2026-22089·DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Pleasure Vessels of Malta Entitled To Cruising Licenses

Final RuleEffective

Published: Oct 29, 2026
Effective: Oct 29, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68028
Docket: CBP Dec. 26-18
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Final rule.

Summary

The rule expands U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to include the Republic of Malta on the list of nations whose private pleasure yachts may be issued U.S. cruising licenses. The change reflects a reciprocal agreement: Malta has agreed to let U.S.‑owned yachts enter its ports and sail in its waters without the usual formal entry and clearance paperwork, so CBP is granting the same streamlined privilege to Maltese‑flagged vessels. The goal is to simplify cross‑border travel for recreational boat owners and promote tourism and maritime commerce between the two countries. The regulation is a final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security, specifically CBP. It applies to owners who are residents of the United States and operate pleasure vessels that are flagged in Malta, as well as to Maltese‑registered yachts that wish to obtain U.S. cruising licenses. No public comment period is required because the rule is being adopted as a final action. The rule was published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2026 (91 FR 68028) and takes effect the same day, October 29, 2026. With the effective date, CBP will begin processing cruising‑license applications for eligible Maltese pleasure vessels under the new reciprocal arrangement. Owners and operators should contact CBP for the updated application procedures and any documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with the reciprocal agreement.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations by adding the Republic of Malta (Malta) to the list of countries whose pleasure vessels may be issued U.S. cruising licenses. The U.S. Department of State has notified CBP that yachts used and employed exclusively as pleasure vessels and belonging to any resident of the United States are allowed to arrive at and depart from Maltese ports, and to cruise in Maltese waters without complying with formal entry and clearance procedures. Therefore, CBP is extending reciprocal cruising privileges to Maltese-flagged pleasure vessels.