Documentation needed to enter Spain

Spain is a prime destination for superyachts all year round – whether you are visiting for pleasure cruising with guests onboard, participating in a regatta or show or booked into a shipyard or marina for refit or maintenance purposes.

One of the main factors to consider is if the vessel is coming from another EU port or from a country that is signed up to the Schengen agreement.

At Evolution, we have in-house experts for clearance procedures no matter what the last or arriving port may be. Here yo have some key pointers regarding essential documentation for arriving to Spanish waters:

Schengen requirements for crew

If you are arriving to Spain by yacht from a non-EU country, you will need to check all the passports of your crew at immigration.

Valid passport:

Make sure that the passports of all crew members are valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.  

Schengen visa:

Non-EU/EEA passport holders whose home countries do not have an agreement for visa-free travel to the Schengen zone should have a valid Schengen visa.   

Yacht documentation:

Before entering Spanish waters, your yacht must comply with international and Spanish maritime regulations. Below are the principal documents that most ports will ask for but there may be variations depending on the authorities:

• Yacht registration: Proof of ownership of the yacht, including the original registration certificate and a copy of the yacht's current insurance policy.

• Crew list: A detailed list of all current signed-on crew members, with their full names, dates of birth, passport numbers and duties on board including joining date.

• Captain Certifications//crew certification: Validated maritime certification for the captain and crew accordingly to the vessel's safe-manning requirements. 
  

Customs declaration: 

It's always a good idea to check out any future operations in the EU involving non-EU vessels planning to sail in the Mediterranean. 

You would need to keep a cargo manifest according to your flag requirements. Also we recommend to keep detailed records of all purchases, whether they're from the EU or not. These records could be invoices, receipts, or any other documents related to purchase transactions. 

Yacht Safety Certificate:

The Yacht Safety Certificate serves as proof of compliance with safety regulations, including a safety equipment checklist, life raft certificates and fire safety measures. It is also important to note that sanitary control is a crucial aspect of this certification.

Additional documentation

Depending on how long you're staying and what country you're in, you might need to submit some extra paperwork.

• If your yacht is registered outside the EU, you might need a temporary import permit. This is a very useful document for non-VAT paid vessels to officially record the date of entry into EU waters.

• If you exported your vessel when you left EU waters, you'll need to file reimportation paperwork when you come back.

With our own in-house legal and customs teams, Evolution is your one-stop agency for all your arrival formalities and queries about crew and vessel documentation for cruising in EU waters. If you have any concerns or questions, just drop us a line at customs@evolutionagents.com.

Contact our expert team at Evolution and we’ll make sure you have all the info you need to plan a great, stress-free visit to Spanish waters with your superyacht.

Evolution Yacht Agents is the leading-edge team of professionals dedicated to providing assured and quality support and services to yachts in Spanish waters.

A full range of superyacht specialized services includes: charter license & legal advice, TPA (Vat exemption), customs & logistics operations, provisions & interior supplies, deck & engineering supplies and crew & VIP services.