Advice on UK Boat Cruising in the EU

[Markh9]

My wife and I currently live full-time in the UK aboard our 70ft Wide Beam Canal boat. We would love to be able to transport the boat to France or Netherlands and cruise the European waterways for a few years.

With Brexit we understand things have changed and don't particularly want to get into a debate about that, it is what it is.

We would like to work on pure fact but are finding it hard to find definitive information on how we could realise our little dream.

Has anyone recently done this? Does anyone know someone who has/ is doing this? Any advice on websites or relevant information would be much appreciated.

All the best
M & A

[boatman61]

First 2 problems..
VAT will be imposed on the boat unless you take it out of the EU every 18 months for at least 1 night to a non EU country.
As UK citizens you will be restricted to 90 days in every 180 days.

[goboatingnow]

The situation is simple and these are the facts

As a “ third country “ national you ( ie the crew ) are limited to 90 days in the EU out of a rolling 180.

Anything else requires residency/national visas for each country.

A U.K. boat entering the EU has an allowance of 18 months before EU vat becomes due. You need to take the boat out of the EU waters to reset the VAT clock. Usually a night in a non EU port with a receipt etc will suffice . This may prove awkward in relation to European inland waterways.

There is no requirement to pre-approve the entry of the boat into the eu.

Note that entry into France for ports other then a designated port of entry requires you to submit a form to LeHarve detailing your entry point

[goboatingnow]

Note that transporting the boat by truck to the EU may expose you you to vat as the importer ( ie the trucking company ) is legally responsible for ensuring the correct import processes are followed.

If you go down this route it’s worth getting confirmation from the relevant customs authority that Temporary import relief is granted ( this is not required if you personally sail in )

[bobgarrett]

You need to look to the Cruising Association. They have done huge amounts of work and lobbying on VAT, access, 90/180, visas etc. and have a very active Inland European Waterways Group who have studied this in detail and many members who can advise.
Some information is public but most you need to be a member for.
https://www.theca.org.uk/news/rats/brexit_webinar_video

[Stewie12]

Try the RYA. They may have some members who have done that.

[goboatingnow]

Two members have given you the facts. What more do you need. This is actually not a complicated subject

[Nyaminyami]

Hey Mr 5-star goboatingnow.
What does "an old salt " mean ?
To be one, do you have to be snarky? or can you be snarky even when you are only "nearly an old salt". Is there anything more you have to do to call yourself "an old fart" ?
Just asking.
What more do you need.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Nyaminyami

Hey Mr 5-star goboatingnow.
What does "an old salt " mean ?
To be one, do you have to be snarky? or can you be snarky even when you are only "nearly an old salt". Is there anything more you have to do to call yourself "an old fart" ?
Just asking.
What more do you need.

Why keep pointing people to links.
The OP asked a question , the question was answered by two people. Unless someone has a specific query on that advice then the advice has been provided

I’m sure the OP can also google like you.

The point is it’s a simple subject made complex by mis information.

Yes there are specific issues that can complicate things but the OP asked a simple question

The cruising association presentation is fine and dandy but the OP seems to suggest the boat will be transported to the EU and that needs a little prep work.


( by the way the OP will require operator competence cert , an ICC with the CEVNI extension and an ATIS equipped VHF. ( if a radio is fitted ))along with canal permits in both Holland and France.

[Clivevon]

Originally Posted by bobgarrett

You need to look to the Cruising Association. They have done huge amounts of work and lobbying on VAT, access, 90/180, visas etc. and have a very active Inland European Waterways Group who have studied this in detail and many members who can advise.
Some information is public but most you need to be a member for.
https://www.theca.org.uk/news/rats/brexit_webinar_video

Sounds like that would save you a lot of time. Looks like your best bet.

[goboatingnow]

In fairness of all the groups the CA has been the most active and has secured considerable concessions . They managed to get changes to the transit log in Greece and new ports of entry formalities with the French.

[goboatingnow]

Again if you intend to truck the boat make sure you engage with a reputable operation and make sure you have the temporary import provisions squared away. Few transport companies will be familiar with this as they didn’t have to encounter it till now.

[Markh9]

Thank you for the advice ����

[wolfgal]

Originally Posted by Markh9

Thank you for the advice ����

hello

The RYA is a great resource and a great starting point.

i have a tidbit to offer. you'll need to do some research to see if this info actually holds water, but, from what i have heard, you can use the 90 days at the end of one year, spend New Years, and then begin another batch of 90 days.


good luck to you!

wolfie

[Anders]

Originally Posted by wolfgal

hello

The RYA is a great resource and a great starting point.

i have a tidbit to offer. you'll need to do some research to see if this info actually holds water, but, from what i have heard, you can use the 90 days at the end of one year, spend New Years, and then begin another batch of 90 days.


good luck to you!

wolfie

No. It's 90 days in any 180 days.