copies)

• MLP: Within 24 hrs of arrival, inward clearance must be completed with the MLP. The Agent will submit all forms online. You will be given a copy of the General Declaration to keep. Make two copies for when you depart Singapore.
• The process takes only a few minutes. You can clear in and out at the same time if your stay will be two days or less.
• All foreign visiting yachts are required to pay Port Dues to MPA. MPA website: www.mpa.gov.sg.

Domestic Cruising:

It is now a requirement that visiting yachts must obtain cruising permits in order to cruise within Port of Singapore waters, including moving between marinas. See Restrictions for more information.

DEPARTURE FORMALITIES

Port Clearance application can be done 48 hours in advance of departure with your Agent, with a noon deadline on the 2nd day.

Remember to contact your appointed agent 24 hours prior to departure as well to organize clearance with the ICA.

Departing yachts must then proceed to MSP or WCP  to clear Immigration (see above). Here  you must submit the following documents:

• Passports (with retained white card portion)
• Crew list with approval code from agent/ICA (2 copies)
• Original arrival crew list endorsed by ICA on arrival (2 copies)

Customs do not usually visit yachts, but random spot checks are made from time to time.

Last updated:  July 2022

Read Related Comments

If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).

---

Offline Access (Downloads)

Select your download option below

This feature is only available to Premium members. You need to Login or Register to access port and formalities downloads.

---

Special Offers for Noonsite Members

This feature is only available to Basic and Premium members. You need to Login or Register to access special offers.