Visas and Other Considerations for non-EU Sailors

Created by jimmy. Last modified on 2004-03-21 14:48:56
Contributors:
Topic: European Union

Following the report about formalities in the European Union for non-EU registered boats as well as for non-EU citizens, it should be made clear that the introduction of the 18 month grace period during which non-EU boats can be importedmtemporarily into the EU seems to have created almost as many problems as it had tried to resolve. Several non-EU sailors encountered various problems in the EU during the summer of 2002, basically because in some EU countries there seem to be two sets of regulations in operation: one purely national, and one which applies to the EU as a whole. Alhough only the latter should be the one to count, this is not always the case, which usually is impossible to explain to some official in a remote port.

One possible source of misunderstanding is the fact that visa requirements for non-EU cizitizen must not be confused with VAT regulations. Notwithstanding the 18 month grace period for the temporary importation of pleasure craft, in principle non-EU citizens may not be allowed to spend more than 90 or 180 days in a EU country. In Greece, for example, a tourist visa is only valid for 90 days and extensions are normally only granted once in every six month period. Similarly, in some countries, such as France, private vessels owned by non-French citizens, that are used for over six months in any 12 month period must be temporarily imported and local navigation fees paid. In such cases, formalities must be carried out at the local customs office. Boats that remain in France over the six month period, but are not being used, need not be imported but must be put in bond with customs.

The best advice for anyone planning to cruise in the EU for longer periods, is to make sure that whatever is agreed with local customs or immigration officers, is confirmed in writing, and nothing is left to chance.