Cala del Forte becomes a Schengen border entry point for Europe

Marina Cala del Forte has been added to the list of Schengen border entry points

This is an important measure that officially elevates Marina Cala del Forte to the status of being the first recreational port in Italy’s western region to be designated as a “border entry” for the European Schengen area.

It had been discussed for some time, but the confirmation—specifically the formal inclusion of Cala del Forte in the Ministry of the Interior’s Schengen border entry list, under the Border Division—came just a few days ago. This is significant news, as it enables many yacht owners, captains, and crews from countries outside the Schengen area to obtain entry and exit visas, taking advantage of the marina’s facilities and the Ventimiglia police office located right next to the port.

“This designation of Cala del Forte by the Ministry of the Interior represents a unique opportunity for Cala del Forte and the entire region, which now officially gains the right to welcome a significant portion of the international yachting market – states Gian Battista Borea d’Olmo, CEO of Cala del Forte – In particular, all the superyachts that were previously forced to find more distant solutions from the border area to handle the bureaucratic procedures for entering the Schengen area will benefit.

The tangible effects of this designation have been immediate and will continue over time, ensuring greater visibility and a stronger image for our marina in the international market. It will lead to an increase in high-end tourism and have a ripple effect on the local economy, such as a rise in demand for hospitality and dining services, along with undeniable benefits for the yachting industry and services already offered by Cala del Forte and the surrounding area”.

The Schengen area is made up by 27 countries according to an agreement that allows more than 400 million people to travel freely—without undergoing border checks—between the nations that have signed the agreement. As of January 1, 2023, Croatia (the 27th state) also joined the Schengen area, and from December 30 of the same year, Bulgaria and Romania began the process of joining, eliminating border controls at air and sea borders.