Law and Regulations

Seaman’s Book required for crew stamping out in Palma from January 1

Seaman’s Book required for crew stamping out in Palma from January 1

From January 1, 2024, yacht crew in Palma de Mallorca must present a Seaman’s Book to stamp out onboard; employment documents won’t suffice. This change affects non-EU arrivals and the usual entry requirements remain for disembarking crew. Obtaining a Seaman’s Book is advised.

Don’t drop it like it’s hot!

Don’t drop it like it’s hot!

A salutary tale reached us during a recent show, about a yacht falling foul of the authorities in Menorca this season. The captain of a 50-metre motor yacht had consulted with an agent before dropping anchor in the bay of Mahón in September, though the chosen agent...

Spain to implement stamp-less EES border e-gates by end 2023

Spain to implement stamp-less EES border e-gates by end 2023

Delayed a number of times since an initial launch planned for 2022, Spain’s Interior Ministry has announced that its nationwide rollout of Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric terminals will be completed around the end of the year. 1,500 Automated Border Control eGates...

ESTELA Breakfast Seminars at the Palma Superyacht Show, 2022

ESTELA Breakfast Seminars at the Palma Superyacht Show, 2022

Our breakfast seminars raised some interesting discussions. On Day One, we covered crucial information for the upcoming Med season, such as stamping protocols, chartering and VAT, and  rules & regulation changes across various jurisdictions. Many...

Hospitality restrictions eased in the Balearics

Hospitality restrictions eased in the Balearics

The Balearic Government has introduced new de-escalation measures, in effect now:● Night-time curfew now starts one hour later, at 23:00h, until 06:00h● Outdoor bar/restaurant terraces may open Mon-Thu from 20:00h until 22:30h● Mixing of households is now...

UK removes COVID testing exemption for seafarers

UK removes COVID testing exemption for seafarers

Since April 6th, seafarers arriving in the UK and staying more than two days have been obliged to undergo rapid ‘lateral flow’ tests during their stay. While remaining exempt from the 10-day quarantine/self-isolation rules that apply to other travellers, crew must...

Balearic Islands ban single-use plastic

Balearic Islands ban single-use plastic

A ban on disposable plastics in the Balearics came into force this month. The sale, distribution and use of disposable plastic products is now prohibited, such as non-recyclable coffee capsules, plates, cutlery, cups, trays, drinking straws, disposable wipes and rings...

Easter COVID rules/regs around the Med

Easter COVID rules/regs around the Med

SPAIN No yacht restrictions, subject to health declarations and PCR tests (<72 hrs)Hospitality is open only on terraces, until 5pmGroups may be no more than 6, from no more than two households, including on boardShops are open, with some capacity restrictions and...

Spain introduces 10-day quarantine for arrivals from South Africa

With effect from 8th March 2021, all arrivals from South Africa in Spain will be required to quarantine for 10 days following arrival. Please note that seafarers are NOT exempt from this requirement, though are permitted to self-isolate on board. Quarantine must be...

OFFICIAL travel information sources for crew (and non-crew)

OFFICIAL travel information sources for crew (and non-crew)

Global travel eligibility checker: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/#(note that all airlines’ policy is guided by IATA)Travel to Spain, general:For general travel to Spain: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001Spain health declaration:...