Coronavirus (COVID-19): Special Procedures Being Introduced in Ports of Entry Worldwide
Since the beginning of March 2020 this document has tracked the progress of countries worldwide as one by one they went into lockdown, closed their borders and then started to gradually re-open once again. Now the world has moved into a new stage of living with COVID and the majority of countries are now open once again, this document was archived 20 August, 2022. The links to each country biosecurity section still work, and here you will be able to read if a country has any Covid-related travel restrictions still remaining in place.
Published 5 years ago
How to use this document:
This Covid-19 document is an overview of country maritime borders that are open/closed and is continually updated. Go to the update history section at the bottom of the report to see which countries have been updated since your last visit.
Follow the links to the Biosecurity sections, which give all the details re. paperwork, testing, rules and protocols for yacht entry during the pandemic.
Important Notes:
- While a country status may be CLOSED, that does not necessarily mean it is closed to yachts in transit/emergencies. Therefore follow the links for countries on your intended route to find out if transiting is possible.
- While a country status may be OPEN, it will most likely be open with restrictions (i.e. vaccinated travelers only; negative test results required; quarantine etc.). Be sure to follow the links to the biosecurity section so you are clear on the required protocols.
- As countries change their status to open, it is tempting to up-anchor and head directly there. Best advice, however, is to wait a while for new regulations to settle before setting off. Authorities in many countries are slow to adjust law to reality and adapt new regulations to sea borders.
- If your own experience differs to what we have written on Noonsite, or you discover some new rules that we have not yet reported, PLEASE pass the information to editor@noonsite.com to help us maintain this important body of information.
This document is exclusively about COVID-19 restrictions pertaining to visiting yachts at ports of entry worldwide.
CARIBBEAN
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Anguilla: **OPEN** (from May 2021)
See Anguilla Biosecurity for details
Antigua **OPEN**(from June 2020)
See Antigua and Barbuda Biosecurity for details
Aruba: **OPEN** (from November 2020)
See Aruba Biosecurity for details
Bahamas: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Bahamas Biosecurity for details
Barbados: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Barbados Biosecurity for details
Bermuda: **OPEN** (from September 2020)
See Bermuda Biosecurity for details
Bonaire: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Bonaire Biosecurity for details
British Virgin Islands: **OPEN** (from July 2021)
See BVI Biosecurity for details
Cayman Islands: **OPEN** (from January 2021)
See Cayman Islands Biosecurity for details
Cuba: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
See Cuba Biosecurity for details
Curacao: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Curacao Biosecurity for details
Dominica: **OPEN** (from January 2021)
See Dominica Biosecurity for details
Dominican Republic: **OPEN** (from November 2020)
See DR Biosecurity for details
Grenada: **OPEN** (from May 2020)
See Grenada Biosecurity for details
Guadeloupe: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See Guadeloupe Biosecurity for details
Haiti: **OPEN**
See Haiti Biosecurity for details
Jamaica: **OPEN** (from February 2022)
See Jamaica Biosecurity for details
Martinique: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See Martinique Biosecurity for details
Montserrat: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Montserrat Biosecurity for details
Puerto Rico: **OPEN** (from May 2020)
See Puerto Rico Biosecurity for details
Saba: **OPEN** (from May 2021)
See Saba Biosecurity for details
Saint Lucia: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See St. Lucia Biosecurity for details
Sint Maarten: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Sint Maarten Biosecurity for details
Statia: **OPEN** (from February 2021)
See Statia Biosecurity for details
St. Barts: **OPEN** (from April 2020)
See St. Barts Biosecurity for details
St. Kitts and NEVIS: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
See St. Kitts Biosecurity for details
St. Martin: **OPEN** (from April 2020)
See St. Martin Biosecurity for details
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See SVG Biosecurity for details
Trinidad and Tobago: **OPEN** (from July 2021)
See Trinidad & Tobago Biosecurity for details
Turks and Caicos: **OPEN** (from September 2021)
See Turks and Caicos Biosecurity for details
US Virgin Islands: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See US Virgin Islands Biosecurity for details
NORTH AMERICA
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
CANADA: **OPEN** (from October 2021)
See Canada Biosecurity for details
USA: **OPEN**
See USA Biosecurity for details
CENTRAL AMERICA
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Belize: **OPEN** (from February 2021)
See Belize Biosecurity for details
Costa Rica: **OPEN** (from September 2020)
See Costa Rica Biosecurity for details
El Salvador: **OPEN** (from January 2021)
See El Salvador Biosecurity for details
Guatemala: **OPEN** (from September 2020)
See Guatemala Biosecurity for details
Honduras: **OPEN** (from March 2021)
See Honduras Biosecurity for details
Mexico: **OPEN**
See Mexico Biosecurity for details
Nicaragua: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Nicaragua Biosecurity for details
Panama: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
See Panama Biosecurity for details
SOUTH AMERICA
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Argentina: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Argentina Biosecurity for details
Brazil: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Brazil Biosecurity for details
Chile: **OPEN** (from end of May 2022)
See Chile Biosecurity for details
Colombia: **OPEN** (from December 2020)
See Colombia Biosecurity for details
Ecuador: **OPEN** (from February 2022)
See Ecuador Biosecurity for details
French Guiana: **OPEN** (from May 2020)
See French Guiana Biosecurity for details
Guyana: **OPEN**
See Guyana Biosecurity for details
Peru: **OPEN**
See Peru Biosecurity for details
Suriname: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See Suriname Biosecurity for details
Uruguay: **OPEN** (from December 2021)
See Uruguay Biosecurity for details
Venezuela: **OPEN**
See Venezuela Biosecurity for details
MEDITERRANEAN
