Checking in and out of Norway

webcraft

webcraft

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Planning a trip across to Norway weather and the sea gods permitting this month. Last time I went (2010) we didn't bother checking in or out, but this time I guess we will have to.

Most likely ports of entry/exit are Bergen, Alesund, Haugesand, which I believe are all recognised ports of entry.

What happens if (for example) we don't go direct to Bergen but stp at Bakkesund marina (just inshore from Marstein light) after crossing from Lerwick to rest up before heading up to Bergen?


- W
 
webcraft said:
So no-one on here has sailed to Norway in the last couple of years?

— W
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If you want up to date information I suggest you join the CA as they have a lot of recent reports on their Baltic forum.

The first sentence gives the sense ….. “There is obviously increased interest from Norwegian police regarding foreign yachts arriving in Norway.” And the second sentence refers to reports of a boat fined by police for not reporting in immediately on arrival from the UK.
As with crossing the other way to the UK, there is a requirement to pre notify arrival in Norway before you get there.

Additional restrictive rules have suddenly been put in place for boats over 14m.

So I would check the latest rules and apply rigorously. They do seem to monitor boats on radar and AIS, even 8 years ago when we were met by three police officers on a small pontoon we arrived at.
 
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When we left Bergen last year by boat back to the Caley Canal, having arrived by air, we had to go to the airport to check out there with the customs. A short ride on the light rail from the centre of Bergen. I assume it is the same for arrival.
 
How big is your boat. If you are over 15m then Norway is effectivly closed. New rules require you to appoint a Norwegian agent who has to know where are are and file movement plans. You cannot drop your anchor anywhere without advanced notice and permission. Worse of all you have to get police permission to use your tender for every trip, If you don't have an AIS transponder you have to phone in your position every six hours day and night. The whole thing is crazy. If you are under 15m you can carry on more or less as usual. The ultimate turn off is they won't customs seal the alcohol on a private yacht upon arrival so you have to empty your boat of stores.
 
Seven Spades said:
How big is your boat. If you are over 15m then Norway is effectivly closed. New rules require you to appoint a Norwegian agent who has to know where are are and file movement plans. You cannot drop your anchor anywhere without advanced notice and permission. Worse of all you have to get police permission to use your tender for every trip, If you don't have an AIS transponder you have to phone in your position every six hours day and night. The whole thing is crazy. If you are under 15m you can carry on more or less as usual. The ultimate turn off is they won't customs seal the alcohol on a private yacht upon arrival so you have to empty your boat of stores.
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We are 8.25m

- W
 
From personal experience, 3 days ago:
When sailing from the UK to Norway you must contact the local police district within 24hr of arrival and declare yourself, regardless of boat size.

Even if the information is hard to find and confusing (for example the portal SafeSeaNet often mentioned is NOT for individuals only for commercial use); even if you read differently on recent blogs, guides and websites; even if you have always sailed from the UK to Schengen (Netherlands, Denmark, France etc) without any declaration and without any problem... the law is that you need to declare your entry, and the only way to do so is to call or email the local police district (find their contact details on internet). If you cross the border without declaring yourself, the regulatory fine is 10000 NOK / person.
Be aware that the police in Trondheim has started recently systematically issuing the fines to crews even when it is clear that the offense was in perfect good faith and due to lack of information (from personnal experience).
 
Did you get find for not declaring within 24 hours of arrival or for not giving advanced notification.

Presumably this is separate to immigration because you need to get your passport stamped if you are not a Schengen passport holder.
 
For not declaring within 24hours of arrival. The police explained that in theory we need to give advance notification, but if we don't at least we need to call or email upon arrival.

We are both French and Norwegian citizens, so Schengen. This rule applies to all nationationalities, Schengen or not. I would expect that this is even more important for non- Schengen citizens, but I don't know if there is a stronger offense in that case.
 
UtPåTur said:
For not declaring within 24hours of arrival. The police explained that in theory we need to give advance notification, but if we don't at least we need to call or email upon arrival.

