Greece Releases Updated Rules for Port Activity

In view of the opening of tourism and the arrival of the first cruise ship to Greece today, the health ministry released updated health and Covid-19 management protocols to be enforced at all Greek ports.

The new rules apply to all forms of transport making use of ports including coastal ferries, cruise ships, and international ferry operators. 

Besides the guidelines for embarkation and disembarkation, the regulations which apply to port authorities, cruise companies and ferry operators, also require contingency planning and standard operating procedures (SOP) in case a Covid-19 incident is found on board. 

Among others, port authorities will be required to have designated areas for Covid-19 case management, including special medical and isolation facilities. 

With regard to cruise ships, the ministry sets out terms including number of expected cruise ship arrivals at each port daily and for the entire tourism season as well as the number of passengers allowed to disembark. 

Furthermore, Greek ports have been designated as home ports, contingency ports, or transit ports.

According to the new regulations:

– embarkation/disembarkation of crew and passengers is allowed as long as it does not coincide with other arrivals in terms of time and space;

– each port depending on the number of cruise ship arrivals will be required to have Covid-19 management infrastructure in place including treatment and quarantine space;

– crowding should be avoided and distancing measures enforced at all times and at all spaces including sites, attractions etc;

– all passengers will be required to fill in a PLF form;

– mask wearing is obligatory at all times.