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Albania: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Albania Biosecurity for details
Croatia: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Croatia Biosecurity for details
Cyprus:
North: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
South: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Cyprus Biosecurity for details
France: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See France Biosecurity for details
Gibraltar: **OPEN**
See Gibraltar Biosecurity for details
Greece: **OPEN** (from May 2021)
See Greece Biosecurity for details
Israel: **OPEN** (from January 2022)
See Israel Biosecurity for details
Italy (including Sardinia): **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Italy Biosecurity for details
Malta: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Malta Biosecurity for details
Montenegro: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Montenegro Biosecurity for details
Morocco: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Morocco Biosecurity for details
Spain: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Spain Biosecurity for details
Tunisia: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Tunisia Biosecurity for details
Turkey: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Turkey Biosecurity for details
NORTHERN EUROPE
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Belgium: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Belgium Biosecurity for details
Bulgaria: ** OPEN**
See Bulgaria Biosecurity for details
Channel Islands: **OPEN** (Jersey from July 2020 / Guernsey from May 2021)
See Channel Islands Biosecurity for details
Denmark: **OPEN** (from May 2021)
See Denmark Biosecurity for details
Finland: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Finland Biosecurity for details
France: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See France Biosecurity for details
Germany: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Germany Biosecurity for details
Ireland: **OPEN** (from July 2021)
See Ireland Biosecurity for details
Netherlands: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Netherlands Biosecurity for details
Norway: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See Norway Biosecurity for details
Poland: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Poland Biosecurity for details
Portugal: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Portugal Biosecurity for details
Russia: CLOSED
See Russia Biosecurity for details
Spain: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Spain Biosecurity for details
Sweden: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Sweden Biosecurity for details.
United Kingdom: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See UK Biosecurity for details
NORTH ATLANTIC ISLANDS
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Azores: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Azores Biosecurity for details
Canary Islands: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Canaries Biosecurity for details
Cape Verdes: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
See Cape Verdes Biosecurity for details
Faroe Islands: **OPEN** (from May 2021)
See Faroe Biosecurity for details
Greenland: **OPEN**
See Greenland Biosecurity for details
Iceland: **OPEN**
See Iceland Biosecurity for details
Madeira: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Madeira Biosecurity for details
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon: **OPEN**
See SPM Biosecurity for details
WEST AFRICA AND SOUTH ATLANTIC ISLANDS
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Ascension Island: **OPEN**
See Ascension Biosecurity for details.
Falkland Islands: **OPEN** (from May 2022)
See Falklands Biosecurity for details.
Gambia: *OPEN* (from September 2020)
See Gambia Biosecurity for details.
Namibia: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Namibia Biosecurity for details.
South Africa: **OPEN** (from November 2020)
See South Africa Biosecurity for full details.
St. Helena: **OPEN** (from April 2021)
See St. Helena Biosecurity for details
Tristan da Cunha: CLOSED
See Tristan Biosecurity for details
NORTH INDIAN OCEAN AND RED SEA
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Djibouti: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Djibouti Biosecurity for details
Egypt: **OPEN** (from August 2020)
See Egypt Biosecurity for details
Eritrea: CLOSED
See Eritrea Biosecurity for details
India: **OPEN** (from November 2021)
See India Biosecurity for details
Maldives: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Maldives Biosecurity for details
Oman: **OPEN** (from September 2021)
See Oman Biosecurity for details
Sri Lanka: **OPEN** (from July 2021)
See Sri Lanka Biosecurity for details
Sudan: **OPEN** (from October 2020)
See Sudan Biosecurity for details
UAE: **OPEN**
See UAE Biosecurity for details
SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
BIOT (Chagos): **OPEN** (from February 2021)
See BIOT biosecurity for details
Christmas Island: **OPEN** (from June 2022)
See CI Biosecurity for details
Cocos Keeling: **OPEN** (from June 2022)
See CK Biosecurity for details
Kenya: **OPEN** (from August 2020)
See Kenya Biosecurity for details
Madagascar: CLOSED
See Madagascar Biosecurity for details
Mauritius: **OPEN** (from August 2021)
See Mauritius Biosecurity for details
Mayotte: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Mayotte Biosecurity for details
Mozambique: **OPEN** (from September 2020)
See Mozambique Biosecurity for details
Reunion Island: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Reunion Biosecurity for details
Seychelles: **OPEN** (from June 2020)
See Seychelles Biosecurity for details
Tanzania: **OPEN**
See Tanzania Biosecurity for details
SOUTH EAST & EAST ASIA
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Brunei: **OPEN**
See Brunei Biosecurity for details
Cambodia: **OPEN** (from November 2021)
See Cambodia Biosecurity for details
Hong Kong: **OPEN**
See Hong Kong Biosecurity for details
Indonesia: **OPEN** (from September 2021)
See Indonesia Biosecurity for details
Japan: **OPEN** (from 11 October 2022)
See Japan Biosecurity for details
Malaysia: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Malaysia Biosecurity for details
Myanmar (Burma): **OPEN**
See Myanmar Biosecurity for details
Papua New Guinea: **OPEN** (from February 2022)
See PNG Biosecurity for details
Philippines: **OPEN** (from April 2022)
See Philippines Biosecurity for details
Singapore: **OPEN** (from November 2021)
See Singapore Biosecurity for details
Taiwan: CLOSED
See Taiwan Biosecurity for details
Thailand: **OPEN** (from November 2020)
See Thailand Biosecurity for details
Timor-Leste: **OPEN**
See Timor-Leste Biosecurity for details.
