As parts of the world slowly begin to reopen and loosen up on their lockdowns, it’s important to stay cautious and remain informed as the rules and regulations change. Governments and agencies are working to determine the best procedures to do so without further increasing the spread of COVID-19. We strive to keep you updated on the latest restrictions but do check with local authorities and the listed websites for the most up-to-date information. If there is any information or resources you’d like to share with us, email: aileen@dockwalk.com.
Antigua
As of June 1, The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has opened its borders in a phased approach with the V.C. Bird International Airport accepting international and regional air traffic and the Antigua Port Authority opening to cargo vessels, pleasure crafts (including private yachts), and ferry services, which are required to follow all health guidelines issued by Port Health, according to the June 2 travel advisory.
During Phase 1, all arriving passengers must have a mask in their possession for use on disembarkation, which must also be worn in all public areas throughout their stay, and complete a Health Declaration Form. Arriving passengers will be subjected to screening and temperature checks upon arrival and be monitored for COVID-19 in accordance with guidelines of the Quarantine Authority and “may undergo a rapid antigen test on arrival or at the hotel of lodging as determined by the Health Authorities,” the advisory says. ab.gov.ag; antiguanice.com
Bahamas
With a phased implementation, The Bahamas are beginning to reopen to travel. All visitors arriving between June 8–30 must have a COVID-19 test with negative results done within 10 days of arrival. Domestic travel (inter-island) will be permitted on June 8, and at that time, Staniel Cay Yacht Club Marina and fuel dock will be open and operate as normal.
International private vessel travel will be permitted on June 15, and on July 1, international travel will be permitted with Makers Air resuming daily scheduled flights. stanielcay.com; makersair.com
Croatia
Vessels longer than 24 meters can enter Croatia freely from international waters and moor in marinas, The Dubrovnik Times reports. However, upon entering Croatia, all Croatian and foreign citizens are to follow the Croatian Institute of Public Health’s restrictions. SOS Yachting shares that Croatian crew are no longer subject to self-isolation measures, and all foreign crewmembers are allowed to enter Croatia and embark on yachts currently berthed in Croatia and also won’t be subject to self-isolation. But all other crew are recommended to not leave the vessel except only when necessary for 14 days upon arrival, which also include days of sailing or at anchorage.
For private yachts, to cross the state border, “foreign nationals, will need to prove the ownership of the vessel or the entitlement to use the yacht (lease agreement),” SOS Yachting says. If the yacht is owned by a legal entity, proof of the ownership (or responsible person) of that legal entity must be submitted. A berthing contract or proof from a marina that the yacht is currently located there will also be required, along with a complete list of crew and passengers. sosyachting.com
France and EU
As of June 15, France and the EU have lifted travel restrictions. EU, Switzerland, and UK passport holders and residents are allowed into The French Territory as long as the flight comes from any of the EU or UK Countries. Riviera Yacht Support notes that French or Monegasque residents can always be repatriated from international destinations (non-EU or UK). Flights from international destinations with passengers holding an EU or UK passport or resident card should stop at an EU or UK airport and go through customs before arriving in France.
For flights arriving from Spain or the UK, a 14-day quarantine will be requested by the French Government, but this doesn’t apply to professional crewmembers, RYS notes. They have supplied the documents that all passengers must fill out before arriving in France and can be found: here.
The European Committee for Professional Yachting have created a guide for yachts, specifically related to travel for guests and crew, which you can find: here
Greece
International sea arrivals will be permitted beginning on July 1, and travelers will be subject to random testing. Through June 14, all international flights will land in Athens; from June 15-30, in Athens and Thessaloniki; and on July 1, throughout Greece. For more specifics on the cities and countries flights are available from and quarantine information depending on origination, visit: gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
The Maldives
An ease in lockdown restrictions have been announced for The Maldives since its border closure on March 27. The Maldives will open its borders on July 15 for resorts, marinas, tourist vessels, and tourist hotels on uninhabited islands. “Per the current plan, the first phase allows for the arrival of private jets and visiting tourists and yachts from June 1, 2020,” Director of Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives Mohamed Hameed said in a May press release. However, foreign-flagged yachts will not be allowed to embark or disembark passengers on or off inhabited islands until August 1, according to Ministry of Tourism guidelines. Vessels not under IMO regulations will be exempt and may disembark onto islands with the Port Health’s approval.
