The pleasure craft report: when and how a yacht reports to Border Force

The pleasure craft report is made online to Border Force between two and twenty-four hours before the yacht sails from its last port for the United Kingdom.

A private yacht arriving in the United Kingdom reports to Border Force through the pleasure craft report, made online between two and twenty-four hours before it sails from its last port. GOV.UK changed its guidance in April 2026 to time the report from departure rather than from arrival. If the online service is down, the report is sent by email on the Border Force template or on form C1331.

The yellow Q flag is flown from the twelve-mile limit until an officer confirms that it may be lowered, and no one lands until Border Force has given permission. The report is made again before departure, unless the yacht is bound for Northern Ireland.

A yacht carrying passengers for payment clears as a commercial vessel instead. We submit the report for you and handle the rest of the clearance.