COVID-19 Marina Measures
COVID-19 Coronavirus Marina Measures and Updates
As the novel COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, authorities imposed preventive measures in order to mitigate the constantly growing number of cases. The COVID-19 marina measures listed here comes from marinas and skippers.
FRANCE
21 March, 2021:
Corsica, France. Decree No. 2021-105 of February 2, 2021 amending Decree No. 2020 – 1310 of October 29, 2020 prescribing the general measures necessary to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic within the framework of the state of health emergency modifies the traveling conditions to Corsica (art 56-1).
Any person traveling to Corsica must therefore present:
- An honor declaration that they have no symptoms of the Covid-19 infection and that they have no knowledge of having been in contact with a confirmed case of the Covid-19 in the fourteen days preceding their trip.
- If the person is eleven years of age or older, the result of a virological test (RT PCR test) performed less than 72 hours prior to travel that does not show Covid-19 infection. As an exception, this requirement does not apply to professional road transport workers in the course of their professional practice.
France. From Sunday January 31, any entry into France and any exit from French territory to or from a country outside the European Union is prohibited, except for an overriding reason.
- Entry into France from the European Union, is conditional on presentation of a negative PCR test.
- Travel to overseas territories from France by air is authorized only on compelling reasons.
- See https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus for updates.
- Also https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/coronavirus-advice-for-foreign-nationals-in-france/
ITALY
02 February, 2021
- In order to find out if you can enter Italy, go to ViaggiareSicuri and complete the short questionnaire. The result will give you all the details you need to know.
- Travelling rules vary, depending on the country of origin or destination and the reasons for travelling. For details on travel bans see the Ministry of Health website.
- All travel to Italy from outside the Schengen area is restricted to reasons of work, health or study, absolute urgency, returning home or to join a stable relationship partner.
- In short, for the majority of arrivals coming from a country in the EU:
- All travelers must fill out a self-declaration and prove that they have undergone a molecular or antigenic test, carried out by means of a swab, with negative result.
- You can only take the test in the 48 hours before you arrive in Italy.
- If you are unable to undergo a molecular or antigenic test within 48 hours prior to entering Italy, it may be possible to get tested within 48 hours of arrival. If not – you must self-isolate for 14 days.
- Prior to arrival all yachts must complete a Maritime Declaration of Health (pdf download). This is not available online, so will need to be printed, filled in and then scanned. Failing that, report all information required in the form.
- The completed form must be sent 12 hours prior to arrival to:
– g.pignatello@sanita.it
– usma.siracusa@sanita.it
– cppozzallo@mit.gov.it
- If you are going to Sardinia, you may send the completed form to:
- If heading to a marina, it is highly likely they will assist with sharing the completed form with the necessary authorities.
- In the same e-mail declare for what reason your boat is coming to Italy (i.e. refuel, tourism, emergency repair etc.)
- The Captain also needs to declare the number of people on board and that they all are all in good health (if they are), name of the boat, registration number and flag.
- At least 24 hours before arrival, inform the Marina of your boat details and approximate ETA.
- Yacht owners are obliged to immediately communicate their entry into the regional territory to the competent health authority for the area.
- Before embarking on a trip to Italy, make sure that your Region of destination has no further measures in place. Here you can find their websites. Useful contacts are available here.
SPAIN
01 March, 2021
- Spain has extended its restrictions to travelers from outside the EU until March 31st.
- Travellers from countries outside of the Schengen Area will not be able to make non-essential journeys to Spain, however, travellers from some countries with low infection rates will be able to make the journey (however these are currently not neighbouring countries so don’t relate to yacht arrivals).
- The Spanish government has also extended its restrictions on flights from the UK, South Africa and Brazil until March 16th to contain the new strains of coronavirus in those countries.
- See the official Spain Tourist Board website for further details.
21 February, 2020:
- Entry is possible if coming from an EU/Schengen country.
- Entry from the UK is currently banned.
- All arrivals by sea or air must complete a Health Control Form and if coming from a high risk country provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of arrival in Spain. If arriving without one it may be possible to take a test on arrival, or, you may be fined.