We are both French and Norwegian citizens, so Schengen. This rule applies to all nationationalities, Schengen or not. I would expect that this is even more important for non- Schengen citizens, but I don't know if there is a stronger offense in that case.
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Is that a recent measure? We sailed to Norway in 2019, Belgian boat with Belgian and Dutch crew and during all our stay (6 weeks) no official was even remotely interested in us.
 
From what we understand the regulation is not new, but the strict application of it is new.
From the other boats we were in contact with or read blogs of, the ones who landed around Bergen for example received a warning ("you should have done it, next time you'll know"). We heard about other boats being fine the same amount (10000NOK) only in Trondheim and only in the last few weeks...
 
19 replies, all sorts. That's great, but asking the interweb your question, assuming UK yacht, gets you (by AI):

When a UK yacht enters Norway via Bergen, the following rules and procedures apply:
1. Advance Notification and Reporting
  • All foreign yachts must report their arrival to SafeSeaNet Norway (SSNN) at least 24 hours before landfall. This is done via an online portal, and you need to set up an account in advance. If you cannot access SSNN, you must notify the local police district by email or phone at least 24 hours before arrival1257.
  • For vessels over 15 meters in length or 50 gross tonnes, there are stricter requirements: you must report not only arrival but also each port entry, anchorage, and even dinghy launches. You must also provide a Norwegian point of contact (POC) for the authorities125.
2. Ports of Entry
  • Bergen is a designated Port of Entry. On arrival, you must go directly to the customs quay before moving to a berth for yachts13.
3. Customs and Immigration
  • On arrival, the skipper must report to Customs and Immigration with the ship’s documents and all crew passports. Customs clearance is mandatory for UK yachts, and you must declare any goods above the allowable limits, especially alcohol and tobacco, as penalties are severe13.
  • Firearms and certain food items (meat, cheese, potatoes, fruit, vegetables) have strict import limits and may require permits3.
4. Documentation
  • Ensure you have:
    • Ship’s registration documents
    • Passports for all crew
    • Proof of ownership
    • List of intended harbour districts (not every individual port)13.
5. Onward Procedures
  • If you did not pre-notify or use SSNN, contact the authorities immediately upon arrival using the local police contact or the national non-emergency number (+47 02800)12.
  • You may be required to visit the local police station or have a police patrol visit your yacht for formalities12.
6. Staying in Norway
  • A foreign yacht can remain in Norway for up to six weeks without special permission. To leave your boat for longer (up to two years), you must apply to Norwegian Customs4.
7. Flags
  • UK-flagged vessels must fly their ensign when entering or leaving a foreign port, including Norway8.
Summary Table
RequirementDetails
Advance notification24 hours before arrival via SSNN or local police
Port of EntryBergen (go to customs quay first)
Customs/ImmigrationReport on arrival with documents and passports; declare dutiable goods
Special rules (15m+ yachts)Stricter reporting for arrival, port entries, anchorages, and dinghy use
Maximum stay without permission6 weeks (apply for up to 2 years if needed)
EnsignMust be flown when entering/leaving port
Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, written warnings, or being ordered to leave Norwegian waters5.
Note: Rules are subject to change and may be enforced differently by region. Always check for the latest updates before departure and consult the Norwegian authorities or your local consulate if in doubt125.
  1. Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool
  2. Rules and Regulations
  3. Noonsite.com - The Ultimate Cruisers Planning Tool
  4. Norway | boating abroad | RYA
  5. Norway: From 15 metres in length - far-reaching new reporting obligations
  6. 2. Norway – Norwegian Cruising Guide
  7. https://forums.ybw.com/threads/checking-in-and-out-of-norway.620205/
  8. https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/abroad/entry-exit-formalities
  9. https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/news/norwegian-fjords-sailing-guide-to-exploring-norways-waters/
  10. https://cruisingclub.org/sites/default/files/article_files/Legalities Final & TOC 3.31.24.pdf
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