Resumption of passenger flights in Spain

Understandably, there are many owners keen to rejoin their yachts as soon as permitted, though there is, as yet, no news of when this will become possible in Spain.

Many countries in Europe are targeting 15th June as the date that their borders will re-open to tourism, and while Spain is rumoured to be considering joining these, nothing has been announced. While crew are able to move around without too much difficulty, guests must be patient or be open to moving their boats elsewhere.

Here’s a round-up of the state of play elsewhere around the Mediterranean:

Italy

Borders now open, with boats able to arrive and EU citizens allowed to fly in, no quarantine required. Cruising is restricted to Italian waters.

Greece

Borders now open, with boats able to arrive and EU citizens allowed to fly into Athens only. Until 14 June, all arrivals, including Greek citizens, are swab tested at the airport and must stay at a designated hotel until COVID test results are back. If negative, a 7-day quarantine is required. If positive, a 14-day mandatory quarantine applies. From 15 June, this process applies only to arrivals from higher-risk countries, as assessed and reviewed daily by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Travellers who refuse the test will not be accepted. Thessaloniki Airport will open from 15 June. Rules remain in force until at least 30 June.

Croatia

Borders now open, yachts allowed to arrive, no quarantine. Schengen/EU nationals can enter for yacht charters, as well as owners and immediate family. Airports open to commercial and private flights. Citizens of Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany can enter Croatia on pre-pandemic conditions.

France

Borders closed to tourism, decision on re-opening due 15 June.

Turkey

Borders closed to tourism, international flights expected to re-start w/c 8 June, with restrictions.

Montenegro

Montenegro’s two international airports, Podgorica and TIvat, have reopened for commercial traffic. The first commercial flights are expected to re-start 8 June. Yachts are permitted to enter, subject to 14-day quarantine.

Malta

Borders closed to tourism, international flights expected to re-start 1 July.