- More details at https://travelsafe.spain.info/en/requirements-to-visit-spain/
GREECE
Resources:
- Greek Gov. Maritime Connections within the Country
- Greek Gov. Transport Protocols
- Protocols for arrivals and departures from Greece: https://travel.gov.gr/
- https://greecehealthfirst.gr/
- https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC
- https://www.atoz-guides.com/coronavirus-in-greece-update/
- https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/
21 February, 2021
- Sea Borders: As of November 9, 2020 arrivals by sea by private yachts, cruise ships, ferry ships and any other professional tourist ships, regardless of flag or destination abroad, as well as the disembarkation of passengers from these boats in any way is prohibited.
- Permission to leave Greece will only be granted to yachts that are bound for a shipyard to get work done on their boat, or bound for home waters. There is a 5000 euro fine for yachts sailing in Greek waters without permission.
- There is no sea from/to connection with Turkey and Albania (with exemption of cargo ships).
- Transiting through Greek waters (i.e. from Turkey to the western Med), without stopping (or going ashore), is permitted (as confirmed by the Greek Coast Guard).
- Air Travel: Residents from EU+ countries are allowed to travel to Greece. EU+ consists of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland. Residents of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, UAE and United Kingdom are also allowed to travel to Greece. Permanent residents of other countries are allowed to travel to Greece only for essential travel.
- Negative COVID -19 PCR test at least 72 hours prior to the travel is necessary for all passengers arriving by air from foreign countries.
- All the external land Greek borders are open only to “essential travellers”.
11 November, 2020
As of November 11, 2020 all people traveling to Greece from foreign countries will be required to have a negative molecular test result (PCR) for COVID-19, performed up to 72 hours before their entry to Greece. This includes air and land arrivals to Greece.
Further, people traveling to Greece should be aware that as of November 6, 2020 Greece is in lockdown. More information about eligible ways and means of transport and movement permits within Greece is available on forma.gov.gr.
This does also apply to Greek citizens, permanent residents of Greece and travelers for essential professional reasons.
Travellers should be laboratory tested with RT-PCR of oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swab.
Only travellers who carry a certificate of a negative RT-PCR test result will be allowed by the border authorities to enter the country. The certificates should be written in English and bear the name and passport/national ID number of the traveller.
The Laboratories that perform the RT-PCR testing should be:
- National Reference laboratories
- National Public Health Laboratories or
- Private laboratories which are accredited from the respective national accreditation authorities (not necessarily specifically for COVID-19).
Certificates that do not fulfill the above criteria will not be accepted. Certificate forgery is punished by Greek Law.
Children under 10 years old are not subject to the obligation to a PCR test.
All travellers will still have to complete and submit their PLF form and may be subject to random testing upon arrival to the Greek border.
CROATIA
7 March, 2021
- On 13th of January 2021, the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia issued a Decision temporarily prohibiting and restricting the crossing of persons across all border crossing points of the Republic of Croatia – with some exceptions.
- If coming from an EU/Schengen country on the green list, then entry into Croatia is as per the same conditions as prior to the pandemic (i.e. no testing or quarantine required), as long as you show no signs of Covid-19 and have not been in contact with an infected person (NOTE: currently NO Mediterranean countries are on the green list).
- If coming from an EU/Schengen country not on the green list, then a PCR test not older than 48 hours old is required to enter, or, a test must be taken on arrival at your own expense and crew must be quarantined until test results are received.
- If testing is not possible, yachts and crew must self-isolate on arrival for 10 days.
- The price for the Covid PCR test in Dubrovnik is currently 200 euros per person.
- See more details at https://mup.gov.hr/uzg-covid/english/286212
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Risk Map
MALTA
12 February, 2021
- Air and sea travel between Malta and specific corridor countries resumed as of the 1st July 2020.
- Check the Government Health Website before traveling – the new variants and spread of the virus means that the situation can change rapidly. Note that the UK is not a current corridor country at this point and arrivals from the UK will be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
- Visitors coming from a corridor country must have a negative PCR swab test no more than 72 hours before traveling, and may be subject to another on arrival.
