Registration procedure
If you are a French or English sailor, the Association des Ports de Plaisance Normands can guide you through the necessary procedures for sailing between France and Great Britain and the Channel Islands.
Here you will find simplified proceedings to facilitate your arrival in and departure from French and British ports.
Reception of persons residing outside the Schengen area
To welcome yachtsmen from non-Schengen countries, the French Customs Service, the French Border Police Service and the French Federation of Yachting Harbours have worked together to introduce a single protocol for the whole of France.
If you are British, Anglo-Norman or a resident of a Third Country, you must follow the following procedure to travel to France:
- Fill in the form 24 hours before your arrival in France or when you leave
- I send an email with the form to the marina I wish to visit for my first stopover in France
The marina staff will forward your form to the PAF or customs authority responsible for the marina. You can be checked at the border authority’s convenience when you arrive in France.
The procedure is the same when you leave France. Make sure you send in your return form 24 hours before you leave France.
Please note that if you wish to leave France by plane, ferry or train, you will need to make an appointment to have your passport stamped on entry.
Contact Marinas
You are planning to travel to Great Britain / Channel Islands
French yachtsmen are required to register online before arriving in England or the Channel Islands. The procedure is available on the UK government website.
What’s more, when you arrive in English or Channel Island waters, your boat must fly the ‘Q’ flag.
Please note that all those on board must be in possession of a valid passport.
Great Britain
On arrival in UK waters, it is necessary to contact UK Yachtline on + 44 (0) 300123 2012.
You will be asked questions about the boat, the people on board and the goods being transported. If the customs officer is satisfied, entry is granted. The yachtsman may need to complete a form and submit it to customs.
Jersey
Immigration formalities are possible in the ports of Saint Hélier and Gorey.
Boaters approaching Jersey must complete form JCE 112 online or on paper within two hours of arrival.
This document should be handed in at the customs boxes located in the port or directly at the customs and immigration office.
Guernesey
On arrival, the skipper must complete the customs and immigration declaration issued by the marina.
This form should be deposited in the yellow customs boxes or with a customs officer.