Cruising in France ?

New form to be submitted

Since the end of the Brexit transition on 31 December 2020, sailors have had to sail to one of a small number of Ports of Entry, mainly ferry ports, and search out the relevant authorities (usually the Police aux Frontieres) to register the arrival of their boat and crew.

This same process has been necessary before departing France for the UK, Channel Islands or any non-Schengen country.

As a result of negotiations by the Cruising Association's honorary local representatives, local marinas, the marina associations and local officials, a new process has been agreed.

A new form will be available from the websites of each Port of Entry, 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.

The same form can be used by sailors to notify the authorities of their departure, so the Cruising Association understands, but the form should be kept in case of later query by officials.

This new process is already under way for Le Havre, and other ports are excepted to follow shortly.