- Visitors from outside the approved list of countries may be accepted if they are able to prove that they have been in one of the countries on the approved list for at least 14 days before travelling to Malta.
- All visiting yachts, or Maltese yachts returning from overseas, must submit 2 documents to portmedic.mhec@gov.mt up to 24 hours before their arrival in Malta and wait for approval before travelling:
– Maritime Declaration of Health
– Crew List - Do not travel without specific written confirmation of approval.
- The port medic may be reached on 21224810.
- Skippers should then submit the confirmed approval by email to the Marina where they plan to stay.
- On arrival in Maltese territorial waters all yachts should call Valletta Port Control on Channel 12 to advise them of their arrival and await instructions.
- Yacht owners should be aware that properly worn face masks are obligatory in all public areas in Malta. Restaurants are open until 11pm and do not require face masks while seated. Face masks must be worn if moving around the restaurant, e.g. to use the washrooms etc. Bars and places of entertainment are closed. Face masks can be purchased from any local pharmacy.
- Keep up to date with restrictions on entering Malta at https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19
- Malta airport have good information on flying to and from Malta: https://www.maltairport.com/covid19/
CYPRUS
12 March, 2021
North: OPEN (with restrictions from 6th of October 2020)
South: OPEN, 14 DAY QUARANTINE (from 1st of June 2020)
- Airports re-opened on 1 March, 2021.
- Most travelers must provide a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before their departure for Cyprus. Arrivals from countries considered low risk face no restrictions, but that list only covers six countries and none in Europe. Arrivals from high risk countries must quarantine for 14 days. The status of the countries is constantly reviewed.
- Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can enter the country without restrictions from 1 May.
- See https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/eng
- TRNC (Northern Cyprus)
- A gradual lifting of restrictions began on 1 March, 2021, however marinas remain closed until further notice.
- Any travelers entering TRNC from abroad will be subject to a 10-day quarantine, provided they submit negative PCR test results for the last 3 days. Additional PCR tests will be performed at the end of the quarantine.
- Travelers coming from Turkey to the TRNC should submit negative PCR test result documents, which must have a QR code.
- All test and quarantine fees will be covered by the passengers, including citizens of the TRNC.
- See https://pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr/en/covid-19/
OLD UPDATES
25 May, 2020:
- Greece and Croatia opens its borders again!
- From 3rd of June, international travel will resume in Italy.
- Spain confirms tourists can visit from July 1.
As countries slowly emerge from lockdowns and contemplate the new “normality” and how it will affect the summer plans of a whole continent, we believe that there will be opportunities to still travel and enjoy the summer.
11 May, 2020:The good news continues and more marinas announce they open the borders to welcome vessels, but with rules and precaution measures. Croatia has opened its borders for anyone that needs to enter or exit the country for economic or commercial reasons. No testing will be done, nor are any quarantines mandated at the moment.
The Italians also seem keen to go back to the life which until recent, we all considered as being ‘normal’, and the recent statements suggest that Italians will enjoy a 2020 summer season on the seaside, in the mountains or even in the heart of every beautiful Italian city!
The Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, declared in an interview for ‘Corriere della Sera’: “This summer we will not continue on the balconies and the beauty of Italy will not remain in quarantine,”. We will be able to go to the sea, to the mountains and enjoy our cities. It would be good for Italians to spend their holidays in Italy, even if we have to do it differently, with rules and precautions. We are waiting for the evolution of the epidemiological framework to provide precise indications on dates and schedules.” We’ll keep you posted!
5 May, 2020: There is hope: some reasons to be optimistic about the coming end of the coronavirus crisis. Many travel restrictions have already ended and the others will soon end also. People can again leave their homes, government regulation has improved in the last week and the nautical sector is slowly coming back to normal as marinas gradually open.
It seems like the time frame for ‘getting through it’ is a little over 2 months. It may feel as if you’re in prison right now, but be patient, it’s a matter of time.
The future is brighter than the present. The majority of our partners confirmed the status of their marinas is open and 100% of them accept berth bookings for the coming season.
Most of marina’s office is open to the public and their staff is answering phones and emails daily, the other marinas will open by the end of May. We are hoping for a complete return to normal after the end of May 2020. We’ll keep you updated!
