The UK is generally a safe country. Like anywhere, keep your belongings safe and concealed and lock your boat. If in a city centre be aware of pickpockets and in London choose a tube carriage with other people inside.
England’s South Coast has seen a sharp increase in migrants crossing the Channel in small boats since 2021. Figures published by the Government for the last 7 days can be found here. See this report for more details and what do do if you encounter a migrant boat.
Border Force has partnered with Crimestoppers to create the Coastal Crime Line to keep the country safe. The Coastal Crime Line was established to give everyone the ability to contribute to the protection of UK maritime ports and coastal communities against illegal and hostile conduct that could put people at risk. Boaters are urged to report any shady behavior they spot around the nation's coastline anonymously by calling 0800 011 3304 or by reporting it online.
Last updated: April 2024
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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