What Changed
- Official launch of Guangdong-Hong Kong southbound yacht travel on October 16, 2026, achieving two-way cross-boundary navigation.
- Establishment of technical eligibility standards and designated departure inspection formalities across six Mainland control points.
- Enhancement of Hong Kong Marine Department facilitation measures, including 30-day pre-arrival online applications, designated anchorages, and Mainland examination/training authorization.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government officially implemented the southbound travel scheme for Guangdong yachts on October 16, 2026, establishing full two-way navigation under the Guangdong-Hong Kong individual yacht travel initiative. The launch follows the introduction of northbound yacht travel from Hong Kong in June 2026 and the signing of cross-boundary work arrangements between Guangdong and Hong Kong in September 2026.
**Who Is Affected**
The scheme directly affects Guangdong-registered yacht owners and masters, Mainland training and examination institutions, marina operators, and the maritime leisure and tourism sectors in the Greater Bay Area and internationally.
**Key Operational Requirements and Formalities**
Under the southbound framework, Guangdong-registered yachts meeting specified technical criteria—a navigation range of up to 20 nautical miles offshore and a wave resistance capability of not less than 2 metres—may apply to visit Hong Kong. Masters must complete online procedures prior to departure and undergo departure inspection formalities at one of six designated Mainland control points:
1. Nansha Ferry Terminal (Guangzhou)
2. Shekou Cruise Homeport (Shenzhen)
3. Shenzhen Airport Ferry Terminal
4. Jiuzhou Port Passenger Terminal (Zhuhai)
5. Wanshan Port (Zhuhai)
6. Sunsea Yacht Club Marina (Zhongshan Port)
**Marine Department Facilitation Measures**
To streamline arrival processes for Guangdong and overseas yachts, the Marine Department implemented three key facilitation measures:
- **Digital Formalities:** Upgraded the Electronic Business System to enable one-stop online completion of arrival and port formalities. Owners or masters can apply for Permission to Navigate in Hong Kong Waters and book anchoring locations up to 30 days before arrival.
- **Designated Anchorages:** Established designated anchorage areas and relaxed the requirement to pre-book a berth at a local yacht club prior to arrival.
- **Qualification & Examination Recognition:** Authorised two Mainland examination centres to conduct the Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examination and approved seven Mainland training institutions to offer recognized courses. To date, nearly 300 individuals have obtained the required qualifications. The department will also recognise online short-term training courses by local professional institutions to assist overseas yacht masters.
**Infrastructure Plans**
To expand capacity, the HKSAR Government is promoting the construction of four new yacht clubs at the airport, Lamma Island, Aberdeen, and Hung Hom, which are expected to provide over 1,100 berths and four new clubhouse facilities.
Who May Be Affected
Guangdong-registered yacht owners, masters, Mainland and local training institutions, marina operators, and the cross-boundary marine leisure sector.
Cross-Border Context
Connects Guangdong Province and Hong Kong SAR through mutual recognition of training, simplified cross-boundary clearance, and institutionalised individual yacht travel.
What to check next
- Details of procedural guidelines and Appendix issued by the Hong Kong Marine Department for Guangdong-registered yachts.
- Online application requirements via the Marine Department Electronic Business System.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.