Fortunately, those of you who love sailing will probably be able to travel in the upcoming period. Find out what type of measures have been taken and how they impact the European marinas.
Taking into consideration the pandemic caused by the Coronavirus and its effects related to both yacht owners and the marinas with which we work, we have elaborated a guide with the regulations present in various countries, for the information of our skippers, boaters, and yacht owners.
Please keep in mind that the regulations change each day and we strongly recommend not setting sail before making sure you will find an open marina on your way. On the same note, most marinas demand a quarantine of 14 days to all the new vessels coming from foreign waters.
The information and updates listed here comes from marinas.
Kindly be informed that even if during these hard times most of the ports are closed (no boats are allowed to enter or to leave), the marinas are accepting berth enquiries.
Please feel free to send us your berth requests so we can inform you about the marina’s availability and price.
The regulations for each country regarding the Covid-19 are as follows:
Update – 25th of May 2020: From 18 May, outdoor cultural venues, churches, hairdressers, retail shops, museums and libraries reopened.
From the 3rd of June it is possible to travel from one region to the other. From 3rd of June 2020, inter-regional and international travel will resume, allowing unrestricted travel from EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City, without a 14-day quarantine.
17th of May 2020: Boaters can vacation in Italy once again as of June 3, the government announced. It’s a major step for Italy, which is slowly starting to recover after one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the world.
Italy will allow travel to and from abroad starting on June 3, the government announced late Friday night.
5th of May 2020: The marinas will make an update after the 18th of May, when they expect some changes, but most of them accept berth inquiries for summer.
Italy is a preferred sailing destination for many, but it is also the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe. On the 10th of March, the government decided the country had to be placed in lockdown as the virus was spreading alarmingly.
As Italy is seriously affected by the Coronavirus, all unnecessary travel is strictly forbidden, including pleasure yachting.
Italy’s marinas have seen strict limitations as traveling through or inside this country is banned, except for travelers who have reasonable reasons to do so for work or health-related reasons. All ships entering Italian ports are kept in quarantine and they are not allowed to dock if they have not received the port authority’s permission.
All boats coming to Italian marinas waters must apply for Free Practice (unless they left and re-entered the same marina), meaning a yellow flag must be displayed and the boat should not be moored until receiving the marina’s permission.
The boaters will be put in quarantine and it’s the marina’s duty to offer them all medical supplies in order to avoid the infection, and the passengers’ body temperature will be taken before they receive the marina’s approval to dock.
If you traveled in Liguria during the last 14 days or you took contact with an infected person, you should call 112 and NOT go to the doctor or the emergency room.
Conclusion:
- Italian Ports and marinas started to accept berth bookings for summer.
- General lockdown extended until the 18th of May 2020.
- Cruising along the Italian coasts is not allowed.
- Persons arriving from abroad should remain for 2 weeks in self-quarantine.
Update – 25th of May 2020: There are strict requirements to complete certificates and/or declarations in order to travel to or within France. See Entry requirements.
Anyone travelling to France from abroad (for essential travel) will need a travel attestation.
The coronavirus in European Marinas also affects French ports as this country has registered a high number of confirmed coronavirus cases. France has banned leisure sailing activities across its territory.
Corsica marinas accept berth booking requests.
If you are entering France from outside the EU/EEA/Schengen/UK area, you may be required to quarantine on arrival.
5th of May 2020: Sailing is still prohibited and the ports are closed, but they are responsive to the summer’s berth bookings inquiries. Their offices are responding via email and phone. They will make an update after the 11th of May.
Most marina offices are currently closed, and it is not possible to enter French marinas unless you have had a long-stay booking or you own a berth.
On the French Riviera coast, no boats are entering, no boats are leaving. All French Riviera marinas are closed until further notice.
Update – 25th of May 2020: Monaco is easing its lockdown gradually and luxuriously.
Monaco has begun its “gradual and cautious” lifting of lockdown, as described by Minister of State Serge Teller. Private boats are allowed to set sail again and private helicopters are allowed to take off again.
