Malta yachts now have access to US cruising licences

Maltese-flagged pleasure yachts can now apply for US cruising licences, Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonnett has announced.

Bonnett said the move removes "a longstanding competitive disadvantage in one of the world's most important yachting markets.” He said it "introduces a tangible commercial advantage to registering a private yacht under the Malta flag.”

Malta has been formally added to the list of countries eligible for cruising privileges under 19 CFR § 4.94(b), following diplomatic engagement with the US. The decision was adopted by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, adopted the decision.

It was published in the US Federal Register on 29 October, and the privileges have applied to Malta since 10 June 2026. Bonnett said this places Malta alongside other recognised maritime jurisdictions whose pleasure yachts can use the US cruising licence framework.

Licensed yachts may benefit from exemptions from specified customs entry and clearance procedures, manifest requirements, permits to proceed, tonnage duties and certain administrative charges.

For owners, Bonnett said, that means a more competitive option for those with US cruising itineraries. Licensed yachts can navigate between US ports without repeated formal entry and clearance procedures, with fewer customs formalities for each movement.

He added that owners would also see reduced costs, through exemptions from specified entry and clearance fees, tonnage duties and other applicable charges.

However, a cruising licence is not issued automatically upon Maltese registration. The yacht owner must apply to the relevant US port director, and a licence may be issued for a maximum of 12 months.

The arrangement applies only to Maltese-flagged yachts used exclusively for private pleasure. Commercially operated yachts are not eligible.

Obligations also remain in place. Masters must report arrivals at each US port to the appropriate CBP office, and other applicable customs, immigration, safety and navigation requirements stay in force.

Bonnett said the result is "greater operational flexibility, reduced administrative burdens and a more competitive Malta flag".

He said including Malta in the framework strengthens the flag's international value proposition. It also gives maritime law firms, registration agents and corporate service providers an additional selling point when advising on flag selection, he said.

The announcement targeted yacht owners, legal practitioners, yacht managers and registration professionals. He concluded by stating that a stronger Malta flag offers greater freedom to cruise and new opportunities for the international yachting industry.