United Kingdom - Customs
Customs Rules for Yachts Arriving/Departing the UK
Customs for Yachts 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.
See Clearance for full details.
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.
Leaving your boat in the UK:
It is permitted to leave your boat in the UK while you leave the country, however this must be approved first by the National Temporary Admission Seat (NTAS). They will want confirmation that the vessel is not going to be used in your absence and where it is being left. Email: NTAS@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, Phone: 03000 579 055.
Customs for Yachts 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.
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 Pleasure 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.
If you’re planning to buy a pleasure craft in the UK but intend to keep it permanently outside the UK, you may be eligible to purchase it VAT-free using the Sailaway Boat scheme.
UK residents who bought EU VAT paid boats and based them in the EU, may 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
Buying Spares/Parts in the UK:
Following Brexit there is no longer tax-free shopping in the UK for international visitors. The ‘VAT Retail Export Scheme’ allowed certain people to claim back the VAT they have paid on most of the goods they took out of the country. This scheme ended on 31 December 2020 in respect of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). It continues to operate in Northern Ireland and may return to the UK as a whole in the future.
Last updated: April 2024
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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 – http://www.noonsite.com/General/EuropeanUnion