Simplified entry for non-EU leisure boats into France and Greece due to revised regulations.
Article:
Breaking news for boaters! Streamlined rules for non-EU leisure craft make British entry to France and Greece a breeze. Let's dive in!
Say goodbye to stressful border procedures! Thanks to the hard work of the Cruising Association (CA), visiting British boats will soon enjoy the fruits of their labor. From June 1, French coastlines will welcome you at 53 harbors and marinas, approved as ports of entry, instead of just a few major ones like Calais and Cherbourg [1][2].
Popular spots such as Carentan, Binic, Carteret, and Quibéron are now included in the list, making your sailing adventure more accessible [1]. It's important to note that skippers planning to arrive or depart from France must email a specific form to their chosen port or marina in advance. Once processed, stamped papers can be picked up on arrival or sent via email for departures [3].
An excited sigh of relief for Greek cruisers too! As of May 24, the Greek government has relaxed laws regarding foreign-flagged vessels. If your boat has Union Goods status (proof of EU VAT having been paid), you will now be issued with UTLs (unlimited transit logs), alleviating the need for check-ins and check-outs at every controlled port [4]. Vessels not recognized as Union Goods will continue with limited Transit Logs and existing procedures [4].
The CA expresses its gratitude to the Greek Minister for Shipping and the British Embassy in Athens for their assistance [4].
Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the world of boating! With new procedural simplifications, sailing in these popular destinations becomes smoother than ever before [5]. Ciao for now, sea enthusiasts!
[Sources]
[1] "The Cruising Association - France: Easier Check-in and Out from 1 June 2023." The Cruising Association. https://www.theca.org.uk/news/france-easier-check-in-out[2] "Entry/Exit System (EES) - County profile: France." European Commission. https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/policies/borders-and-visas/legal-migration/entry-and-exit/entry-exit-system-ees/docs/countries/france_en[3] "The Cruising Association - Check-out from a Different Port in France." The Cruising Association. https://www.theca.org.uk/news/check-out-from-a-different-port-in-france[4] "Greek UTL Update." The Cruising Association. https://www.theca.org.uk/news/greek-utl-update[5] "Implications of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) for the Marine Leisure Sector." Sustainable Sailing. https://sustainablesailing.org/en/implications-of-the-eus-entryexit-system-ees-for-the-marine-leisure-sector/
Enrichment Data:
The new rules for entering France and Greece by boat for non-EU leisure craft, including British boat owners, are primarily about the introduction of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), which starts in October 2025, and simplified check-in/out formalities at designated ports [5]. The EES digitizes and streamlines border controls, reducing paperwork and speeding up processing [2][5].
Flexibility in France's check-out process from a different port reduces logistical complexity for leisure sailors [3]. Greek regulations, combined with affordable marina fees, make sailing more appealing and hassle-free for non-EU leisure craft, including the British [1].
Prepare to embark on an exceptional yacht journey through the picturesque French and Greek coastlines. The streamlined rules for non-EU leisure craft now allow for seamless travel, with the addition of 53 approved ports of entry in France and the relaxation of Greek laws for foreign-flagged vessels. So, step aboard your vessel and set sail towards a lifestyle of luxurious travel on the flybridge of your yacht, as you explore these popular destinations effortlessly.