Vietnam: **OPEN**
See Vietnam Biosecurity for details.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
American Samoa: CLOSED
See American Samoa Biosecurity for details
Australia: **OPEN** (from 21 February, 2022)
See Australia Formalities for details
Cook Islands: **OPEN** (from May 2022)
See Cook Islands Biosecurity for details
Easter Island: **OPEN** (from August 2022)
See Easter Island Biosecurity for details
Fiji: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Fiji Biosecurity for details
French Polynesia: **OPEN** (from May 09, 2022)
See French Polynesia Biosecurity
Galapagos: **OPEN** (from July 2020)
See Galapagos Biosecurity for details
New Caledonia: **OPEN** (from 14 March, 2022)
See New Caledonia Biosecurity for details
New Zealand: **OPEN** (from 1 August, 2022)
See New Zealand – Biosecurity for details
Niue: CLOSED
See Niue Biosecurity for details
Pitcairn Island: **OPEN** (from 1 April, 2022)
See Pitcairn Island Biosecurity for details
Samoa: **OPEN** (from 1 August, 2022)
See Samoa Biosecurity for details
Solomon Islands: **OPEN** (from 1 July, 2022)
See Solomon Islands Biosecurity for details
Tonga: **OPEN** (from 27 September, 2022)
See Tonga Biosecurity for details
Vanuatu: **OPEN** (from 1 July 2022)
See Vanuatu Biosecurity for details
Wallis and Futuna: **OPEN** (from September 2022)
See Wallis and Futuna Biosecurity for details
NORTH PACIFIC
Click on Biosecurity to find current and up to date info.
Federated States of Micronesia: **OPEN** (from 1 August, 2022)
See FSM Biosecurity for details
Guam: **OPEN** (from 1 April 2021)
See Guam Biosecurity for details
Hawaii: **OPEN** (from March 2021)
See Hawaii Biosecurity for details
Kiribati: **OPEN** (from 1 August 2022)
See Kiribati Biosecurity for details
Marshall Islands: **OPEN** (from September 2022)
See Marshall Islands Biosecurity for details
Northern Marianas Islands: **OPEN**
See CNMI Biosecurity for details
Palau: **OPEN** (from June 2021)
See Palau Biosecurity for details
It is every skipper’s responsibility to alert the port authorities on arrival in a foreign port should any crew member on board be showing symptoms of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Reports, News and Useful Links and Resources can be found on our dedicated COVID-19 Page.
Help keep this report useful by continuing to inform Noonsite of new Covid protocols you encounter as you cruise. Send details to noonsite@noonsite.com – subject: COVID-19.
Field Reports:
Reports from cruisers throughout the Pandemic and how border closures affected them can be found at:
https://www.noonsite.com/report/
Related to the following Cruising Resources: COVID-19, Crew Documents, Cruising Information, Documents, Documents Required, Links to Travel Advice, Medical, Safety and Medical
May cruisers in St. Martin clear into the Dutch side without any type of covid test now (April 29, 2022)?
Thank you
Skippy Liz
SV The Journey
Thanks Skippy Liz, yes, we have heard that if coming from St. Martin, into Sint Maarten, no test is required. We have this noted on Sint Maarten biosecurity. Also, if coming from outside the island and fully vaccinated no test is required. All others do need a test. Details here: https://www.noonsite.com/place/sint-maarten/formalities/#biosecurity-section
Hi. My understanding from someone there is that the Philippines is OPEN but according to Noonsite it is still CLOSED. Can anyone confirm either way please??
Hi Gary, confirmed, Philippines is open. See https://www.noonsite.com/place/philippines/formalities/#biosecurity-section.
You can anchor without permission in the centre basin and land a dinghy at a small fisherman’s pontoon on the NE corner. Or dinghy around to the marina.
The marina is now fairly empty as all the Brits have decamped to Turkey to escape Schengen
Most of the social scene has collapsed as a result. It is still a charming place where you can get work done.
We are currently in Marmaris, Turkey. What we have been told by the agent Roditis in Rhodes is that if coming from Turkey no “passengers” are allowed. If your “crew” does not have professional seaman papers then they are considered passengers and not allowed. ICC is considered amateur. You must have “professional crew”. So… essentially you can’t go. But those same restrictions do not apply if sailing from Cyprus. As of today the only way to enter Greece is to first sail to Cyprus .
We have just received the following from Roditis Yachting:
ANNOUNCEMENT ON SEA BORDERS BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY
BORDERS WITH TURKEY ARE NOW OPEN FOR YACHT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES WITH PASSENGERS AS OF 12/8 TO 19/8/21
–
First entrance and arrival of the yacht in Greece is permitted only in the following ports :
Rhodes – Symi – Kos – Kavala
Myrina of Limnos – Mytilene – Kalymnos
Chios – Scala of Patmos
Samos ( Vathi and Pythagorio )
Agia Marina of Leros
HEALTH PROTOCOLS
–
Notice prior to arrival must be given to the Port Treasury of the visiting port minimum 6 hours prior to arrival and all passengers or crew on board should have with them:
– A vaccination certificate issued by a certified authority.
