Entering by boat: United Kingdom
What to do to enter United Kingdom by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.
Based on official sources, checked on 28 October 2026.
Before you arrive
- Notify the authorities 2 hours before arrival.
- Online procedure: sPCR — single Pleasure Craft Report (HMRC / Border Force) — spcr.homeoffice.gov.uk
The steps
- Get an ETA for every non-British / non-Irish crew member.
- Create the sPCR report online before leaving (2 to 24 h before departure).
- Hoist the Q flag on entering UK waters.
- Wait for Border Force permission before anyone lands (often granted remotely).
Papers to have on board
- Passports for the whole crew
- Visas, if your nationality requires them
- Crew list
- Boat papers (registration certificate)
- Papers for animals on board
Good to know
- There are no official ports of entry any more: you may arrive at any port; the sPCR report replaces a visit to an office.
- Submit the sPCR between 24 h and 2 h before departing for the UK; without internet, use form C1331 or the email template and call the National Yachtline (0300 123 2012).
- Fly the Q flag from the 12-mile limit until formalities are complete.
- Since 2025 most non-British, non-Irish visitors, including Europeans, need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling.
- Since 20 July 2026 form C384 is mandatory for a pleasure craft being IMPORTED (VAT/duty), not for a simple visit.
- Animals or birds on board: notify the port health authority 4 to 12 h before arrival.
Ports of entry
The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.
- Bangor Marina (Belfast Lough)CustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- BelfastCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- Brighton MarinaCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- DartmouthCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- DoverCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- FalmouthCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- HolyheadCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- Milford HavenCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- ObanCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- PlymouthCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- PooleCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- RamsgateCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
- WeymouthCustomsImmigrationHarbour office
Isle of Wight
Lewis (Outer Hebrides)
Prepare your arrival with Hullteam
In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.
Create my free accountSources
- gov.uk/guidance/sailing-a-pleasure-craft-that-is-arriving-in-the-uk
- gov.uk/guidance/submit-a-pleasure-craft-report
- gov.uk/guidance/sailing-a-pleasure-craft-into-the-uk-temporarily-for-private-use
- noonsite.com/place/united-kingdom/formalities
This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.