International dialling code for the United Kingdom is +44
Mobile phones - easy access to the network coverage for every major UK mobile phone network. Prepaid SIM Card recommended for visitors to the UK.
Wi-Fi is available at almost all harbours in the UK, sometimes at no charge. You can register and pay online for harbour Wi-Fi services and you will encounter some of the same companies in different areas. WiFi hotspots are widespread in all UK towns.
Note: The Central Solent
Due to the heavy amount of traffic using VHF Channel 16 in this area, uniquely, an initial call to Solent Coast Guard should be made on VHF Channel 67 for routine traffic and radio checks.
Radio checks may, of course, be conducted on any working channel with other stations – marinas, yachts etc.
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REFERENCE Sailing in the firth of clyde, Scotland.
Recently Peel Ports Clydebank were intending to introduce a fee for sailing in the firth of clyde. Due to the navigational area this would have covered there was no way to avoid paying (90gbp summer 140 or so Gbp annually). Fortunately due to a public backlash and work by Mr Stuart McMillen, MSP for the area Peel Ports will not now impose the fee “at the moment”
It might be wise to investigate in the future in case Peel Ports do impose fees.
We (2 U.S. citizens) arrived in the Outer Hebridies in August 2025 after an 11 day passage from Newfoundland. Clearance was as described here at Noonsite. There are a few things to watch out for:
* You will want to complete the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before starting to file the pleasure craft arrival report; the reporting process checks ETA status for each person on board.
We used the ETA app on a phone to obtain authorization. The process requires use of the phone’s camera to get pictures of the passport pages and of the actual associated person. Our biggest challenge was finding a neutral background on our boat large enough for the photo!
* You should START the arrival report BEFORE you leave for the U.K. You can edit the arrival date later, but you can’t provide a departure date (leaving for the U.K.) earlier than the date on which you create the report. So create the report with an estimated arrival date and update it if necessary upon actual arrival.
Thanks Jerry and Katy for these great tips!
Hi Tori,
We are currently trying to work through the logistics of bringing a dog into the UK too. We are all still in Australia. It would seem that the only way to get our puppy into Britain is to travel via a designated port by approved means. For us it will mean taking a berth in Cherbourg and travelling by ferry to Poole with him, placing him in a boarding kennel, returning to Cherbourg then sailing back to Poole where we will reunite
Regards
Michael
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?
See the pet section for details please: https://www.noonsite.com/place/united-kingdom/view/pets/
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