If the passengers are not Vaccinated we need:
– A negative PCR COVID-19 test result from a laboratory; the test must be taken up to 72 hours before entry in Greece, or
– A negative antigen (rapid) result from a laboratory; the test must be taken up to 48 hours before entry, or
– A certificate of recovery from the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection issued by a public authority or a certified laboratory, or
– Proof that the traveller was tested positive with COVID-19 in the past 2 to 9 months. This can be proved either by presenting a positive PCR molecular or an antigen test result performed by an authorized laboratory or a medical certificate confirming that the holder was tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, or
– The EU Digital Covid-19 Certificate or a Covid-19 Certificate from a third country, in either printed or electronic form, which includes information related to their vaccination, or the result of their PCR or rapid test taken before travelling, or the details about their Covid-19 infection.
NATIONALITIES
On board the yacht besides the crew members, passengers residents of EU Member States and Schengen associated countries (Andorra, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican, the Principality of Monaco), the USA, the UK, Serbia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the Russian Federation, Israel, Canada, North Macedonia, Ukraine, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Belarus, Bahrain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Japan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldova, Brunei, Kosovo and Turkey may ENTER and visit Greece for pleasure, provided they can fulfill the general entry requirements.
Dimitris Kastis (Roditis Yachting)
+30 6937005447
Has anyone cruised from Turkey to Greece this summer (2021)? If so, can you let us know what the requirements are for entry?
We are fully vaccinated.
Hi Steve, all details on the Greece biosecurity page – https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/formalities#biosecurity-section
Basically boats coming from Turkey can only enter at Kavala, Mitilini, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes.
We have not had much feed back from boats doing this however – although the CA report that one of their members (a UK yacht) entered at Kavala but only managed to get a limited TL rather than the correct one, the UTL.
Changes to this rule as follows:
Arriving from Turkey: A new rule has been introduced to permit yacht entry (with no restrictions on flag or type of yacht) from Turkey at a number of ports in Greece [Kavala, Mitilini, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes]. However, yachts can only arrive with “crew” on board with Seafarers’ Identity Documents (i.e. commercially paid crew) – and crew with Sailing Academy Pleasure Yacht Qualifications etc. are not currently accepted. This therefore means this loophole is not possible for the majority of boat owners, but does provide a way in from Turkey for yachts owners who wish to pay to have their yachts delivered to Greece, so they can then fly in and cruise the Islands. Michales Roditis, customs agent, of Roditis Yachting in Rhodes is a useful contact [roditisyachting@gmail.com].
So is Spain open for British boats?
Sorry I can’t make heads or tails of your information and I’m not even on the Rum
Hi SV Happy Mondays – see https://www.noonsite.com/place/spain/formalities/#biosecurity-section for maritime info.
Spain has never banned any particular flagged boats during the pandemic. There was an “only for necessary purposes” rule during May for boats coming from certain places (including the UK), however having to call into a port for supplies can be seen as this, so it didn’t stop boats moving about. It’s recommended you arrive with pre-departure negative covid tests for all on board, however, you’ll probably find those might not even be asked for. Yes, coming from the UK air travelers are currently exempt from travel restrictions, however maritime restrictions have never been specified for pleasure craft and will vary from port to port/region to region. Contact the port of entry you intend to head for to ask for protocols (if coming directly from UK then La Coruna), as, these are changing all the time. Remember too that unlike the UK, in Spain masks have to be used outdoors – so be sure to arrive wearing your masks on board. And do please report on Noonsite your experience to help those following in your wake.
Hello all I am new to this great site.
I am considering Grenada for hurricane haulout and currently in Culebta Spanish Virgins.
The quarentine zone in St George’s harbour is on the Martin’s Bay and 3 Fathom banks
Does anyone know how rolly this area is?
Quarentine the s 7 days.
Thank you and safe sailing
Herb
Don’t know what the problem is but your website is unusable.
Thanks for reporting this – although next time please email support@noonsite.com. We have had a few technical issues during the last week but now we have fixed the problem and the site is running much faster than previously.
It seems that vaccination now eases traveling to North Atlantic countries. See https://www.landlaeknir.is/um-embaettid/greinar/grein/item44162/certificate-of-vaccination-against-covid-19-accepted-at-the-border
Sue
I’ve created a shortened version of a SSCA webinar we recorded Sept. 30. It deals with entry into Bermuda, Sint Maarten and the CARICOM Bubble. Lots of good information from the islanders themselves. Here’s the link
https://vimeo.com/463472856
David Lyman, marine journalist. Dhlyman@mac.com
Thanks David, I will post the link on the relevant country pages as well. Thanks for all you do for cruisers.
Good day editors of Noonsite.
My name is Rudy Beaujon and I am the Harbor Master for the Island of Aruba.
I note on your website under the Covid-19 you have Aruba as “open”
THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The Maritime border of Aruba is closed. Aruba only opened the aviation part.
Exceptions are being made for registered Cargo Vessels with Cargo for Aruba and only with approval from the Harbor Master they can enter Aruba
Exception are also made for yachts seeking Hurricane Shelter for the Hurricane season.
