
Chartering close to home Series #4: The Eastern Mediterranean
June 8, 2020
The Ultimate Sea to Shore Celebration
June 8, 2020France
Can I travel there?
Currently passengers arriving from a non-Schengen Member State are not allowed to enter France, except from the UK. A completed International Travel Certificate must be presented prior to boarding and to Immigration upon arrival or when transiting France. The certificate must be obtained before departure via the French consular offices abroad or online. Passengers must complete a declaration on honour to state that they do not have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The declaration must be dated with the name and signature of the passenger and they may be subject to quarantine or isolation.
Is my charter affected?
Ports in France are open to EU citizens and no quarantine is required if from the EU, Schengen or UK. Charters are allowed but no boats arriving from “No Schengen” countries are allowed in French waters for anchoring or entering any ports.
Spain
Can I travel there?
Passengers travelling to Spain are required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. This is planned to end on 1 July 2020 when the 2-weeks quarantine policy will be lifted for foreign travellers.
Is my charter affected?
Most ports in Spain remained closed until 7 June 2020. Currently there is no restrictions to vessels calling alongside however confirmation must be given that all crew are free from Covid-19 symptoms and assistance on board from shore personnel will be avoided as much as possible. Some charter activity is possible however it is dependent on the region and flag of vessel. Professional crew are not subject to a quarantine period.
Italy
Can I travel there?
Passengers are not allowed to enter Italy unless they are arriving from an EU (including the UK) or Schengen member state or travelling for business. Passengers arriving from EU or Schengen member states do not have to quarantine for 14 days. Passengers arriving for business do not have to quarantine for 14 days if their stay does not exceed 72 hours.
Is my charter affected?
Ports in Italy have lifted restrictions since the 18 May 2020 and currently there are no restrictions to yachting activities and vessels can operated between different regions and ports. The only restrictions to chartering remains on board commercial yachts where guests must maintain 1m social distancing measures, use face masks and gloves where appropriate and the crew must frequently disinfect the yacht.
Greece
Can I travel there?
Until 15 June 2020 all travellers, irrespective of nationality, including nationals of EU (including the UK) and Schengen Plus countries, are tested and quarantined on arrival. The same rules obviously apply to Greek citizens. If the test is negative, they are placed in a 7-day self-quarantine; if the test is positive, they are under monitored 14-day quarantine. The measures are for the protection of public health and are applicable to all travellers without discrimination.
After 15 June 2020 international flights are allowed into Athens and Thessaloniki airports and there will be a gradual return to normalcy with testing only done to travellers arriving from high risk areas.
From 1 July 2020 international flights are allowed into all airports in Greece and visitors are subject to random tests upon arrival.
Is my charter affected?
Ports in Greece are open to EU citizens. All precautionary measures are being taken and there are protocols in place concerning the operation of luxury crewed yachts, such as crew are prohibited to go ashore. However, from 28 May 2020 restrictions on commercial yacht charters have been lifted to allow luxury crewed yachts freedom to operate throughout the entirety of Greek waters.
Turkey
Can I travel there?
Turkey remains closed to foreign passengers from entering the country and maintains restrictions on passengers wishing to transit Turkey arriving from certain states.
Is my charter affected?
Unfortunately, ports in Turkey remain closed in align with the ban on travel enforce in the country and dates on when restrictions may be lifted are unclear.
Croatia
Can I travel there?
Passengers are on the whole free to travel to Croatia with no tests and no quarantine upon arrival. Tourism is welcomed by Croatia, however visitors must obey the national social distancing rules in place.
Is my charter affected?
Ports in Croatia have all reopened to all EU and non-EU citizens and are operating as normal. No quarantine is needed and all foreign yachts are welcome. Guests on a charter can arrive with without having had fresh Anti Covid tests, but it is advised for crew safety. When crossing the border, all charter guests will need to present the “List of crew and passengers” from eCrew system to the border police as a proof they are embarking commercial yacht in Croatia.