Greece Bans Private Pleasure Boats from Entering its Ports

A Greek government decision, announced on Thursday, temporarily bans the entrance of private pleasure boats from abroad into Greek ports, as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health.

Published in the government gazette on March 18, the shipping ministry’s decision foresees that all private recreational and leisure vessels coming from abroad are prohibited from entering Greek ports and disembarking passengers. The decision also prohibits private pleasure boats from leaving port.

The measure went into effect on March 19 and will run until April 19.

Private pleasure boats currently at sea must be back to port by midnight Saturday, the Greek Deputy Minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, Nikos Chardalias, told the media on Friday.

In addition, another decision by the ministries of development, citizen protection, labor, health, interior and shipping suspends the operation of all training centers for speedboat operators until April 20.

The measure also applies to lifeguard academies, leisure diving centers and companies renting recreational boats, motor boats and speedboats.

Greece has also restricted cruise ships from entering Greek ports and disembarking passengers since March 15. The measure applies to all cruise ships from any destination and will be in effect until April 15.