To be able to travel Aruba yachts must make a reservation with the Renaissance Marina or the Varadero Yacht club prior traveling to Aruba for seeking Hurricane shelter A valid insurance covering Covid-19 is now mandatory. Upon arrival you must clear customs and immigrations at the Barcadera Harbor and they will ask if you have a valid reservation and a Covid-19 insurance. A medical check will take place and a Covid-19 PCR test may be required.
So in short. THE MARITIME BORDER IS CLOSED.
PLEASE CORRECT THIS ON YOUR WEBSITE.
Yachts arriving without reservation for the Hurricane Shelter will be send away,
Kind regards.
R. P. Beaujon
Harbor Master Aruba.
Thank you Rudy for clarifying this. I have amended our information accordingly.
Hello all, from Graham,
I am an Australian and my wife is Indonesian, we both have been locked down in Borneo Indonesia since January 2020, and our plans were to fly to Greece in April, well the pandemic put a stop to that, we were told in july we could go to Greece now as borders have opened, so I booked flights to Athens mid July but after completing all the medical checks etc to be able to fly we got half way to Athens when we were told by the airline we could not enter Greece, so we lost onwards flights and luggage costs and had to change travel destination, we were both allowed into Turkey, hoping we could ferry to greek islands from there to get to my yacht, 2 weeks later and we are no clearer whether we or just myself, Australian to Greece from Turkey.
So much miss information out there.
My question is, can anyone tell me if an Australian can enter greece as of August 1, and can I exit greece with my yacht and sail to Turkey and pick up my wife, or better still both of us enter greece, my wife already has a 3 month shengen visa.
Would be appreciated if anyone has some definitive answer.
Hi Graham,
Sorry to say but at the moment there is no travel from Turkey to Greece. All road, port and air travel is currently closed to travelers coming from Turkey.
Thanks for the confirmation, so is there another country we can fly to then enter Greece, I have been trying to get information from different consulates but nothing definate.
Any ideas anyone.
Hello All !
Does anyone know the current entry requirements for Brits entering Morocco .
Steve
Hi Stephen,
Morocco still closed to foreign yachts. See the biosecurity link above for details. Also see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements.
I’m a US citizen and have been added as a crewmember for an Atlantic crossing. I’d like to be able to gain entry into Portugal, Gib or Spain and transit to the closest international airport/return to US (the boat is heading to Italy). Any updates on how these countries are handling COVID and emigration status would be appreciated.
Will – suggest you contact the US consulate in Spain – see https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ – to determine the position for US citizens arriving by yacht and transiting direct to an airport. As you know, the US are on the banned country list for the EU. You don’t say where you are coming from, but if it’s not the US that should help. Also contact the marina where you intend to disembark as they may be able to give you guidance. Good idea to get your ducks in a row before you depart.
Nevermind about Guatemala. They are taking in 5 boats a day into the Rio Dulce but you had to already have put your name on a list. There is no opportunity to get on the list now.
S/V Fernweh
The borders in Guatemala closed March 15 and at that time there were many boats out cruising for the winter months. As a result of that closure, many were stranded and not able to return to the hurricane safety of the Rio Dulce. On May 31, Rio Dulce marinas petitioned the President of Guatemala to allow the stranded boats to return. In the region of 140 boats put their names on the list, desperate to get back to the Rio Dulce. The President subsequently approved this petition as “Humanitarian Assistance” and provided the list of boats to the various government agencies. The first boats were authorized entry beginning June 5 and to date 38 boats have arrived and 34 more are scheduled to arrive over the next month. Upon entry, each boat is required to go to an authorized Rio Dulce Marina and the crew must remain on board in quarantine for 14 days after arrival. After completing quarantine, the boat can stay at the marina or move to another authorized marina but they cannot anchor out. Unfortunately, the Port Captain has taken the position that only those boats that were on the list provided with the petition are approved for entry. After the petition was sent, 16 boats subsequently applied for entry and were not on the approved list. It is hoped the Port Captain will approve entry for these 16 boats. As it currently stands, no further boats will be authorized entry to Rio Dulce if they did not previously apply. It is possible, over the next couple of weeks the government will ease that position, but as of now, those that previously applied are the only ones that can come in.
Our thanks to John of Rio Dulce Marina for confirming this information.
Guatemala is open with 14-day quarantine in a marina:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/riodulcecruisers/permalink/3093873930680524/?sfnsn=scwspmo&extid=3vUYAYRFYZqMxM25
Perhaps this has been asked, but have there been ANY cases of cruisers transmitting Covid-19?? I ask this because it seems we are being treated as a high risk group. We have been in Bequia since December, long before this began, and there has been only 1 Covid case that was quarantined and since recovered. To use an example, St Lucia has opened up to U.S. travel but not to us………does this make sense??
I am trying to get our 70my out of St Maarten and return to the states. I have been working the local coast guard to receive special permission to fly down from the states, get the boat, and depart. It sounds like there are other yachts there with owners needing to leave before hurricane season. I have spoken with the coast guard in San Juan and the Bahamas- both countries are letting yachts fuel and transit. The Turks and Dr are not as far as I can tell.
I am hoping to get permission to fly down shortly after the 17th of May. I will update any information I get on this.
FYI -first post ,just joined, so I hope this is in the right place.
Thank you Matthew for your feedback, I wish you success in extracting your boat from St. Maarten. You can find details of transiting through PR and the Bahamas in their biosecurity sections linked to from this document. Yes it’s possible, but there’s paperwork involved beforehand. Updates would be very welcome as the situation is changing very quickly right now.
