Is it possible to obtain a visa for boating on the canals?
A visa is require both for those boating on internal French waterways, and those docked at French coastal ports for longer than 90 days
I want to take my boat to travel around France via its canal system for six months. I live in the UK. Is this possible?
Yes, but as you are planning to be in France for more than 90 days, if you are a non-EU national you need to apply for a visa, as if you do not, you will be limited by the 90/180 days rule. The correct visa to apply for would be a six-month visa de long-séjour temporaire. A visa lasting for longer than this normally relates to settled residency.
This is required both for those boating on internal French waterways, and those docked at French coastal ports (where you are still nominally in French territory, even if you do not disembark).
The UK’s Barge Association and also the Cruising Association confirmed that it is possible for boaters – both those who dock in a marina, and those who sail French canals – to obtain a VLS-T.
Some questions in the application, such as those regarding your address, will need to be answered differently than if you were staying at a fixed address such as a French second home.
For example, you should provide details of your boat and where it is located in France (or put ‘various’ if this does not apply). More information can be found from the Barge Association.