For full details on clearance into and out of Malaysia see Formalities.
Clearance is required at the Harbour Master, Customs, Immigration - in that order.
Staff from the Kuching marina office will help with getting you to CIQ for clearance formalities, which is a short drive away at the old Pending port.
Note the restrictions on visas. See Immigration.
Harbour Master
The Harbour Master’s Office is at the Kuching marina, next to the Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching. It is a short dinghy ride to the ferry terminal (in the view from the marina docks and then medium walk around fences OR a very long walk back to Pending Port to complete formalities with Immigration and Customs from here.
You should be given "Form Marina 28 MSS 1" (Merchant Shipping Ordinance - 1960, Arrival Form). Most of the form is irrelevant, so fill out what you think applies, but check with the officer that all that is required is submitted, or struck out. Take your copy for submission to Customs.
Check out is the same but uses "Form Marina 28 MSS 2" (Departure Form). It is possible that you can complete both forms at the same time, which saves another journey back to the office.
Immigration
The Immigration Office is located inside Pending Port and can be clearly seen through the fence. Making your way around the perimeter fence, enter the Main Port Entrance (about 1 km). Drive straight to the first roundabout and turn left (passing the garage for all the forklift trucks etc.), drive straight on until you reach the perimeter fence, then turn right, following the fence until you see the building. Immigration is on the right-hand side of this building and is clearly marked.
Tel: 082-331-495
Visas for Indonesia
Even though you can apply for a 60-day visa for Indonesia online, you can go to the Indonesian Consulate here and staff will help you with the process if it is proving difficult.
Customs
The Customs Office is located on the concrete platform at the Security Check Point as you enter the Port. Port Security may stop you and check the vehicle. Climb onto the end of the platform; Customs is the first door into a very small office. Note: they have no photocopier here.
Clearing Out
Note: If you are going to Labuan after leaving Kuching, you must still clear out here and then clear in at Labuan as the latter is considered a Malaysian Federal Territory and treated differently to Sarawak.
Last updated: July 2025
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