Greenland - Clearance
Greenland Pre-Arrival Procedures for Yachts
For the safety of navigation in the waters off Greenland, two ship reporting systems have been established with the purpose of monitoring ships’ navigation in these waters and, if necessary, to cause search and rescue operations to be launched. Both are free of charge, but are aimed at larger superyachts and ships:
- The GREENPOS system is mandatory for all vessels (including yachts) sailing to or from Greenland waters. Vessels must report their position, course, speed and actual weather information every 6th hour.
- KYSTKONTROL (coastal control) is mandatory for vessles moving between Greenland ports and places of call that are over 20GT.
See this pdf by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) for the legal text and reporting details for both systems.
SAR Greenland worked with the DMA to develop a program that suits small sailors and boats with a limited internet connection.
Find out more at https://www.barentswatch.no/arcticinfo/.
The program provides ice reports, AIS, safety info., weather, forecasts etc.
SAR Greenland, JRCC Greenland
Telephone: +299 364 000
Email: jrcc@jrcc.gl
Danish Maritime Authority: https://dma.dk/
Ports of Entry:
In spite of its association with Denmark, Greenland is not a member of the EU and therefore all arriving boats – even yachts coming direct from EU countries – must follow the usual clearance procedures and make their first stop at a port of entry.
Alert:
Since July 2024 Nuuk Harbor is out of bounds and is not accepting any sail boats to either moor or anchor due to overcrowding. Some small bays around are available but with no kind of access, facilities or service. As of 2025, Nuuk harbour Master announced that only passenger cruise ships will be permitted to enter its harbor.
Our thanks to Victor Wejer, OCC Port Officer, for this information.
Greenland Arrival Procedures for Yachts
While these are the official procedures, EU cruisers who cleared into Nanortalik reported that in fact the authorities were very relaxed and they only needed to report to the Police Station for Immigration.
Advance Notification:
Be sure to contact the port authorities in advance of arrival for special permission to enter the ports, if possible 24 hours beforehand on VHF Channels 12 or 16.
General Procedure:
You will be visited by a Customs officer who will give you a few forms to fill in and sign. Passports may be taken away for inspection or you may have to visit the Police Station. There are no fees to pay.
Domestic Cruising in Greenland
Many cruisers report their departure from port to the port authority as a matter of safety. See safety links in pre-arrival information above.
Greenland Departure Procedures for Yachts
No departure formalities are required.
Last updated: August 2024
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It will help to have at least VHF on board preferably with AIS.
Moreover an Iridium set are recommended.
SpaceX satellite system is said to be useful up to 76°N on the west coast of Greenland.
As of 16 March 2020 its been reported two cases of COVID-19 in Nuuk. All arriving ships and sail boats are subject of 14 day quarantine.
invented a new route through South Greenland, which has no analogues, we rent a yacht, we are looking for travel companions.
Subject: 9H9573 – INFO – 08-18-1256 – LR – HEAVIER ICE CONDITIONS
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2018 13:06:44 +0000
NORDREG IQALUIT 181256 UTC AUG 2018
Good morning,
Due to heavier than normal ice concentrations in the Canadian Arctic waters north of 70 degrees, the Canadian Coast Guard, recommends that pleasure craft do not navigate in the Beaufort Sea, Barrow, Peel Sound, Franklin Strait and Prince Regent.
CCG icebreakers cannot safely escort pleasure craft. Operators of pleasure craft considering a northwest passage should also consider the risk of having to winter in a safe haven in the Arctic, or in the case of an emergency, be evacuated from beset vessels. Safety of mariners is our primary concern.
REGARDS,
NORDREG CANADA
181256UTC\LR
22nd August: OCC tweeted
A message forwarded by Victor Wejer indicates that at least 22 vessels are affected and several have turned back to Greenland.
Not a place for the solo sailor, you will probably have to abandon your yacht there. Think about taking extra crew in case you need to do 20-minute growler watches on the bow in fog.
Even in summer fog is cold and your face and hands even with gloves will get cold after 20 minutes of growler watching on the bow. A fantastic cruising area, whales to be seen every other day, but take a strong crew with you.