If you are from a country that is not a part of the Schengen zone and you are planning on entering or leaving French waters, this article is for you!
A new protocol has come into effect on June 1st, 2024. It is meant to make it easier for boaters entering France from outside the Schengen zone! French officials and the French Federation of Marinas (FFPP) have agreed to extend the list of ports of entry, and there are now 53 non-PPF marinas where you can check in as you enter French waters. Initially, checking in was only possible at border crossing points (PPF’s), making it more difficult for boaters to enter French territory, especially coming from the United Kingdom after Brexit.
How it works
Entering
- When entering French waters from outside the Schengen zone, boaters will have to inform one of the marinas of their arrival and wait for the approval to check in there.
- Then, they will file a form (click here to check the form details) which informs of the number of people on board and some information about the boat. This form has to be sent to the marina not later than 24 hours before arrival.
- The marina will then transfer the information to French authorities, and boaters are then free to enter the territory and sail in French waters for 90 days!
Leaving
When leaving French waters to go to a country outside of the Schengen zone, you will have to file the same document and send it again to one of the marinas at least 24 hours before departure. It does not have to be the same marina where you checked in!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please note that this authorization is only valid in Schengen waters. According to Port Lézardrieux, you will need another authorization to visit the countries’ in-lands.
The 53 marinas
On this map, you will find the 53 marinas where you can now check in without going to a border crossing point.
The form
You will find the form by clicking here. After completing it, you have to send it to one of the 53 marinas by email at least 24 hours before your arrival, and they should have all the documents ready by the time you arrive!
And here was everything you needed to know on the new protocol to enter the Schengen waters! We hope this article has enlightened you and made your upcoming journey to France more exciting!