Foreign yachts are allowed to cruise and charter in the Maldives after obtaining the required permits and licenses. The guidelines include yachts are allowed a 180-day stay in the Maldives, the crew is allowed 90 days per entry maximum stay, and after arrival from another country and going through immigration, the vessel can return and be awarded the same period again. For more information on the formalities required for arrivals, Asia-Pacific Superyachts can advise when all is confirmed and the captain is in contact with APS Maldives. www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com
Montenegro
In the last 28 days, Montenegro has no new cases of COVID-19 and currently has 0 cases. The government of Montenegro has introduced further relaxation measures for maritime traffic. The country opens its borders to all countries with less than 25 people infected per 100,000 inhabitants, allowing “yacht arrivals from the same countries without the need for quarantine,” according to the Porto Montenegro June 4 press release. For the list of countries that currently meet the requirement, visit: portomontenegro.com
Porto Montenegro fully supports all measures currently in place, and implanted procedures include “easily available testing on COVID-19 for all our clients and staff, special luggage disinfection for the marina and hotel guests, daily maintenance of high hygiene standards across the entire marina and nautical village.”
Saint Lucia
The borders of Saint Lucia officially opened to international travelers on June 4, 2020, as part of Phase One of the reopening plan. The borders are open to all regional and international flights for travelers who meet the entry requirements, the June 4 update states.
Among the protocols that will be implemented include visitors are required to present certified proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of boarding their flight and must be confirmed at COVID-19 certified accommodation properties. All travelers must continue to use face masks and physical distancing upon their arrival, and they will be subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities. Phase Two will begin on August 1, 2020, with details to be revealed at a later date.stlucia.org/en/covid-19
Spain
As of May 15, Spain has a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals from outside of Spain, including returning nationals and permanent residents, and arrivals must provide proof of address of where they will quarantine, Estela Shipping Agency shared. For crew, this quarantine can be served on board, as long as it’s confirmed by the captain or the vessel’s management, and time spent sailing/cruising non-stop before arrival in Mallorca counts toward quarantine time.
“Port police tell us they will assess each case in isolation, making it impossible to have any certainty about how crew will be treated when wishing to embark or disembark a yacht,” the post says. “The decision to quarantine lies with the port police.”
During quarantine, you must remain home or at your accommodation, limiting travel to shopping for food, pharmaceuticals, and basic necessities or visiting health centers, services, and establishments. A mask must be worn at all times when traveling outside of quarantine, and it is noted that all yacht crew may not come ashore except for emergencies and essentials, no matter how long they’ve been in Mallorca. Also, the exercise slots that were introduced on May 4 do not apply to crew. They say, “Police accept that this is unworkable in practice and that enforcement would be up to individual officers, but it is important to note that this restriction exists.” estelashipping.es
The two-week quarantine requirement for overseas arrivals will be lifted on July 1, Spanish newspaper El Pais reports.
Tahiti
French Polynesia has had no active cases of COVID-19 since May 29, so on June 19, its authorities announced that starting on July 15, quarantine measures will be lifted and French Polynesia’s borders will re-open to international tourism. All travelers must take a SARS-CoV-2 virus genome test within 72 hours before the flight to Tahiti. “The results of this test must be negative and will need to be presented to airline staff upon check-in prior to boarding the flight to French Polynesia,” the announcement says.
For the conditions and to prepare for your stay in Tahiti: https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/covid-19/
Tunisia
With some of the lowest number of cases in Europe, Tunisia is due to be lifting its border restrictions on June 27. Yachts will be welcomed back to cruise Tunisia’s water and resume their regular maritime services. “Strict procedures and safety protocols for the hospitality industry and wider businesses are being rolled out in preparation for this date,” the Yacht Services Tunisia press release states. In accordance to World Health Organization guidelines, hospitality staff will be undergoing additional training to competently undertake the newly required safety procedures. www.ys-tunisia.com
Turkey
Private and chartered yachts are once again free to travel across the entirety of the Turkish coast, C2C Yachting shared. The Turkish government and health authorities have taken all precautionary measures, and there are protocols in place for yachts. All marinas across Turkey are fully operational and disinfected daily by government-certified teams using eco-friendly products. During your time in the marina and public locations, it is required to wear masks and gloves.
Domestic flights began on June 1, and international flights are slowly starting to operate from a variety of countries through mostly Turkish Airlines and continue to add more cities weekly. www.c2cyachting.com