Greek Coast Guard Steps Up Checks on Ferries and Travelers

The Hellenic Coast Guard has announced that it will be stepping up checks on ferries and passengers as part of efforts to ensure that lockdown measures and safety protocols against the coronavirus (Covid-19) are being followed.

According to an announcement, strict inspections will be carried out daily throughout the holiday season at all ports, especially in Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.

The checks will aim to ensure that

– those traveling by ferry fall into the exceptions of movement from prefecture to prefecture in accordance to Greece’s current lockdown rules
– the health and safety measures against Covid-19 are being applied by coastal shipping companies and followed by passengers.

It is reminded that due to the current lockdown travel between prefectures (domestic travel) is allowed only for: returning to permanent residence (proof of residence, such as the E1 tax return form, will be required), family reunification, business reasons and health reasons.

Health questionnaire before boarding

Moreover, all passengers are obliged to fill out a health declaration questionnaire before boarding ferries at Greek ports.

The questionnaire is mandatory for a domestic ferry trip (travel between ports in Greece) over 30 minutes.

A similar questionnaire must be filled out by passengers and crew members before boarding ships that operate international routes (Greece-Italy).

The questionnaire for domestic travel in Greece can be downloaded here and for travel on the Greece-Italy line can be found here.

Both questionnaires can also be downloaded from the official website of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy or obtained from travel agencies and coastal shipping companies.