Legal Definitions - port of destination

A port of destination is a harbor where ships unload cargo or a place where persons and cargo are allowed to enter a country and where customs officials are stationed.

For example, if a ship is traveling from China to the United States, the port of destination would be the harbor in the United States where the ship unloads its cargo. Alternatively, if a person is traveling from Canada to the United States, the port of destination would be the place in the United States where they are allowed to enter the country and where customs officials are stationed.

The examples illustrate that a port of destination can refer to both a harbor where ships unload cargo and a place where people and cargo are allowed to enter a country. It is an important concept in international trade and travel, as it determines where goods and people are legally allowed to enter a country.