Greece exempted seafarers from COVID-19-related entry restrictions

Greece has exempted seafarers from travel restrictions related to COVID-19, fulfilling the IMO pledge to facilitate crew change.

GAC Greece announced that the Greek government, together with citizens of the following countries, allowed seafarers to enter its country:

  • Algeria
  • Australia
  • Georgia
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Morocco
  • New Zealand
  • Rwanda
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Tunisia
  • Uruguay

Greece joined Denmark, France , Germany, Indonesia, the Netherlands , Norway, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates ( UAE), the United Kingdom and the United States to appoint key staff for seafarers and to allow crew changes to be made following the UK Government 's virtual ministerial summit of 9 July.

The crew change crisis has resulted in more than 300,000 seafarers stranded at sea, with an estimated 300,000 seafarers pending onshore to relieve their overworked colleagues and sign onto ships.

Sample testing for COVID-19 will be carried out and passengers will remain in quarantine until the tests are released, according to an statement from GAC Greece.

In case of a positive result, the individual will be quarantined for 14 days, and the local health authorities will provide further guidance.

All passengers, including seafarers, must fill out the online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) no later than 48 hours before departure from their home country in order to escape any penalties levied by the Greek authorities.

Travelers must have a copy of the form and have it submitted to health officers

This procedure will remain in effect until 31 August.

Maritime Business World