France: New Entry Protocol for Yachts arriving from outside the EU
A new entry protocol for recreational yachts arriving in France from outside the EU will apply from 1 June 2024, granting a number of marinas the same rights as a port of entry. This gives the cruising sailor much more choice as to where they can land on French soil.
Published 6 months ago
Long time planning
After several summers of “testing” by granting certain marinas in Brittany and Normandy a special derogation to carry out entry and exit procedures for a limited time, the French authorities have announced that a new protocol for yachts arriving in France from outside the EU will be made permanent from 1 June 2024.
This will mean that when arriving in France as your first port of call in the EU (and in Schengen), it is no longer mandatory to arrive at a port of entry (or PPF as they are known in France).
From 1 June you also have the option to arrive at marinas at a number of French ports which have been granted authorisation to act as PPFs and handle yachts arriving from outside the EU/Schengen.
This news was provided to Noonsite by Digimap Marinas, a free website that has information on marinas in France accessible from the Channel Islands (Normandy and Brittany) – as well as Channel Island marinas – and a valuable resource for UK sailors with the forms and rules following Brexit. Colin Le Conte of Digimap told Noonsite, “The new rules have been a long time in the pipeline and were signed by the Minister a couple of weeks ago, we are delighted the new arrangements are now in place.”
For a list of ports under the new arrangement go to https://www.digimap.gg/marine/marinas/.
What is the Protocol?
Prior to arrival, the Skipper must e-mail to the marina a completed form particular to that port, no later than 24 hours beforehand. Contact the marina where you plan to enter to request their version of the form. The Cruising Assocation say “we anticipate the stamped papers may be picked up on arrival, or emailed in the case of departure”.
What is currently not clear is if it’s possible to clear in at an official PPF, but then clear out at a port under the new arrangement (or vice versa). It is hoped this will be clarified soon as clearly for UK yachtsmen cruising over to France and then back to the UK, this is very much a question that needs to be answered.
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Related Links:
The Cruising Association welcomes easier check in/out for cruising to France
France Summer Arrival and Departure Procedures
Brittany and Normandy Facebook page
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