Restaurants and cafés are scheduled to reopen in early June, while nightclubs and gyms will remain closed until mid-July at the earliest.
5th of May 2020:For now, all sailing activities are forbidden in La Principauté de Monaco. The COVID-19 marina measures are the same as in France.
Berth inquiries are accepted with 15 days prior to the requested arrival date.
Monaco’s Port Hercule required yachts over 24 meters to fill out a declaration of Health.
During the exceptional period due to COVID-19 that we are currently experiencing, by this message, we would like to remind you of the regulatory provisions regarding discharges which remain fully in force.
We remind you that, in accordance with the MARPOL convention and as specified in articles 23 and 24 of Ministerial Decree n ° 2007.419 of August 13, 2007 relating to the general regulations of the ports of Monaco, no discharge will be tolerated in the port and that any offender is liable to financial and / or criminal sanctions and may be definitively prohibited from entering port.
We specify that the authorized companies capable of carrying out oil change services are available for all interventions.
In addition, we invite you to ensure compliance with the measures taken in the context of the containment of the population, whose provisions are defined by the Prince’s Government, and about which it is your responsibility to keep yourself informed for example by connecting to gouv.mc which is regularly updated according to the evolution of the situation.
Monaco Yacht Show 2020: Unless otherwise advised by the Monaco Government and following the evolution of the epidemic, we confirm to this day that the Monaco Yacht Show is maintained from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 September 2020 on the Port Hercule in Monaco.
Update – 25th of May 2020: Spain confirms tourists can visit from July 1. Spain will welcome foreign tourists back to the country from July 1, ending its two-week quarantine policy.
The Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya said: “In July we will gradually open Spain to international tourists, lift the quarantine, […] and ensure the highest standards of health safety. We look forward to welcoming you!”
5th of May 2020: The Marinas are answering inquiries via email and phone and most of them accept marina reservations for this summer.
Some spanish ports may accept boats coming in with special permission from Guardia Civil.
Spain is also strongly affected by the health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus and, just like in France, leisure sailing is also prohibited here. Moreover, those who don’t comply with this restriction can be sanctioned.
Most marinas in Spain are currently closed and boaters who pass by may be sent to quarantine, exiting the harbors is also prohibited in most cases.
So, the COVID-19 marina measures are clear: all sailing activities are forbidden and any recreational boating is sanctioned by the law, according to The national association for nautical activities.
06.04.2020:
At the request of the Spanish Federation of Marinas and Touristic Ports (FEAPDT) and ANEN (Spanish Nautical Businesses Association), on 27 March, the Guardia Civil issued a very relevant document stating the procedures and measures to be taken by marinas for arriving private and commercial yachts from Spain, EU or third countries.
The restrictions to the freedom of movement of people and private vehicles on public roads would also be applicable to private yachts sailing in Spanish territorial waters.
Therefore, the general rule upon arrival is that guests and crew are not allowed to disembark, and must remain on board for the quarantine period, and follow all confinement measures established for the rest of the population. In relation to the specific procedures, it is necessary for yachts to first get in touch with the marina for berth booking and relevant arrival information.
The marinas will ask yachts to provide, as soon as possible, the required documents and information, including the yacht’s name, certificate of registry, origin, departure date, ID of all crew and passengers, and to fulfill the health declaration forms. The marina will communicate the local restrictions to the yacht and will provide all such information to the Guardia Civil.
Can I go sailing? No, because it is a suspended activity until the period of restrictions lasts.
Can I visit my boat in port? No, in no case. Only in the event of force majeure or a situation of need, the port management will inform the skipper of the vessel of the measures to access and the recommendations and sanitary obligations.
Can I go sailing if they stay overnight on a boat moored in a port? No, in no case.
