New protocol for leisure boats entering France from outside EU
French officials have announced a new ‘protocol’ for small boats to enter France from outside of the EU.
The Cruising Association (CA) has welcomed the easier check in/out protocol for cruising to France.
Previously, boats would have to arrive at and depart from a port of entry (PPF), although last year there were a few ports with a special derogation, which allowed entry for a limited period.
The new protocol applies from 1 June 2024 and grants 53 marinas (which are not PPFs) the right to handle boats arriving from or departing to outside of the EU/Schengen area. Below is the list of PPFs and other marinas/ports for Channel France.
Skippers of these boats will need to email a specific completed form to the relevant port in advance of arrival or departure. These forms will then be processed by local officials.The CA anticipates that the stamped papers may be picked up on arrival or emailed in the case of departure.
The Cruising Association will publish further information, including a comprehensive list of the relevant ports along with the associated forms as these are announced. The CA will also provide additional advice on some of the extra considerations such as cruising onwards to other EU countries and crew changes.
Further details for the Channel area but also applicable more widely, can be viewed by members on the France – Channel – Entry Procedures and Ports of Entry.
List of Ports
This list details all the ports which are included in the new protocol (as at 31 May 2024). Some of these are also existing PPFs:
Image and data courtesy of the Cruising Association
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