How have things gone? I’m planning on visiting there the 25th from PR. Any updates would be greatly appreciated
I am planning to cross the Atlantic from Virginia to Ireland this summer. I have been in contact with a few people there and they are telling me that Ireland is beginning to re-open. Also, it is presently open to many foreign visitors but with a 14-day self-quarantine requirement. Here’s the statement from Irish Health Authorities:
”
Entry and Exit Requirements:
· Irish Health Authorities require anyone entering Ireland from abroad, except Northern Ireland, to either self-quarantine or self-isolate on arrival for 14 days. Exemptions are in place for providers of essential supply chain services such as haulers, pilots, and maritime staff. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. There are no restrictions on flights from the United States to Ireland although the number of available flights is significantly diminished. As of March 26, Aer Lingus will be the only carrier flying to the United States from Ireland, with limited service from Dublin to Boston, Chicago, and New York. Ireland has implemented travel restrictions for individuals entering from China, Iran, Italy, and Spain. Health Service Executive (HSE) staff are present in at the Dublin and Shannon airports to assist arriving passengers who have concerns related to COVID-19. If you are in Ireland and have symptoms, phone a doctor, or dial 112 or 999 locally. If someone tests positive for the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) will isolate and treat the individual.
The Irish government has established a phone number for COVID-19-related travel queries: +353 1 6131733.”
Hi Kevin,
I think it is safe to say that the situation in Ireland is confused at this time. The Health Service Executing and Coast Guard’s standpoint is as per the latest marine notice [https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/72066/9a468c096f4d45efb328254313a11dd8.pdf#page=1]: vessels, including yachts, must file a health declaration prior to requesting entry into a port. This declaration must be filed less that 24 hours in advance. The implication is that you would be allowed entry.
However, we have had feedback from Galway and Cork Harbor Masters stating that the ports are closed to visiting yachts except in the case of requiring a port of refuge [as per the information on Noonsite – https://www.noonsite.com/place/ireland/formalities/#biosecurity-section%5D.
The RNLI has repeatedly stated that no pleasure craft should be underway for any reason. So, bottom line, Ireland is effectively closed at this time.
Setting off on an ocean passage to foreign lands at this time (other than to repatriate or escape cyclone/hurricane season) is definitely not recommended. There are too many uncertainties and you may well find yourself stuck in one place for weeks on end, with restricted movement etc. You perhaps would be better placed to do your cruising in home waters this summer.
Hi Kevin,
It might be worthwhile looking at Falmouth UK as an alternative. Several boats here have arrived from the Caribbean over the last few weeks. Plenty of facilities for yachts if you need them. A safe harbour and then when Ireland opens up you are in a good location to make the passage. We are based in Falmouth and can help with advice for Irish cruising. It would be good to meet you too. We were in contact awhile back.
Brazilian Task Force:
https://sites.google.com/view/br-taskforcehelpsvs
28 April, 2020
Great end for our first Task Force rescue. We were observing by his spot track, that, due to the early expected hurricane season and lack of ports opened down wind, he decided to return to Brazil from Guadeloupe, to weather out the Covid-19 crises. That is when we noticed by his track that something went wrong!
Suspecting that something was wrong, but without any other way to talk to the captain, we received information from a container ship that, in fact, he had no mast!
Our members of the Task Force organized a rescue, including, a SV departing from Sao Luis taking, another, very experienced Captain, fuel, a TelSat, and additional provisions, and left in the direction of the stranded SV. We had to consider the weather, ITCZ and current to promote a correct rendezvous, and a couple of days later, our rescue SV reached the dis-masted SV.
Fuel provisioning and extra captain transferred, both SVs started their way to Sao Luis, arriving this morning, for a great happy ending to our first real action, demonstrating our training, expertise and capacity to help other seaman in need of help.
Silvio P. Ramos
S/V Matajusi
OCC POR (Port Officer Representative – Member 3433)
CA HLR (Honorable Local Representative)
Reported by Gary Church:
There seems to be a great deal of ignorance and confusion concerning the Bahamian Government Protocols for Boats…During the COVID-19 Shutdown issued on April 14. Details can be found at https://blog.bahamasmarinas.com/2020/04/14/bahamas-government-protocols-for-boating-in-the-bahamas-april-2020/ . Please note Paragraphs 15, 16, and 17.
I have been granted transit by the Bahamian Government for the first two weeks of May from the Dominican Republic to the US to accommodate weather. I have also be approved to anchor along the way for crew rest. Also the proximate route through the Bahamas I requested was approved with the proviso that I must notify the Bahamian Government of any changes to the approved route.
The ignorance is that many boaters in the Caribbean wishing to return to the US are under the mis-impression that the Bahamas are closed to transit. The second misconception is that there are all kinds of restrictions for transit. For instance you can only make one stop. What is not understood and is provided for is the boater needs to make a request based on their needs. I requested my approval April 14 and received an approval on April 17.
Thanks, if you verified and published this information it would no doubt be very helpful to those currently stuck in the Caribbean and wanting to head back to the US before hurricane season.
Gary Church
Hello
A big THANK YOU for this resource and the frequent updates.
Would it be possible to provide a log of what gets changed? This page is increasing in size. Today April 27th, there was apparently an update, but I cannot for the life of me find it. Perhaps just something like: Updated 27 April: Aruba entry. Or somesuch?
