Langkawi is the perfect spot to clear out of Malaysia when sailing to Phuket. It is easy once you know where to go. There are good anchorages nearby, plenty of stores for re-provisioning, affordable marinas, and easy access to fuel and chandleries.
The Langkawi Archipelago is lovely, with a dramatic karst landscape and turquoise water. It has some interesting tourist attractions, including a UNESCO Geopark and Skybridge. However, if, like us, you are water-babies that can’t wait to get into crystal clear water and snorkel the days away, this is not the place for you.
Clearing into and out of Langkawi
Insurance
You need insurance covering the following five key points to enter Malaysia;
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- Crew abandonment, repatriation, illness, injury, and loss of life
- Fixed and floating objects, with the exception of ships
- Oil pollution liability
- Wreck removal
- Passenger liability
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Our insurance mentions SALVAGE, but this is not acceptable. If your insurance certificate does not contain the words WRECK REMOVAL, check your product disclosure statement and key fact sheets for those words. If WRECK REMOVAL is included somewhere in your policy, make sure to have it with you. If it does not say WRECK REMOVAL, contact your insurance company or broker and ask for something in writing to offer the Harbour Master in Langkawi. Below is an example of a policy that was not acceptable and a clarifying statement from the insurers to show the Harbour Master. We have never been questioned about the four remaining points.
Do you need an agent?
No. However, a sign at immigration says motor vessels/yachts over 24 metres must use an agent. I have also read that any vessel with five or more persons onboard, regardless of length, is recommended to use an agent.
For things to run smoothly, remember to
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- have multiple photocopies of your passports, boat registration and insurance
- take a pen (nothing worse than trying to find one)
- dress neatly and respectably
Where to clear in on Langkawi Island
You can check in at two locations – Jetty Point Complex (the Ferry Terminal) in Kuah or at Telaga Harbour. In our opinion, it is easier to clear in at Kuah because Telaga doesn’t have a harbour master. Therefore, you will still need to go to Kuah to see the harbour master after doing customs and immigration at Telaga. The officers at Kuah do not like it if you go to Kuah to check in when you are at Telaga or Rebak. If asked, you can always say you are anchored in Bass Harbour, Kuah, but do so at your own risk as they might decide to see for themselves.
Check in
To Check-in at Kuah Jetty Point Complex
1. Imigresen (Immigration)
2. Jabatan Laut Malaysia (Marine Department Malaysia)
3. Customs (Kastam)
Immigration
Once inside the Jetty Point Complex, head to Ketibaan Antarabangsa (international arrivals) at the ferry terminal. Go through the glass doors and turn right at the passport control desks. Knock on the door labelled immigration.
Tell them you are checking in, and they will give you a form to fill in. An example is pinned to the wall to help complete the form if needed.
They will ask for
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- Copy of passports for all crew and passengers
- Copy of boat registration.
Next, an officer will direct you to the immigration desk, where you will have biometrics taken – fingerprints – and have your passport stamped.
Marine Department
The Marine department (Harbour Master) is located directly above the immigration office. Go outside through a glass door (located just before where you turned right for the immigration office). You’ll see an entry labelled Jabatan Laut Malaysia. Go through the door and up the stairs. Press the door button. Someone will let you in.
Note: They are only open Sunday to Thursday.
They will ask for
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- Copy of boat registration
- Copy of Insurance
Customs
The customs office is located in the international departure area.
They will ask for
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- the last port clearance
Then you are done. Yes, it is pretty straightforward! Go off and enjoy yourself.
Check out
To Check-out at Kuah Jetty Point Complex
1. Jabatan Laut Malaysia (Marine Department Malaysia)
2. Customs (Kastam
3. Imigresen (Immigration)
Marine Department
It cost MYR 9 when clearing out. They told us they don’t accept cash or credit card and asked us if we had a wise account. I said we did. They told us that’s how they want us to pay. Wise is usually super easy to use, but I had issues when trying to pay this 9 ringgit (it was a problem with my phone, not Wise). Eventually, she accepted the cash from us.
The Harbour master will give you two copies of the port clearance.
Customs
Give customs one copy of the port clearance and wait for them to give you a customs clearance form.
Immigration
Knock on the door and get a form to fill in. Return the form and wait. You will once again be taken to the immigration desk for biometrics and a passport stamp.
That’s it. Now you are ready to leave.
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