Hi Richard, the e-TL is becoming mandatory in some places (i.e. you can’t apply for a TL on arrival). We’ve just had a report from a yacht clearing into Agios Nikalaos who was fined 300 Euros for not applying online for the TL in advance of arrival. It seems the application form is not that straightforward and some of it is in Greek – so even though the e-TL was introduced to make things simpler, that’s not really the case. Using an agent if your situation is slightly more complicated, may well be a wise approach right now as requirements are tightening up, and they can help smooth all the pre-arrival requirements etc.

There is step by step guide by Chris Robbs – linked to here – https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/fees/
An agent can also assist with payment – see https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/clearance-agents/ and click on related businesses. If you have filled in all the necessary details and it’s just the payment that is proving tricky – then using an agent could be a convenient and quick solution.
Do let us know how you get on.

Hi Neal, please use the recommended CA guide to applying for and paying the Tepai in the links section below the explanation of eTepai in fees – https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/fees/. This is still current and extremely helpful as it gives you a step by step guide. The AADE website also has good guidance in English. Let us know how you get on.

Hi JR,
Go to the Corfu port page and click on the “i” icon, then go to the clearance section.
See https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/ionian/corfu-port-corfu/view/clearance/
Sue

We recommend you speak with a few Greek yachting agents and ask this question. You will need to find one who can assist you in making the right decision about re-flagging in Greece, VAT etc. https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/clearance-agents/

Please review this page:
https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/clearance/

I am not an expert, however, as your boat is flagged UK (i.e. non-EU) and you the skipper are EU – you fall into the category of being granted just one month only in Greece (a one month transit log).

I asked Roditis Yachting Agency, and Michalis there said it would be best to make pre-arrangements with a Customs broker (or agent) for an unlimited transit log prior to arrival, otherwise Customs will only grant you 30 days.

Unfortunately, when it comes to UK Flag yachts, agents are not keen on getting into conflict with customs – https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/view/clearance-agents/

Do let us know how you get on, thanks.

Thanks Chris for the feedback. Yes, since June 2022, the Transit Log officially has to be presented to the Port Master’s Office to be stamped in every port visited. The PP are obliged to check if yachts have had their TL’s/crew lists stamped and the standard penalty is 500 Euros (so looks like you were lucky!).

Hello Andrew. I have been speaking with Michalis of Roditis Yachting Agency in Rhodes. He tells me in relation to your query:

A Non-EU Flag Yacht is issued a Transit Log.

If it will be flagged from an EU to Non-EU Flag, it is considered Export and the VAT – as far as Greece is concerned – is lost, unless in Greece before the yacht departs the EU. If the yacht is in Greece when the flag is changed, the owner can request UTL (Unlimited Transit Log).

In some cases this is granted.

Therefore, if you intend to cruise in Greece for a long period of time (bearing in mind a normal transit log gives you 18 months), then this could be the best way forward.

https://www.noonsite.com/business/roditis-yachting-agency/

Hi Andrew, you’re welcome, I’m glad the info. was helpful. Perhaps once you have everything sorted, you could write a short report for us about your experience and the hoops you had to jump through to achieve what you wanted. I am sure there are many other cruisers in your position wondering how to proceed. I am also interested as to how you intend to deal with the Immigration side of things (Schengen) being a third country national. All the very best with the next steps.

Chris Robbs of the Cruising Association says:
“The Greeks are very relaxed with the 18 month rule, and are actually happy to extend to 24 months as allowed by the Union Customs Code (UCC). The UCC does not specify any length of time out of territorial waters, and the Greeks are more than happy to allow you to sail out 6 if 12 miles, depending in what part of Greece you are, take a picture of you chart plotter, and return.”
Take a look at our EU page and the section on VAT – https://www.noonsite.com/cruising-resources/european-union/
Why not make a copy of your transit log before handing it in on departure from Greece, so you can demonstrate (should you need to) the history of your time in the water.

HI Bob – this pages should help – https://www.noonsite.com/cruising-resources/european-union/ – and all associated news and reports (scroll down to bottom to see links). Also try the Med Cruisers Facebook page – alot of good advice there too.

Hi Jim,
The latest info. we have can be found here: https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/formalities/#biosecurity-section
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.
Suggest you ask same question on Med Cruisers Facebook Page – many there in Greece that may know more.
Do please let us know what you find out so we can add the info. to Noonsite.
Thanks

Charles, today the rules have changed for Italy and you can’t get tested on arrival. If you are unable to provide test results taken 48hrs prior to arrival in Italy/Sardinia, you’ll have to self-isolate for 14 days. See full details here – https://www.noonsite.com/place/italy/formalities#biosecurity-section. As you can see, rules are changing all the time so it’s helpful to have someone at home who can keep an eye on the situation for you while you are on passage.

Hi Phil, I recommend you join the Cruising Association (CA) in London. They have representatives in Greece that lobby the government and work really hard to get good conditions for UK sailors in Greece. They will have the latest and can give you all the details. Go to https://www.theca.org.uk/.

Hi Holly, both “marinas” in Thassos have water and electricity – see https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/northern-greece/thasos/, and the new marina in Limenaria is pretty big so finding space should not be too difficult. Unfortunately I cannot find any contact details for this new marina, so it might benefit a visit in advance to scope it out. Please do pass on more details if/when you visit.
Suggest you try the Med Cruisers Facebook page to see if anyone has been to the new marina there.
Kavala may be a better bet, and you can contact them in advance for details as well – https://www.noonsite.com/place/greece/northern-greece/kavala/

Hi Uwe,
There seem to be many websites now that offer “boat-sharing” models. Sailum is one of them (https://www.noonsite.com/sailum/). There are also a number of facebook pages (Women Who Sail is one) who have boat share/boat sitting sections.
Regards,
Sue

Hi, I have been speaking with Chris Robb at the Cruising Association and he has confirmed the following:

E-TEPAI

Several of our members have now done this, it was unblocked just before Christmas. Provided they answer the correct questions about being in a Greek port all year, they will get their discount if they mark every month. In theory, they should have done it before 31st December, but I guided someone through it yesterday.

You may also find the following points of interest with regards to the E-TEPAI:

BLOCKED ACCOUNTS:

Your account will be blocked if you have 11 failed attempts to access it. It is then not clear what you need to do. The answer is simple:

1. Go to the E-TEPAI Login

2. Enter your email address

3. Click on “Reset Password”

4. Await email response.

A) Your account is now unblocked – you don’t have to change the password

B) If you have forgotten your password, follow the instructions on the email to change the password

The most common problems is people forgetting passwords, and forgetting that the document number is in fact their Passport number.

PAYMENT:

When paying by bank transfer, you should just enter the 20 digit payment code. Users should note that they now have a block of numbers 5 or more long giving in excess of 25 digits. Just enter the first 20 digits.

Do not be helpful and add the name of the boat or anything else especially in the “Notes for beneficiary” when even a dash will be added to the reference number and the PAYMENT WILL FAIL AND BE RETURNED.

When a payment has successfully been made, the user will get an email back with the Application Print Out with the payment status amended. This is the receipt to show to the Port Police.

This final step may not yet be implemented as they are doing a number of unspecified changes.

Our thanks to the Cruising Association for clarifying these points.

Thank you very much for this useful info. I have added details of the online form, with a link, to our Greek Fees section.