Probably just me.
No matter what, thanks again for this amazing resource.
Hi, firstly thank you so much for your feedback, it’s very welcome indeed. I appreciate your frustration, however we had to stop recording all updates (update history section), because it was just too time consuming and so many country updates are being done on a daily basis. I don’t imagine this is going to change in the short-term, however if I have time I will make a note there. We are now very busy with sourcing open transit ports and logging this information in the biosecurity sections as well. My recommendation is to bookmark the biosecurity sections (all linked to from this doc.) for the countries you are interested in and then go back to these periodically to check for new information. Everything we know is noted in the biosecurity sections. Of course, if you know more than us, please send us an update – we are after all trying to cover the whole world so there will be holes here and there. Also check out our Covid-19 page for useful links and resources: https://www.noonsite.com/cruising-resources/covid-19/
Hi, Sue. Might I suggest that changes to the .pdf go in bold type? Then on the next change the bold font reverts and the new data becomes bold? Just a thought. Thanks for all the great work you’re doing on this.
Tom.
S/Y Nightfall
Useful Mediterranean update posted on the Red Sea Passage facebook page by a yacht that transited Suez in March and finally found safe haven in Spain – note: this was an exception to the rule as all marinas are officially closed to foreign yachts.
We are now at Alcaidesa Marina, opposite Gibraltar. We departed Port Suez on 10 March and left canal on March 16. Denied entry to Cyprus but intervention by SBA (Sovereign Base Area) forces helped arrange for fuel and supplies to be delivered to our boat. Remained at anchor off ‘Ladies Mile’ under SBA clearance for weather and hopped across Med at mostly remote location anchorages and denied entry everywhere.
Gibraltar allowed us entry to refuel at fuel dock but both Marinas full or closed and therefore not allowed to stay in Gibraltar. However Gibraltar kindly arranged for us to be accepted into Alcaidesa Marina, Spain (this is right next door to Gibraltar). My two Australian crew were then able to enter Gibraltar to take flights via London to Australia.-ends-We are currently clarifying the situation with Alcaidesa Marina.
Report from Iceland
At April 14th 2020, there has been no restriction for EU and UK national to enter Iceland as tourists. These rules might logically apply to further boats sailing to the island. In March two EU boat joined without trouble. Iceland has not ordered lockdown nor closed its borders. Social distanciation is mandatory and well applied. It is totally OK to explore and go everywhere on land. Supplies are fine.
Thank you for the update from Iceland – I have added Iceland to our list as “open”. Perhaps northern latitudes cruising this Summer is the best option for Northern Europeans! Do please keep in touch should the situation change.
Report received from Culebra, Puerto Rico (April 5th):
In Culebra the DNRA, who have jurisdiction over the bay, are not letting new boats in even if they are US flagged with US citizens aboard. It is confusing whether this is official CBP policy. Situations in the past week:
1. On Monday a US single-handed sloop was the first to be turned away. He was met at the entrance by an elderly live-aboard in a dinghy. Police arrived soon after and said he could not stay. A curfew was already in place and there were some reports of a new order by the governor closing Puerto Rico. People later tried to claim that he left voluntarily.
2. A US cat was met Tuesday at the entrance by same man in dinghy. They were able to check in with Roam app before police arrived. They were allowed to stay one night, but not to leave boat, then were forced to leave in the morning.
3. On Wednesday at boat entered at 2100 with no AIS on. They were seen leaving the next morning.
4. Thursday at 1730 a boat was heading towards the bay. About 1 mile out they turned around.
5. A boat was heading towards the entry at 1700. The DNRA boat approached them and they turned around.
As of yesterday there have been no restrictions entering or leaving any port in Puerto Rican controlled waters.
Update from Brazil:
Just to tell you some news about the situation Covid in Brazil.
At sea when the maritime boundary closed (03.27), we have been accepted in Itajai marina.
We have no stamps in passport, but we are free in the marina, at the pontoon with the other boats; electricity and water, The supermarket delivery staff we need.
Not too bad.
—
JC and F on SY Suditude
Note: Brazil is now CLOSED to foreign yachts. You can only go there if you are planning to leave your boat in Brazil and fly home, or, in case of emergency.
Germany. The measure of closing all harbours in Schleswig-Holstein is prolonged until 24-4 (notice to mariners 85/20 27-3-2020). This includes Helgoland, the west-coast between Brunsbuttel and the Danish border and the Baltic coast between Lubeck and the Danish border. The measures making it impossible to use the Kiel canal for transit.
Saint Kitts and Nevis borders closed.
St Vincent and the Grenadines are no longer allowing yachts to check-in at Union, Canouan or Bequia. See:
http://www.iwnsvg.com/2020/03/27/pm-orders-closure-of-3-grenadine-ports-of-entry/
Anyone know if it is possible to get fuel at Massawa. Is there an agent please?
Eritrea have issued travel advice and asked that foreigners with the intention of traveling to Eritrea postpone their plans. However, they have not closed the borders, yet. It would therefore be possible to stop at Massawa for fuel, although this situation is very fluid and things could change overnight. See fuel details for Massawa here https://www.noonsite.com/place/eritrea/massawa/marine-services/#fuel-section. An agent is not needed in Eritrea, however under the current circumstances would help you keep updated with the latest options. I suggest you ask on the Red Sea Passage facebook page, or Indian Ocean facebook page for cruisers, for agent recommendations.