Can I refuel? The following Balearic Islands’ marinas are opened for refueling:
| Marina | Phone no. |
| Marina De Ibiza | +34 971318040 |
| Club De Vela Puerto De Andratx | +34 971671721 |
| Marina De Formentera | +34 971322346 |
| Puerto Portals | +34 971171100 |
| Club Marítimo San Antonio De La Playa | +34 971264464 |
| Club Marítimo De Mahon | +34 971365022 |
| Club Nàutic Colònia Sant Pere | +34 971589118 |
| Club Nàutic Sa Ràpita | +34 977741103 |
| Club Nàutic S’ Arenal | +34 971440142 |
| Marina Naviera Balear | +34 971283435 |
| Club Nàutic Porto Colom | +34 971824658 |
| Club Nàutic Porto Cristo | +34 971821253 |
| Club Nautic Sant Antoni | +34 971340645 |
| Puerto Deportivo Santa Eulalia | +34 971336161 |
| Club Nautic Santa Ponça | +34 971694950 |
Notes:
- Barcelona and Port Tarraco are allowing yacht to arrive in the marinas.
- Canary island ports of Las Palmas and Tenerife are open 24 hours if any need for a transit call of bunkering
Update – 5th of May 2020: The marinas from Montenegro are responding to berth booking requests, and some of them don’t request a deposit.
06.04.2020: As per the government’s decision, sailing to Montenegro during this period is strictly forbidden. Therefore, no vessels sailing from a different country can enter Montenegro’s marinas.
No yachts are allowed to enter the Montenegro waters until the 3rd of April, as for now.
No boats are coming, no boats are leaving Montenegro until the 15th of April, at the moment.
Located in the UNESCO protected Bay of Kotor, Porto Montenegro confirmed by staff that “all marina services are still on disposal to our clients”. The marina is currently implementing a “virtual marina reception” so that visitors can communicate from a safe distance.
Update July 2020: All skippers must fill this form before berthing.
Update – 25th of May 2020: Traveling to-and-from all Greek islands resumes on Monday.
The reopening of traveling to and from all Greek islands is taking place on 25th of May 2020, as citizens had so far only been able to travel to Crete, due to the coronavirus travel bans.
Seven ferries are scheduled to depart from Piraeus port on Monday: two to Cyclades, one to Chios-Mytilini and four to Crete. Rafina port will see one ferry depart to Cyclades, while another three will depart from Lavrio port: two to Kea-Kythnos-Syros and one to Agios Efstratios-Limnos-Kavala.
The Greek marinas accept berth bookings / berth requests for summer. Their staff is answering the emails and take calls.
Italian and Albanian boats are not allowed to enter the Greek ports.
Quarantine is imposed for 14 days in the marinas and they don’t accept berth inquiries and most cities have closed down bars, restaurants, cafes.
Supermarkets and pharmacies are open.
06.04.2020: Public ports, public quays and the private marinas are closed until the end of April. Please download the form to fill out if you’re in Greece.
Additional Circular on Coronavirus Measures can be found at https://eody.gov.gr
Update – 15th of may 2020:
The temporary ban on crossing the borders of the Republic of Croatia related to foreign citizens has been lifted for owners of real estate and vessels located in the Republic of Croatia and for the members of the owner’s immediate family.
Foreign citizens being owners of yachts and boats located in the Republic of Croatia can cross the country borders upon presenting the documentation proving their ownership of a vessel, documentation proving that they are the users of a vessel (Charter Contract or Lease Agreement). Along with the documentation proving the ownership of the vessel, a berth contract and/or a confirmation of the nautical tourism port must be submitted confirming that the vessel is berthed at the respective port.
Update – 5th of May 2020: ACI marinas open gradually. With effect from 4 May 2020, operations in Croatian ACI marinas will return to normal, and reception, maintenance and service companies will resume their activities, albeit with certain restrictions due to the COVID 19 pandemic. This should mean that the first owners will probably return to their yachts soon.
The marinas of the Croatian ACI marina group, like the ACI marina Pula shown here, are gradually resuming their activities after the COVID 19 pandemic. Receptions are manned, cranes, service and maintenance work is possible. However, in view of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, all marinas are operated under a special regime.
ACI Marinas said: “On Monday, May the 4th, the receptions open for direct contact with clients, complying with the following epidemiological measures:
- depending on the size of the reception area and measures of social distancing, a limited number of clients may be accommodated in the reception area at the same time
- the reception staff adheres to epidemiological measures (the mandatory wearing of masks, disinfection of the reception desk and other surfaces frequently touched by clients).
