Durban - Clearance

Durban Yacht Clearance

See South Africa Formalities for full details on clearing into and out of South Africa. Remember, before setting sail for South Africa you must register with OSASA. Full details in Formalities.

General Arrival Procedures

Upon arrival, contact the Signal Tower, call sign ‘DURBAN PORT CONTROL’ or 'DURBAN VTS', who keep a listing watch on VHF Channel 9 and SSB 2182 kHz, when you are approximately one mile off the Breakwater.  Advise them of your arrival and last port of call and request permission to enter the harbour.

Clearance takes place at Durban Marina in co-operation with the Port Health, SAP Water police, Port Captain Customs and Immigration.

1. All incoming yachts are to proceed to the quarantine jetty (“A” jetty - a big sign is visible on the jetty indicating Quarantine Jetty) and tie up.  GPS co-ordinates: 29° 51′ 46,40″ S 31° 01′ 18,41″ E, or, to a berth as indicated by the Durban Marina Office or a representative of the Durban Marina (they will advise on fenders/lines).
2. If going to the Q dock, place fenders to starboard if coming in bows-to.
3. A Health Declaration for each person aboard is no longer a requirement, but you must have requested a Pratique giving crew details plus an additional form giving vessel details, both available when you register for arrival online. This online registration alerts Port Health to your arrival.
4. Durban Port authorities are now adopting a more practical and sailor-friendly system: instead of requiring crew to disembark and make their way into town to visit Immigration and Customs offices, officials now come directly to the arriving vessel at the dock to complete clearing-in procedures.
5. The Q flag must be flown until clearance procedures have been completed.
6. You will need to supply Durban Marina office with some paperwork as well.

Departure Procedures

Procedures for departure to a foreign port differ from the procedure to depart for a domestic port.

Domestic Clearance:

1. Settle your account with Durban Marina.
2. Complete a flight plan for Port Clearance. This is done online.
3. From Durban southward the online flight plan/passage plan is currently in use and obtainable from www.sailingpe.co.za
4. Call Port Control 60 minutes before departure to confirm receipt of the flight plan.
5. On departure, call Durban Port Control and request permission to exit the port (VHF Ch. 09).

International Clearance:

1. Settle your account with Durban Marina.
2. Skipper and crew report to Customs and Immigration offices with passports and crew list.
3. Contact Immigration three hours before departure and they will come to the boat and clear the yacht out.
4. Once you've been stamped out of the country by Immigration, cruisers may not re-enter South Africa at another port without going through the whole Entry Process once again.

NOTES:

• Departure from this harbor is weather dependent. If multiple vessels are leaving at the same time it's more expedient to coordinate clearances.
• The Port Authority office is NOT open on weekends and Public Holidays, however departure clearance is possible as long as you have completed the online flight plan.
• All yachts leaving the port must first call “Durban Port Control” on VHF Ch 09 and request permission to exit the Port.

Last updated:  May 2025