Operational Agency
Customs, Immigration & Crew Change in Malta
Complete port clearance, immigration processing, and crew movement coordination for superyacht arrivals and departures in Malta.
Typical Timeline
Port clearance typically completed within 2–4 hours of arrival; crew changes coordinated 48–72 hours in advance
What We Need From You
- Crew list with passport details
- Last 5 ports of call
- Stores and provisions declaration
- Crew change flight itineraries
What You Get
- Completed customs and immigration clearance
- Crew sign-on/sign-off documentation
- Airport transfers and transport logistics
- Clearance certificates for next port
Scenarios
When You Need This
- Arriving in Malta from a non-EU port and need customs clearance
- Conducting a crew change with multiple crew members arriving and departing
- Transiting Malta and require rapid port clearance
- Crew members require visa coordination for Malta entry
- Departing Malta and need outward clearance documentation
- Carrying bonded stores that require customs declaration
- Non-EU flagged vessel requiring temporary importation paperwork
- VIP guests arriving who need expedited immigration processing
Scope
What We Handle
- Pre-arrival customs notification and documentation
- Port health and immigration clearance on arrival
- Crew list preparation and submission to authorities
- Crew sign-on and sign-off processing
- Airport transfers and ground transport for crew changes
- Visa guidance and coordination for non-EU crew
- Bonded stores declaration and management
- Outward clearance and transit documentation
Process
How It Works
Pre-Arrival Notification
72 hours before arrival, we submit the required advance notification to Maltese customs and port health, including crew lists and stores declarations.
Document Preparation
We compile and verify all documentation—passports, crew certificates, last ports of call, and any bonded stores manifests.
Port Clearance
On arrival, we attend the vessel with customs and immigration officials to process clearance efficiently, typically within 2–4 hours.
Crew Change Coordination
For crew changes, we arrange airport transfers, hotel accommodation if needed, and manage all sign-on/sign-off paperwork with Maritime Malta.
Documentation
Documents & Inputs
- Crew list with full passport details (name, number, nationality, expiry)
- Last 5 ports of call with dates
- Ship's stores declaration
- Vessel registration certificate
- Maritime labour certificates (where applicable)
- Crew change itineraries (flights, accommodation)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does customs clearance take in Malta?
Standard clearance takes 2–4 hours from arrival. For vessels arriving from non-EU ports or carrying bonded stores, the process may take slightly longer depending on inspection requirements.
Do crew members need visas to enter Malta?
EU/EEA nationals do not need visas. Non-EU crew typically enter under seafarer visa exemptions when listed on the crew list, but some nationalities may require advance visa arrangements. We check requirements for each crew member.
Can you coordinate crew changes outside business hours?
Yes. Malta operates 24/7 port services for commercial and superyacht traffic. We coordinate with authorities for arrivals and crew changes at any hour, though weekend and holiday processing may carry additional fees.
What happens with bonded stores when arriving in Malta?
Bonded stores must be declared on arrival. We prepare the declaration and coordinate with customs. If stores need to be sealed or released, we manage the process on your behalf.
Do you handle outward clearance when we depart Malta?
Yes. We prepare all departure documentation, obtain outward clearance from customs and immigration, and provide the certificates you need for your next port of call.
Can you arrange airport transfers for crew changes?
Absolutely. We organise private transfers between Malta International Airport and the marina, coordinate timing with flight arrivals and departures, and can arrange hotel stays for crew in transit.
What is the difference between this service and crew documentation?
This service covers the operational logistics of port entry, clearance, and physical crew movement. Crew documentation and endorsements—such as flag-state certificates and CoC validation—are handled separately on our Crew Documentation page.