New Online System Speeds Up Yacht Immigration Process in Gibraltar

This week Gibraltar launches ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) which will slash check-in times for yacht captains by half. The web-based procedure replaces outdated paper immigration systems and brings Gibraltar in line with major European ports of entry.

Karl Bisset, Harbour Master for Gibraltar’s Ocean Village Marina and Marina Bay, comments, “This project is a great step forward for immigration in Gibraltar as firstly, captains can do much of their customs clearance prior to arrival with us just cross-checking in-person and sending to the relevant authorities. Secondly, once the vessel’s details are in the system, we won’t need to repeat the process each time it returns, just view the passports of any changed crew. The Pier Office and captains alike will be happy to say goodbye to the time consuming form filling – and we’ll save a few trees-worth of paper too.”

Designed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to help administer customs, ASYCUDA offers data harmonisation, document simplification, full electronic payments, electronic trade licenses and a paperless environment for all cross-border regulatory agencies. In order to use the system, captains must make a one-off investment into a £50 tablet computer to provide a digital signature on the immigration form. This tablet is available from the Pier Office.

Neil Costa, Minister for the Port, said of the new system, “I am pleased to have been able to complete this project that has been on-going for the past 18 months, to which we have given our full backing since being elected. This system will facilitate the activities of HM Customs, the Gibraltar Port Authority and the Borders & Coastguard Agency, whilst making Gibraltar a more attractive commercial and leisure hub for vessels. It should have a positive knock-on effect for the local economy.”

To register for the new immigration system or to make an electronic pre-declaration please visit http://www.oceanvillage.gi/electronic-system-offers-faster-arrivals-on-the-rock/.

For information on berths at Ocean Village telephone (Gibraltar) 00 350 200 400 48, email info@oceanvillage.gi or visit www.oceanvillage.gi.

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Located on the west side of Gibraltar, Ocean Village is the most sheltered marina in the region with close-up views of Africa some 14km across the Straits. As the ‘Gateway to the Mediterranean’, it provides a base for sailing across the Atlantic or exploring the marinas, coastlines and beaches of Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

The contemporary waterfront at Ocean Village is fringed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, a nightclub, trendy boutiques and even a 24 hour casino. This makes the marina a favourite stopping off point for passing yachts who take advantage of the British heritage to enjoy a traditional pint and stock up on tax-free UK goods.

Perhaps the most memorable feature of Ocean Village is reserved for after dark when the entire basin is lit with a subtle blue light that creates a stylish evening ambience. Indeed if you’re visiting it’s well worth staying until after dusk to see the spectacular effect.

Ocean Village
Leisure Island
Ocean Village
Gibraltar
GX11 AA

Office hours are from 9am to 6pm CET.

Tel : (+350) 200 400 48
info@oceanvillage.gi

This release was published on openPR.