The RYA asks recreational boaters for input on Schengen discussions
The RYA is launching an online survey to gauge the impact of the Schengen agreement on UK recreational boaters (scheduled to be live next week). The survey, The UK has left the EU: The impact of Schengen rules on UK boaters, comes as the government continues to negotiate the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
The survey aims to gather reliable and representative statistics to clarify the breadth of the issues involved for boats that sail to the EU27 countries. Participants of the survey will be asked to complete questions regarding topics such as the frequency of their boating trips abroad, the type of boat that they use and about their future travel plans for boating trips to the Schengen Area.
Currently the RYA understands that travel to the Schengen area will be visa free for UK citizens after the transition period ends on the 31 December 2020, however it appears that improving access beyond that (permitted under the EU wide Schengen 90/180-day rule) is not part of the UK’s negotiations with the EU. If this is the case, then this will have a significant impact on UK citizens’ rights to travel in Europe after the end of transition, particularly those who wish to spend the summer, and possibly longer, in the EU27 on their boats as many do now. Under current arrangements, EU citizens will be able to visit the UK on a standard visitor visa for six months at a time.
“The RYA continues to engage with Government about the need for further discussions surrounding access to the Schengen Area,” says Howard Pridding, RYA Director of External Affairs. “We are aware that there is a considerable number of boaters who keep their vessels in an EU27 country and many more who spend extended periods cruising European waters. With this survey we hope to gain a better understanding of the actual size of the potential issue and how many recreational boaters could be adversely affected.
“In order for us to be able to gain this insight it is essential that recreational boaters across the UK engage with the survey when it is released later this month.”
The survey is expected to go live next week.
"…With this survey we hope to gain a better understanding of the actual size of the potential issue and how many recreational boaters could be adversely affected."
Pity nobody did this before the Brexit campaign started. It may have highlighted some useful points for any boat owner (that previously enjoyed barrier-free travel throughout Europe) to consider before casting their vote.
I think European countries seriously have to consider the financial benefit that cruisers have brought to coastal Europe over the last 50 years and what a major impact it will have on their future earning potential if cruisers are restricted. There has already been talk of tax implications on British owned boats that are kept in the Med for more than 12 months. Greece seem incapable of even collecting taxes from their own citizens but seem quite happy to sting the very community that brought prosperity to their coastline.