EUROPEAN CUSTOMS

Cruising to Europe this summer? Make sure you know the rules for clearing in and out

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Things have changed considerably over the last few years when it comes to freedom of movement to sail and travel within the European Union, and many of the freedoms British sailors took for granted five years ago are now gone. Here are a few guidelines to help point you in the right direction for some of the key issues this summer. This article does not cover VAT regulations for buying, selling or importing your boat to or from the EU. Please be aware also that regulations and their implementation vary from country to country and even from port to port, and things are in a state of flux, with new systems and processes being introduced every few months at present.

It is therefore worth checking with the authorities and with individual harbours that your plans will not lead you into falling foul of the rules before you travel. That's the disclaimer, so here goes.

EUROPEAN CUSTOMS

As we well know, non-EU passport holders are restricted to a maximum of 90 days in every 180 days in the Schengen area. You could check in and out with each EU country you visit by going through immigration and customs at a port of entry so passage time isn't ‘on the clock’, but you don’t have to do this. You will, however, sometimes be required to check in again to new countries. For example, you must check in to Greece, which will levy a cruising tax and issue you with a transit log. Either way, you are required to have stamps in your passport to show when you arrive, and when you left.