The French government has announced a new process that will allow UK boats to enter France at any French port, rather than one of the designated Ports of Entry. This report by the Cruising Association (CA).

Published 4 years ago

This report by the Cruising Association (CA).

Since leaving the EU, boats arriving in France from the UK or Channel Islands are required to sail to one of a small number of “Ports of Entry” (mainly the ferry ports) and search out the relevant authorities – usually the Police aux Frontières – to register the arrival of their boat and crew.

This same process of going through a Port of Entry would also be necessary before departing France for the UK or Channel Islands (or indeed any non-Schengen country), presenting Cruising Association members and other sailors coming from the UK to France, with a potential problem for many passages.

Now, thanks to the efforts of the Cruising Association, through its local representatives, cruising to France easier, post-Brexit should now be much easier.

Two of the Cruising Association’s Honorary Local Representatives (HLRs) have been aware of this extra challenge to cruising for some time and have been working with the local marinas, the marina associations and local officials to try and simplify it.

A form, Marina immigration notice for non-Schengen citizens, is now available from web sites which can be downloaded, completed and submitted by email to the local administrative Port of Entry prior to arrival. Providing all is acceptable, boats may then enter another port. This is already underway for Le Havre and other ports will follow on rapidly.

This is a significant improvement and removes a major hurdle for boats visiting France according to the Cruising Association.

Note: Entering France depends on the current entry restrictions for recreational craft. See Biosecurity.

Related News:

Cruising Association News – French Government Announcement

Noonsite:  UK – New Online Reporting System for Arriving and Departing Sailors

Related Links:

The Cruising Association website

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.