Q Flag

The Q flag is International Code of Signals letter flag Q, a plain yellow flag whose single-letter meaning is: “My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.” A vessel arriving from a foreign port flies it to ask port health authorities for clearance to enter and land people and cargo; pratique is granted once health clearance is confirmed. It is hoisted on the arrival side and kept up until pratique is given. Recreational yachts entering a foreign country fly the Q flag, usually with the host nation’s courtesy ensign, until cleared by customs and immigration.