Notice is hereby given that since the United Kingdom left the European Union at the end of 2020, new customs and immigration procedures have been adopted by the UK Government from 1st January 2021.
Display ‘Q’ Flag on arrival
If you arrive from outside the UK (and this includes the Channel Islands) the ‘Q’ flag must be flown, where it can readily be seen, as soon as you enter UK waters (the 12 nautical mile limit). Do not take down the flag until you have finished reporting to the customs authorities. Failure to comply will make you liable to a penalty.
Customs Notification
Visitors are required to call the
National Yachtline on
+44 (0) 300 123 2012 to declare their vessel status (VAT paid, goods). See the
National Yachtline website for more details.
Immigration Notification
Visitors seeking entry into the UK (including visitors from the European Economic Area) must call the regional
Border Force office; Border Force South on
+44 (0)7557 205925 upon arrival or ahead of arrival for immigration purposes. Visitors are not permitted to leave their craft until they have been granted permission to enter the UK. Border Force Officers will be available from 05:30 till 02:00 GMT every day to answer calls.
For full details see the UK Government website:
Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizenDeparting the UK
Before leaving the UK (which includes going to the Channel Islands), you must advise the Border Force of your intentions by posting form C1331 (the address it must be posted to can be found on the form). See
Declare pleasure craft on voyages leaving or arriving in the UK website.
Full details of the new procedures can be found on the UK Government website
Notice 8: sailing your pleasure craft to and from the UKThis Local Notice to Mariners shall remain in force until further notice.
• LNTM 03(T) of 2021 - UK Entry & Exit Formalities for Recreational Craft
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