United Kingdom - Customs
Customs pre-arrival in the UK:
If you are leaving or entering the UK on a pleasure boat of any kind, you are required to submit an online, pleasure craft report.
Visit spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk and complete the simple, one-stop digital form up to 24 hours before you depart.
Customs on arrival in the UK:
- If arriving from outside the UK and you have not completed the pre-arrival form above, the National Yachtline will ask you to complete form C1331.
- Since January 1st, 2022, this can either be completed online as an Excel spreadsheet and emailed, or printed, completed and mailed if you prefer.
Postal address for C1331 forms:
United Kingdom Border Force
Yacht Reports
Freight Clearance Centre
Lord Warden Square
Western Docks
Dover
Kent
CT17 9DN
Length of Stay:
Temporary admission will be granted to yachts registered outside the UK (in the name of a person established outside the UK) for up to 18 months. See more details on the UK Government website.
Customs on departure from the UK:
When leaving the UK (other than going to Northern Ireland), yachts should once again use the online pleasure craft report form, or complete Form C1331 (as above for arrivals).
See UK Government Guidance on Departure from the UK.
Other Customs Information:
Visit UK Gov. Sailing a Pleasure Craft within UK waters for details on VAT status.
Visit UK Gov. Sailing a Pleaasure Craft that is arriving in the UK for details on Goods to Declare.
Visit UK Gov. Travelling to the UK for all other Customs requirements.
UK residents who bought EU VAT paid boats and based them in the EU, have to pay VAT again if they want to return their boats to the UK. More details at:
Custom rules for sailing your pleasure craft to, from and within UK waters
Last updated: August 2022
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I’m sailing from Norway to Britain with a dog. I’ve come to realize Shetland is a no go port. Is it at all possible for us to sail around Britain with a 35 kilo dog, that has all his relevant documents? He’s been to other European countries over the past 5 years with no problem. Any advice?
I’m looking of buying a yacht but looking to live on it within either a marina or at a mooring. The yacht would be around 40 foot in length. I’m have trouble finding a marina that allows live aboard while in a marina. Would be grateful if someone can point me in the right direction.
Many thanks Chris
Hi Chris, 100% recommend you join the Cruising Association (CA) and ask their advice. They have a huge membership base in the UK and will be able to let you know the score re. living aboard there.
From my own experience a week ago, I can add Yarmouth in the Solent as a port for supply/shelter during corona shutdown for yachts in transit.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YACHTS VISITING THE UK
It is important to remember that the UK is not part of the Schengen Area Agreement, so it is necessary for any boat with non-EU nationals on board to clear with UK Immigration (many non-EU visitors would be granted a 6-month visitor’s visa).
Failure to report means you are illegal immigrants!
EU citizens automatically have the right to stay (at the moment). The UK leaving the EU will change many regulations.
Non-EU citizens can only freely move within the Schengen Area (for 90 days in any 180 day period) once cleared into their first designated Schengen country. EU countries outside Schengen must be cleared into in the usual way.
It is not unusual for those from outside Europe do not understand the difference between the Schengen Area and the EU. For a full explanation see noonsite’s EU page – https://noonsite.wccstaging.com/General/EuropeanUnion