New Rules for Ferry Travel in Greece post-Covid-19

A series of measures for the safe operation of coastal shipping vessels when traveling in Greece, during the post-Covid-19 period, were announced by the Greek Maritime Ministry on Friday.

The following measures will take effect from Monday, May 18 until Monday, June 15.

The ministry’s announcement includes the following:

Instructions for the prevention and treatment of Covid-19 cases on:
– ferries transporting passengers and vehicles
– international vessels with the Greek flag.

1. Ferries are allowed to carry 50 percent of their maximum passenger capacity set by current legislation. Ships that have cabins are allowed to transport 55 percent of their original passenger capacity.

2. Pre-boarding entry screening measures.
Prior to boarding a ferry at Greek ports of departure, passengers are obliged to hand over a previously filled out health status questionnaire (available at ports or it can be downloaded from a special website, which will be announced).
Thermal screening will be applied to all passengers entering ferries.

3. Passengers must maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between each other during boarding, disembarkation and in all areas of the ship.

4. Only one passenger will be allowed per cabin or up to four passengers per family. A person with special needs will be allowed to be accompanied by one person.

5. Masks (made of fabric is recommended) must be worn by passengers and crew members.

6. Seating in airplane-type seats is allowed according to a special layout as passengers must maintain distances. Special markings will indicate where a passenger is allowed to sit.

7. Passengers of international ships serving Greece-Italy routes must submit a health status questionnaire when boarding. Thermal screening will be applied to all passengers.

8. A printed brochure of EODY (Greece’s public health organization), explaining the measures, should be handed out to all passengers. Ships should also have informative spots and play audio messages on speakers.

9. Crews must undergo special training.

10. Rules of personal hygiene must be applied by all passengers. All ships must have antiseptic stations in various areas.

11. All ships must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

12. Ships must provide ventilation and air conditioning.

13. Specific rules apply for the the proper management of a suspected Covid-19 case (isolation in a special area, disembarkation at the next port which has the necessary capacity for managing the case, tracking of the patient’s contacts, etc.).

14. Special rules apply at all passenger service points (bars, restaurants, dining rooms) of ships.

When is travel to the Greek islands allowed?

It should be noted that travel to the Greek islands is still prohibited for the general public and allowed strictly to owners and their employees of businesses that have reopened.

Greece will lift its restrictions for travel to the islands of Crete and Evia (only by road) from Monday, May 18. Travel to all of the Greek islands is expected to be allowed as of Monday, May 25.