Cruisers allowed entry to any French port, says Cruising Association

The French government has announced a process to allow entry to cruisers at any French port.

This comes after two of the Cruising Association’s Honorary Local Representatives (HLRs) have been working with local marinas, marina associations and local officials to try and simplify the previous process.

Until now, since leaving the EU, boats arriving in France from the UK or Channel Islands were required to sail to one of a small number of Ports of Entry (mainly the ferry ports) and search out the relevant authorities – usually the Police aux Frontières – to register the arrival of their boat and crew.

This same process of going through a Port of Entry would also be necessary before departing France for the UK or Channel Islands (or indeed any non-Schengen country), presenting CA members, and other sailors coming from the UK to France, with a potential problem for many passages.

But, a form is now available to be downloaded, completed and submitted by email to the local administrative Port of Entry prior to arrival. Providing all is acceptable, boats may then enter another port. This is already underway for Le Havre and other ports are set to follow rapidly.

This is a significant improvement, says a Cruising Association statement, and removes a major hurdle for boats visiting France.

Image courtesy of Port Guliiaume Marina, Dives-sur-Mer Cabourg Houlgate.