We are a non-EU boat and crew, currently travelling down the coast of France, Spain and Portugal. Unless we rush through we will be close to out of Schengen time  We can stop in Gibraltar or Morocco but that will leave it too late I would think - mid December. Does anyone have any recent experience with how Schengen time is applied in the Canary Islands? I realize they are part of Spain. We plan to investigate a visa extension when we get to Spain but if that does not work out I would like to know our options. Many thanks for any help you can extend.

I have been told that in the Canary Islands one can request for the authorities to not stamp ones passport so long as one stays within 10 km of the port limits. I do not know if this is true, but it would make sense for yachties who are in transit preparing to voyage across the ocean.

Does anyone know if this is true or merely blind optimism.

Kind regards

Nick Newington
S/Y Amelia

+x

 

Nick.Newington - 17 Jul 2023

I have been told that in the Canary Islands one can request for the authorities to not stamp ones passport so long as one stays within 10 km of the port limits. I do not know if this is true, but it would make sense for yachties who are in transit preparing to voyage across the ocean.

Does anyone know if this is true or merely blind optimism.

Kind regards

Nick Newington
S/Y Amelia

This is true, but you need to know what you're doing. You can stay 'in transit' in Spain, Italy, Greece, France and Malta. These countries are signatories to the IMO's 1965 convention and have adopted the recommended practices that allow non-paid crew and passengers to stay in their waters without entering Schengen. Application is best done through a bonded agents to avoid any arguments with immigration control.