France & Monaco

rules and regulations


  • BERTHING

    - Advance booking required for high-demand ports like Port Hercule (Monaco) or Cannes; Catalano secures berths for yachts up to 75m (Benoa Marina partnership).


    - France: Port fees include waste disposal; Monaco’s Port Hercule charges vary by season, with new docking facilities expanding capacity.


    - Maximum speed in Monaco harbors: 3 knots; vessels must remain maneuverable

  • CUSTOMS

    - France: Non-EU yachts must clear customs at Ports of Entry (PPF) or 53 approved non-PPF marinas (since June 2024); submit entry/exit forms in advance.


    - Monaco: French Customs (Douane) handle clearance; non-EU yachts eligible for Temporary Admission (TPA) for up to 18 months.


    - Report to Direction des Ports (Monaco) within 24 hours; notify Pilot Station on departure

  • VAT

    - France: 20% TVA on goods/services; charters must prove TVA paid on vessel and fees. Catalano’s LogNav portal automates TVA calculations for commercial yachts.


    - Monaco: Aligns with French TVA; non-EU yachts under TPA may be exempt.


    - Non-EU visitors can claim TVA refunds via Tax-Free forms, validated within 3 months.

  • VISAS

    - Schengen rules apply: Non-EU crew/passengers allowed 90 days in 180 without visa (e.g., US, Canada).


    - Non-EU crew require a seaman’s discharge book for immigration stamps; otherwise, face Schengen limits.


    - France’s non-PPF marinas require advance border control forms; PPF ports need in-person passport checks.

  • ANCHORING

    - France: Anchoring prohibited within 200m of beaches to protect Posidonia seagrass; fines up to €4,000 for waste discharge within 3 miles (black/grey water).


    - Monaco: Anchoring restricted within 100m of coast (non-beach areas); swimmers in harbors face fines.


    - France requires holding tanks for yachts post-2008 in ports/anchorages; discharge allowed beyond 12 miles at 4 knots.

  • OTHER RULES

    - Third-party insurance mandatory in French and Monaco waters.


    - France: No untreated sewage discharge in canals/rivers; pump-out facilities limited.


    - Monaco: Report any works affecting vessel maneuverability to Port Authority.