UK, France & CI Entry & Exit general information
UK Border Force 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.
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 and the Isle of Man.
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?
No. You only need to call National Yachtline if anything has changed since you submitted your voyage plan and you have not been able to update this 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.
Sailing to France
- Main Ports of entry have Douane (customs) offices & check passports.
- Smaller ports with special dispensation are allowed to use electronic PAF check-in / out instead of passports, with the harbour office covering PAF process and forms. Sometimes Police Aux Frontiere (border force) visit.
- All other ports require you to contact & travel to the local PAF / Duoane 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).
Main Ports of Entry (French channel coast):
- Dunkirk - visit to distant PAF / Douane required
- Calais - visit to distant PAF / Douane required
- Boulogne - ?? whether still Port of entry
- Dieppe
- Le Havre
- Honfleur
- Caen-Ouistreham
- Cherbourg - regular Douane visits to marina (usually 9am and 6pm times)
- Carteret
- Granville
- St Malo - visit to distant PAF / Douane required. Go to car check-in booths if just turning up or can pre-book appointments at Douane offices next to car booths
- St Brieuc - visit to distant PAF / Douane required. Prefer appointments
- Roscoff - Prefer appointments
- Brest
Electronic PAF Dispensation Ports confirmed for 2025:
Dives-sur-Mer, Courselles-sur-Mer, Port-en-Bessin, Grandcamp-Maisy, Isigny, Dielette, Plour-sur-Rance, St Cast Le Guido, Binic, St Quay Portrieux, Paimpol, Lezardrieux, Pontrieux, Treguier, L'Aber-Wrac'h
Possible additional ports (TBC): Perros Guirec, Trebeurden
Special cases:
- Fecamp - send form and PAF will visit
- Carentan - send form, but also need to check-in
- St Vaast - send form and PAF will usually come!
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 is now universal about all diesel in cans from all the sailing / yachting sites)