Non-EU flagged yachts can now anchor in France this summer following repeal

By Mairead Finlay 18 May 2021

Today saw an important development for yacht charters in France this summer. It has just been announced that COVID-19 restrictions implemented on non-EU flagged yachts for the past year have just been removed. This is a significant victory for guests concerned about their French Riviera charter booking this season, as it means that all vessels regardless of their flag can stop or drop anchor in French waters.

What you need to know about the announcement

The Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée (maritime authorities in France) released a statement repealing the decree 238/2020 on the anchoring of foreign-flagged vessels today. This decree was initially introduced in France in 2020 as a safety measure against COVID-19 to temporarily reduce the number of incoming visitors to the country.

However, with plans to open the country to travelers from 6th June to American visitors (currently, the only visitors allowed into France are those arriving from the EU, as well as Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the UK. Subject to a negative PCR test result taken within 36 hours of arrival or 72 hours if taken with an antigen test within 24 hours, plus an international travel certificate and a declaration stating they have no Covid symptoms), the demand for change to this decree has been growing.

We rejoice that the season can finally start - superyacht captain Matthias du Verle

The subsequent news has been broadly welcomed by the yacht industry. "Decree 238/2020 would have kept all non-Schengen flagged vessels (more than two-thirds of the fleet) stuck in ports" Matthias du Verle superyacht captain and co-founder of charter supervision software Wolfgang.pro, told YachtCharterFleet. "We rejoice that the season can finally start, and in time for the Monaco Grand Prix! The French Riviera is the beating heart of the industry in the Mediterranean and what happens here affects all yachting-related businesses" said du Verle speaking about the announcement.

"It is thanks to the relentless effort from the main super-yacht professional crew members association Groupement des Equipages Professionals du Yachting (GEPY) that we were able to have this decree waived."

Yacht charters in France

With plans to relax measures in France to not only EU travelers but American yacht charter guests in June, a French Riviera charter this summer can be on the cards again. A perennial favorite thanks to its multitude of enthralling beaches, anchorages and glittering metropolises nonpareil.

If you would like to find out more about a French Riviera yacht rental please consult your chosen yacht charter broker.

To discover more about the region beforehand, take a look at our comprehensive guide on France yacht charters.