- Vessel lifting and lowering services, as well as maintenance and service of vessels, complying with the measures of social distancing, have been fully normalized.
- The opening of the season for ACI Marinas of Rab, Žut, Piškera and Palmižana has been postponed until further notice.”
Whoever enters Croatia will undergo a compulsory 14-day quarantine period. Many marinas are closed during this period and only a few of them still book berths. Some of these marinas that will allow booking include Marina Veli Rat, Marina Funtana, Marina Hramina.
In different marinas in Croatia, access is allowed provided that the berth reservation was made prior to the outbreak of the epidemic.
… but the boats cannot enter the Croatian waters without a 14 days quarantine, some of the marinas do not accept bookings and some of them are closed.
Update 06.04.2020: Nobody goes out and nobody comes in until further notice.
Update – 5th of May 2020: As of 30 March 2020 and until further notice, an ordinance has come into effect that imposes the prohibition on:
▪ the movement and gathering of people in public places and areas
▪ access to public places and areas
▪ movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence, unless otherwise provided by this Ordinance.
The marinas and ports in Slovenia are currently closed and so are all the other private business sectors. The restrictions are bound to last until further notice.
Tourist attractions, libraries, museums, galleries, cinemas, catering establishments, accommodation, wellness centres and all other public institutions are closed until further notice. All public events are cancelled.
On 12 March 2020 at 6 pm, Slovenia declared an epidemic in accordance with Article 7 of the Infectious Diseases Act due to the increasing number of cases of coronavirus infections.
Update 02.04.2020: Everything is closed including the marinas. From 30th of March 2020, only the vulnerable groups (eg disabled people, pregnant women) can make purchases between 8am and 10am. Seniors can only buy during this time. Most public institutions are closed, has stopped public passenger bus and rail transport, gondola, and funicular transport since 16 March.
Update – 11th of May 2020: The Turkish marinas respond to berth inquiries via emails and phone and they accept requests for this summer.
The quarantine precautions are still applied and it includes keeping you in a state structure for 14 days. It is not certain when it ends. Hopefully, it doesn’t last long. Turkish Airlines stopped their flights until the 28th of May but cancellations may continue afterwards.
At the moment the Turkish marinas are open for business and are still welcoming yachters.
Mandatory quarantine is however imposed for boats coming from and sailing under flags from the following countries, which are not allowed to enter Turkey: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Germany, France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Holland, England, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arabian Emirates.
Update 06.04.2020: All borders are closed. No boats are entering, no boats are leaving. Everything is closed at the moment.
Update – 5th of May 2020: The marinas from Malta are responsive to new berth inquiries and they accept requests for this summer.
Restrictions apply in Malta according to the country you come from. Depending on the risk of your country of origin, you might be allowed to enter the marinas in Malta or not.
Italian and Albanian boats are forbidden to enter the Maltese waters and for the rest, quarantine is imposed for 14 days onboard. There are also rigorous health checks.
At the moment, the marinas are open for business, but in the end, it’s the authorities’ decision if they allow anyone to enter.
Here, the COVID-19 marina measures are not so strict. Malta marinas currently accept bookings but make sure you check whether you are allowed to enter the country before you book a berth there.
Update 06.04.2020: The ports are closed till the end of April. No boats are entering, no boats are leaving. The marinas (offices) are working so you cand send us berth booking requests.
Update – 5th of May 2020: The marinas respond to berth inquiries and they also accept berth reservations for this summer.
In Cyprus, all marinas were closed until the 30th of April.
It is not possible to enter any of the ports on this island at least until the 30th of April as the government restricted the activity of all private sectors, including Cyprus marinas, until then.
All vessels can come to Albanian ports or anchor for fuel, provisions and other types of supply.
At the end of the supply, the vessels have to leave the port and Albanian waters.
Other countries and territories
Just like the rest of Spain, despite their administrative degree of independence, the Canary Islands are also closed for tourists starting the 18th of March. For foreigners, entering the territory of the Canary Islands is not allowed.
In Marina Las Palma, which is full, anchorage is permitted just in order to refuel and rest.
