United Kingdom - Immigration
Most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are only able to enter the UK using a valid passport. ID cards are no longer accepted as a valid travel document for entry into the UK.
Immigration Procedure:
- For craft carrying 12 people or less, the owner or person responsible for the craft must ensure the family and given names, date of birth and nationality are provided for all passengers on form C1331.
- Anyone on board who is not a British or Irish Citizen* must get a Border Force officer’s permission to enter the UK from a place other than the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands. If there is anyone on board requiring immigration clearance, the National Yachtline will be able to advise on how to contact the nearest UKBA office by phone to arrange clearance. Most marinas will have a poster with the local Border Force Office telephone office number on it. Numbers are in operation 24 hours a day.
– Portsmouth Border Force Office: +44 (0)7557 205 925
– Southampton Border Force Office: +44 (0)7810 851 199
– Border Force Devon & Cornwall: +44 (0)300 073 9621 or +44 (0)1392 366492 - All crew must have a passport valid for the length of their stay.
- Any crew requiring a visa must have one arranged in advance.
- *Note: The United Kingdom is part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) shared with Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. This facilitates the ability of Irish and British citizens to move freely within the CTA. See further details here.
Visa Information:
- The U.K. is not part of the Schengen Area.
- Nationals of countries who do not need a visa are normally granted a stay of a maximum 6 months if they can show sufficient funds.
- See the U.K.Border Agency website for the current list of nationals requiring a visa.
- Visas must be obtained in advance from a British embassy/consulate/visa application center. Persons requiring visas who arrive in the UK without one will be refused entry.
Permission to enter is at the discretion of the Immigration officer at the point of entry – he has the power to refuse entry even if one has a visa, although for those on a tourist visit with sufficient funds for their stay, entry is normally straightforward.
Last updated: March 2022
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I’m sailing from Norway to Britain with a dog. I’ve come to realize Shetland is a no go port. Is it at all possible for us to sail around Britain with a 35 kilo dog, that has all his relevant documents? He’s been to other European countries over the past 5 years with no problem. Any advice?
I’m looking of buying a yacht but looking to live on it within either a marina or at a mooring. The yacht would be around 40 foot in length. I’m have trouble finding a marina that allows live aboard while in a marina. Would be grateful if someone can point me in the right direction.
Many thanks Chris
Hi Chris, 100% recommend you join the Cruising Association (CA) and ask their advice. They have a huge membership base in the UK and will be able to let you know the score re. living aboard there.
From my own experience a week ago, I can add Yarmouth in the Solent as a port for supply/shelter during corona shutdown for yachts in transit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YACHTS VISITING THE UK
It is important to remember that the UK is not part of the Schengen Area Agreement, so it is necessary for any boat with non-EU nationals on board to clear with UK Immigration (many non-EU visitors would be granted a 6-month visitor’s visa).
Failure to report means you are illegal immigrants!
EU citizens automatically have the right to stay (at the moment). The UK leaving the EU will change many regulations.
Non-EU citizens can only freely move within the Schengen Area (for 90 days in any 180 day period) once cleared into their first designated Schengen country. EU countries outside Schengen must be cleared into in the usual way.
It is not unusual for those from outside Europe do not understand the difference between the Schengen Area and the EU. For a full explanation see noonsite’s EU page – https://nsocl.wccstaging.com/General/EuropeanUnion