Current situation
The Strait of Hormuz is currently open to commercial transit. The Transit Clearance Authority (TCA) is processing clearance applications under standard procedures. No navigational restrictions, exclusion zones, or force-majeure suspensions are in effect as of 30 October 2026 — 06:00 UTC.
Vessels are advised to maintain compliance with all certificate conditions, including declared cargo, route, and ETA. Certificates not presented within 6 hours of the declared ETA are subject to cancellation.
Current clearance conditions
- Standard 48-hour processing for all vessel classes
- Expedited 24-hour processing available with surcharge
- No supplementary documentation required beyond standard manifest
- All four DWT tiers accepting applications
- Fleet lodgements of 3+ vessels eligible for 10% discount
About transit status levels
The TCA publishes one of three advisory levels for the Strait of Hormuz:
- Operational (green) — full commercial transit permitted; standard clearance applies.
- Restricted (amber) — transit permitted subject to additional conditions; vessel class or cargo restrictions may apply; processing times may be extended.
- Suspended (red) — transit clearance applications suspended; no certificates issued; existing certificates void until further notice.
Status changes are published on this page and communicated to all holders of active certificates by the contact details provided at lodgement.
Historical context — 2026
Transit through the Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20–21 million barrels of oil per day, representing roughly 20% of global petroleum liquids consumption. In 2026 the strait has remained open to commercial navigation, though elevated geopolitical attention has increased demand for verified clearance documentation among operators, charterers, insurers, and port state authorities in receiving ports.
War-risk and loss-of-hire underwriters increasingly require a current TCA certificate as a condition of cover for Hormuz passages. Operators who transit without a valid certificate may face delays at destination ports or difficulties settling insurance claims in the event of an incident.
Apply for transit clearance
All commercial vessels transiting the Strait — whether inbound from the Gulf of Oman or outbound from the Persian Gulf — are required to hold a valid Transit Clearance Certificate. Apply on this site; standard certificates are issued within 48 hours.