Travel bans and port restrictions as of 11/05/2020

FRANCE

Who can travel there?

Since the 11th May France has slowly relaxed its lockdown measures. While travellers coming from the UK, the European Union and the Schengen zone will not need to enter quarantine upon arrival in France, they will need to provide documents proving their need to enter the country with an international travel certificate. Non-European travel will be reviewed on May 15th and will be a Europe-wide decision, with restrictions likely to run until June 15th and all non-E.U. members expected have to undergo a two-week quarantine upon arrival.

Is my charter affected?

French ports are only open to citizens of Schengen zone members. Cruising, anchoring and stopping must be within 54nm of a yacht’s home port and no more than 10 people are allowed onboard. Updates on travel for recreational visits is supposedly announced beginning of June.

SPAIN

Who can travel there?

Only Spanish citizens or those who can prove they are resident in Spain, are currently allowed to enter Spain. The Spanish Government approved a de-escalation plan which will gradually be implemented from May 4 until end of June 2020. Shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist accommodation may open under strict safety conditions following these de-escalation measures.

Is my charter affected?

Currently Spanish ports remain closed. The Spanish Maritime Authority has started a plan clarifying charter activity measures. Four 2-week stages of loosening restrictions, will end on June 8th where no further restrictions apply other than the general public health risks reduction protocols. It’s expected in mid-June ports will reopen to foreign yachts and allow cruising.

ITALY

Who can travel there?

Currently all but essential travel is strictly advised against and can only be made if it is an emergency. The European Commission has recommended an extension of the temporary travel restrictions to the EU+ area until June 15, 2020.

Is my charter affected?

Although entering Italy remains difficult, Italian ports are open with the condition of 14 days isolation, unless yachts stay for less that 72 hours. Port agents must also be notified at least 24 hours before arrival and a declaration of crew health provided. On 18th May the government should ease mobility regulations.

CROATIA

Who can travel there?

Government officials have given indications that its borders could be opened to foreign tourists later in the year. From 11th May Croatian citizens will be permitted to cross borders out of Croatia and foreign nationals will be permitted to enter Croatia for business purposes only but borders remain closed to foreign tourists. Foreigners who are exceptionally permitted to enter Croatia may be required to go into a 14-day supervised quarantine.

Is my charter affected?

Visitors can arrive to Croatian ports from the 11th May and do not need to quarantine. Proof of ownership of yachts in Croatia must be provided, or proof of connection if yacht is under a company name. Guests are allowed onboard but will require an invitation from the owner. There is no limit to the number of guests on board, however they must follow social distancing rules.

GREECE

Who can travel there?

EU nationals are still allowed to enter Greece, with the exception of Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain. Be aware that once you have arrived, you will have to go into 14 days’ self-isolation. Citizens of countries outside the EU are not allowed to enter Greece until 18th May.

Is my charter affected?

Until 18th May no yachts are allowed to enter of exit Greek Ports. The Greek government is expecting to open the islands for tourism mid-June. Restrictions will likely only allow permanent residents access to the islands before mid-June

TURKEY

Who can travel there?

Passengers who are not Turkish nationals or residents of Turkey are not permitted to enter Turkey. Any person granted entry to Turkey must undergo health screening for COVID-19 upon arrival and a 14-day quarantine. An extension of the temporary travel restrictions are recommended to remain until June 15.

Is my charter affected?

Turkish ports are closed and no information has been given on future foreign travel. An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks, but unofficial talk expects ports to reopen on 1st June.