Azores
All the marinas in the Azores are currently closed and access by boat is not permitted. Anchoring is also banned. At the end of the month, on the 31st of March, the ongoing restrictions will be assessed and new decisions will be issued. The travel ban may be prolonged or not.
United Kingdom
Sailing to the UK is currently not restricted. However, since new coronavirus measures for marinas may apply to this country as well, it is important to keep up to date in case you plan on traveling to this country in the upcoming period.
Estonia: At the moment, there are no official restrictions for people who want to enter Estonia by boat. However, safety measures have been implemented in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In case you want to travel to Estonia, you will have to fil in a questionnaire and you might be checked for symptoms that could signal a possible infection.
Belgium: Pleasure yachting is strictly forbidden.
Norway: Their borders are closed therefore the entrance of all foreign persons is forbidden.
Outside of Europe
The Caribbean Islands: Regarding the French islands and DOM-TOM pleasure, yachting is strictly forbidden, the marinas are closed to the public (they can be reached by email and telephone), gasoline pumps and clearance offices are either closed or there are only a few persons on the spot.
The Dominican Republic has the same rules as the French islands and there is a quarantine of 15 days.
In Martinique, the foreign-flagged private yachts can come as long as they are not carrying passengers.
For Antigua & Barbuda, Curaçao and Puerto Rico, sailing is also forbidden.
In St. Lucia, all marinas (air and sea) are closed to foreign vessels.
For St. Maarten, the border is closed to all but larger yachts passing through to fuel and depart.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a daily info letter on request. Vessels with persons arriving or recently on-board from the USA, Canada, UK and EU need to be quarantined for 14 days. Entry is only permitted at Kingston, Blue Lagoon and Wallilabou.
Antigua only accepts boaters with previous-made reservations and they do not accept any new booking.
We strongly advise you to avoid any unnecessary travel as much as possible and to stay safe during these times of uncertainty!
We look forward to assisting you with finding berths, buoys and dry docks in the most prestigious marinas from Europe and the Caribbean Islands as soon as the Covid-19 pandemic is over and our esteemed partners from the marinas will be once again welcoming pleasure crafts without fearing any restriction.
Do you have additional information? Help us provide information to skippers and boat owners regarding marina closures and staffing adjustments.
Arrive prepared – Documents for COVID-19
If traveling outside of your country is still possible, you should check the restrictions that apply to the destination of your choice before sailing there. To make sure you will have all the necessary documents at hand, you should call the embassy or consulate of that particular country to see if access by boat is allowed in the first place (notwithstanding the information above, as restrictions may change in a matter of hours).
The authorities will let you know what documents are necessary to enter a port or marina, besides your personal ID, you might be required to complete a form prior to or upon arrival and state what countries you have recently visited.
Moreover, such documents might have to be emailed prior to getting to the place where you have made a marina reservation. To know for sure, you should call or write to the staff of the marina as they can provide you precise indications.
What to expect – COVID-19 Marina Procedures
Strict coronavirus measures for marinas are implemented these days worldwide. In many countries where access by boat is still permitted, there is a high chance of being required to remain aboard for 14-days in self-isolation. This type of quarantine is deemed necessary in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus since the symptoms show within a maximum of 14 days in a person who carries it.
Furthermore, port authorities might implement different other preventive methods, for example -checking patients who apparently present COVID-19 symptoms such as fever and require them to isolate immediately.
We are yet at the beginning of this global health crisis that seems to disrupt the daily lives of millions of people. Hopefully, this situation will not last long and we will soon all be able to sail safely. However, until then, make sure you are well-informed before departing on a cruise to any foreign country.
Helpful resources for skippers and boat owners around the world
Here’s a list of helpful resources for skippers and boat owners around the world.
Given the health and safety risks, we’re recommending marinas and guests review the travel guidance and health advisories issued by relevant governmental and health authorities.
We’re providing a list of resources for your convenience:
- World Health Organization (WHO):
Coronavirus information
Hopefully, this situation will not last long and we will soon all be able to sail safely. However, until then, make sure you are well-informed before departing on a cruise to any foreign country.
With our best wishes,
The MarinaReservation.com Team