UK, France & CI Entry & Exit general information
EES - EU Entry & Exit System - Full implementation date of 10 April 2026, but EES suspension allowance expected to remain in use until at least Sept 2026 to cover the peak summer season!!
- This flexibility allows border authorities to pause EES checks during high traffic to prevent severe, long, or chaotic queues.
- "Hybrid" Experience: Travelers may experience inconsistent procedures; some ports/airports will use EES kiosks, while others revert to manual passport stamping during peak surges.
- Cruising measures such as passport stamping & PAF paperwork remains in place for 2026 summer season
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) - not expected to be implemented until 2027 sometime
Sailing to France
- PPF Main Ports of entry have Douane (customs) and will be operating EES passport & ID checks, or less they decide to switch back to passport stamping for short periods when they are overwhelmed by visitor numbers.
- Cruising measures such as the alternative electronic PAF paperwork and ad hoc passport stamping (at local Douane offices ) remains in place for the 2026 summer season, but there is uncertainty regarding future years.
- Port Chantereyne in Cherbourg is changing it's process in 2026: customs will no longer come to the marina and you need to complete PAF electronic forms (see smaller protocol ports process below)
- Smaller protocol (secondary) ports with special dispensation are allowed to continue to use electronic PAF check-in / out instead of EES (passport & ID checks) for the summer 2026 season, with the harbour offices covering PAF process and forms. Sometimes Police Aux Frontiere (border force) visit. Check with marina website for further details when you plan your journey
- All other ports require you to contact & travel to the local PAF / Douane office to get your passport stamped.
- Keep a copy of PAF forms submitted, until the trip is finished. Keep copies of stamped PAF forms until your next visit to the EU using a passport entry, (just in case there is a query about the electronic entry & exit where your passport wasn't stamped).
UK Border Force sPRC reporting of sailing to and from the UK
The new sPCR pleasure craft report service helps maximise maritime border security, while making it faster and easier for those travelling on pleasure craft to report the necessary information in advance of travel to or from the UK.
The previous C1331 form can still be downloaded and posted if required. However, wherever possible, Border Force encourages the use and promotion of the new sPCR digital service, which is easy to use. You will need to set up a sPCR account online to complete the forms. This can be done at any time before you travel and only needs to be done once as you use this account for all future travel. Go to www.spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk to set up an account, to access your account and to complete the online forms for each sailing journey to and from the UK. The sPCR system now requires a Login with GOV.UK One system and uses 2 factor authentication, so old accounts may no longer be accessible.
Key parts of the new sPCR system:
- The sPCR form is designed for online submission, replacing the need to contact Border Force or the National Yachtline directly.
- You must submit the form within 24 hours and up to 2 hours before your planned departure or arrival in the UK.
- The sPCR form applies to all boats sailing to or from the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
- The process for customs clearance on returning to the UK is stated as "Fly your yellow 'Q' flag when entering UK waters (12 NM) and do not take it down until you've finished reporting to customs authorities", but there is some uncertainty as to how it will operate in practice. Quite a number of skippers have reported that they make their submission, receive a confirmatory email and then never hear anything more during the journey. The Cruising Association has queried this with Border Force and they have confirmed that you should receive clearance via email, text or phone within the 2 hour arrival window that you have provided. If this does NOT happen then you should telephone the local Border Force operation covering your arrival location, for clearance to haul down your "Q" flag and to leave the vessel (our one is Portmouth/South region on 07557 205925)
Relevant Q & A's:
? Do you need to complete a Pleasure Craft Report (sPCR) before sailing between the UK and the Channel Islands?
Yes, as this is considered travel outside of Great Britain.
? Do I still need to phone Border Force or National Yachtline?
Not necessarily. You only need to:
- call Border Force if you have NOT received clearance via email, text or phone within the 2 hour arrival window that you have provided. Our Border Force office is Portsmouth/South region and it lists 07557 205925 as a contact number
- call National Yachtline 0300 123 2012 if anything has changed since you submitted your voyage plan and you have NOT been able to update this via sPCR online.
? Can I amend or cancel a report I have already submitted?
Yes. The amended report will replace the previous and a new reference will be generated. If travel is no longer taking place, the report can be cancelled.
? I am unable to access the digital service to submit a report, what should I do?
If you are unable to access the digital service (for example due to a lack of internet access), you should telephone National Yachtline on 0300 123 2012 at the first opportunity to advise them of the situation or any changes to your voyage plans.
For sailing between the UK, France & CI's , download the appropriate "word" document at the bottom of this page:
Finally, be AWARE of the following customs rules, where you can be caught out (especially in France)
Personal info that can be requested / checked:
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Insurance cover & health card (GHIC)
Boat papers / checks that can be carried out:
- Vessel registration certificate
- Certificate of ownership, including VAT status
- RCD certificate or exemption evidence
- Ship's Radio Licence (inc ref to portable VHF, RADAR, AIS, EPIRB, PLB, ATIS etc as fitted)
- Certificate of Competency - RYA or ICC, inc CEVNI for some inland waterways
- Vessel insurance (particularly 3rd party)
- Certificate for radio
- Ship's log
- Record of fuel purchase invoices for last 12 months
No out of date safety equipment: Life raft, life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares
UK food & drink - keep on boat & do not take ashore
No Diesel in cans? (the view used to be only about RED diesel, but it now seems to be more universal)