Any confirmed updates on entering Brazil. I am in Uruguay at the moment.
Hi Craig, as of today the maritime borders are still open in Brazil. What is the situation in Uruguay please?
Difficult to say. Argentina border is closed with Uruguay, Brazil land botder still open. There ea a yacht from Brazil a few days ago that was told it had to wait 14 days quarantine before being allowed ashore, they took fuel from the Prefectura and continued to Argentina.
New information on Uruguay. It seems like No Yachts in and also no yachts out. When I get to speak to the Head of Prefectura in La Paloma, I will update.
Uruguay is closed. Not allowing any yachts in.
thank you Craig for checking that out – much appreciated.
We arrived Salvador, Brazil on 24th March from St. Helena. Bahia Marina waved us away, then Terminal Nautico at the fort allowed us in. Marina manager Dominique contacted Health Dept. to get approval. We are quarantined on the boat for 14 days and fellow cruisers and Marina is helping with basic food supplies. After quarantine we will be allowed outside the Marina and other ports in Brazil with no additional quarantine.
Formalities were done online by Dominique; the staff here are very helpful.
Carl Lubbe
My brother is arriving trans-Atlantic 40′ heading for Recife arriving 27th. When departing no pandemic in South America. Needing fuel & supplies. Any advice please?
Florida Keys all non residents to leave Monroe county by 6 pm Sunday.
Does anybody has updated news from Turk and Caicos islands ? We are in the Bahamas and we would like to enter this country. Thank you very much, Pierre
They reamin open. But might put you in quarantine or deny your boat according to which place you’ve been… good luck!
From 17th of march noon, for 30 days.
From 17th of march noon.
Thanks. Please note that :
– the UE borders are closed to non UE residents (thus means that non UE residents cannot enter into european territorial waters). This does not apply to UK nationals .
– all nautical activities, including sailing , are prohibited in the french mediterranean waters
What is the latest update on sailing back to the USA from Mexico?
The US is enforcing the same restrictions as Canada–both are in the process of fully sealing their borders. This is still in flux but cruisers should phone the port they are headed to for confirmation before making any attempt to enter. Some ports will/are closed and some are enforcing self-isolation–it’s very unpredictable and really important for people returning/transiting from the Caribbean/Mexico to be aware of. Contacts: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats-private-flyers/pleasure-boat-locations
Any updates on entering into the Bahamas from the DR
Addison Chan from Bahamas Land and Sea FB page has told us that the Bahamas remains open to transients. At the moment there are no countries on the restricted list in the Caribbean basin. The strategy of the Bahamian government is to encourage social distancing and to discourage non-essential travel. Keep an eye on the Bahamas Biosecurity section for further updates. https://www.noonsite.com/place/bahamas/formalities#biosecurity-section
Thank you!!!!
Does anyone have an update on Antigua. Is it still possible to clear in
As of today, you need an agent to get into Antigua. See https://www.noonsite.com/place/antigua-barbuda/formalities#biosecurity-section for details.
Apologies, the agent information was incorrect. This from a cruiser who cleared into Antigua on the 17th:
“Cleared into Antigua (Jolly Harbour) this morning 17th march. I enquired with customs as to situation for other yachts going forward. As long as your clear out papers are in order from where you have come from Antigua will let you clear in ” for the foreseeable future” was the response. Use eseaclear.com to facilitate clearance and have a list of your last 6 ports. I was also asked for date of arrival in Caribbean.
Customs called by this evening and mentioned that from tomorrow (18th March) yachts will be asked to wait on anchor and will be called into customs to clear in one by one. I understand that this may be in response to the amount of yachts clearing in this morning. I was there at 0800 and it took 3 hours to complete with customs immigration and port authority”.
Note that since that was reported, all clearance into Antigua must take place in St. Johns. Follow the link to biosecurity for all the details.
Thanks very much for that. We are at anchor off the Rosario Islands Columbia. Visited by the Armada Nacional last night. Very polite and just told us to try and get hold of an Agent in Cartagena re provisioning, fuel, etc. Absolutely no entry into port at present though
I’m in Uruguay now and they don’t allow to stay in Marina. I’ll try to go to Brazil.
Hi there! I’m Brazilian, I recommend you to go to Rio Grande Yatch. Search for Ricardo – Sailboat named Brutus. Ask for help. They would likely accept you.
Did you leave for Brazil already. I am in La Paloma Uruguay, looking at going up to Brazil.
I am in Rodney bay marina.it is closed from today for foreigners.
Yes, St. Lucia suspended entry for foreign pleasure yachts as of today. See the Caribbean list at the top of this report for islands that are still open. The list was updated about 30 minutes ago.
Port of Cartagena now officially closed to all foreign flagged vessels unless exclusively crewed by Columbian nationals.
Any news about Barbados and Brazil (Fernando de Norohna)? Cannot find anything. Thx
Hi Patrick,
I’m Brazilian and the Brazilian news are reporting that Fernando de Noronha had a confirmed case yesterday. So they started to send the turists to shore and the island will be closed Saturday.
Hi, could you kindly send some official source where i can see actual information about Brazil. Now in Uruguay they don’t allow to stay, I just arrived from Ushuaya, Argentina.
Barbados currently only has restrictions on air travelers. They are in stage 1 only. So for now – open to yachts.
Columbia. Cartagena on curfew. Islas Rosario closed