Positive course of the COVID 19 pandemic
The current situation regarding entry and exit in the countries of destination is constantly changing, and further easing of travel is to be expected if the COVID 19 pandemic continues its positive course.
Entry and quarantine Austria
The regulation “Legal regulation for measures on entry from neighbouring countries in the version of 15.5.2020“, published in the Austrian Federal Law Gazette 195/2020, ends on 31.5.2020, as expressly written in § 6, para. 2. Whether a successor regulation will come into force is not yet foreseeable. However, if one considers the current process of political decision-making and the corresponding discussions in the respective political camps, it can be assumed, based on the current state of affairs, that further quarantine regulations for EU citizens (including Austrians) who enter Austria from EU member states with similar reproduction figures as Austria (e.g. Germany, Slovenia, Croatia, editor’s note) will no longer have to go into domestic quarantine.
Entry and quarantine Slovenia
Slovenia is taking a bold step and, according to unanimous media reports, officially declares the COVID 19 pandemic in Slovenia to be over. EU citizens can enter Slovenia from Austria, Italy and Hungary at predetermined checkpoints, while most non-EU citizens must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Three airports and two ports are among the ports of entry listed in the government decree. According to the new regulations, persons with permanent or temporary residence in the EU will receive instructions from the National Institute of Public Health when entering Slovenia, but will not have to remain in quarantine as before.
Entry and quarantine Croatia
Yacht owners are allowed to enter Croatia with the appropriate proof, first owners are already on site. Marinas, restaurants and other tourist facilities are working again and, as reported from several destinations, yachts can leave. At the moment there is an enquiry underway as to whether “normal” hotel and apartment guests may also enter. There are no definite findings for trailer boat drivers yet, but with a berth confirmation it should not be a problem. For the time being, however, we recommend that you enquire here in writing at uzg.covid@mup.hr.
Entry and quarantine Italy
The situation in Italy regarding entry and quarantine must currently be considered in a differentiated manner. The first citizens from Austria are already supposed to be back in the marinas in Lignano, but with a medical certificate, as was reported. Reliable, legally binding statements are not expected until May 18, as the Italian government announced new measures to ease the restrictions on entry into Italy. SeaHelp advises to wait for the corresponding announcements regarding the new entry regulations.
Entry and quarantine Germany
As reported by various German media, the quarantine regulation after entry into Germany due to the COVID-19 pandemic is also to be lifted in the next few days. In North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, the lifting of the quarantine rules on entry from other EU countries will take effect today, May 15, 2020. On Tuesday, a court in Lower Saxony had already overruled the basic quarantine obligation, because persons entering from abroad cannot be categorized as suspects of disease or infection. It can be assumed that other federal states will follow this example.
Update Italy 16.05.2020 – 9:00 AM
Anyone who has really urgent reasons to travel to Italy can apply for a special permit from the competent authorities. The forms can be found on the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. This allows a stay of 72 hours. It can be extended for a further 48 hours for a valid reason. The first SeaHelp members who have taken advantage of such a special arrangement to carry out urgent work on their yacht in Lignano speak of a problem-free procedure. The response from the responsible authority was reportedly relatively quick and border controls on entering and leaving Italy via the Brenner Pass were rather superficial. However, as freedom of movement is currently still severely restricted on the spot in Lignano, the stay should only be limited to actually necessary travel for a valid reason.
Update Italy 16.05.2020 – 01:25 PM
Yesterday evening, according to media reports, Italy decided to reopen the borders for foreigners as of June 3. Then, traffic between the individual regions should also be possible again, provided the level of infection allows it. Already from Monday, a bit of Italian joie de vivre will return: bars, restaurants, the retail trade as well as hairdressers and beauty salons will be allowed to reopen, subject to strict distance rules. Access to the previously closed beaches will also be possible again. The SeaHelp base in the Lignano Marine Complex confirmed the relaxation.
Update 18.05.2020 – 04:40 PM: Slovenia – roll backwards
Someone seems offended! After the Slovenian government announced the opening of the border on Friday and declared the pandemic to be over by decree, now the role backwards. The head of the border police department of the Slovenian police, Melita Mocnik, told the media on Monday that Austrian citizens who do not have a residence in Slovenia, do not own real estate or do not transit through Slovenia must have a specific reason for entry. Even if it is not openly stated: Obviously, the withdrawal of the freedom to travel seems to be a reaction to Austria’s attitude. In return, there is currently no freedom of travel for Slovenians there, because it is obviously feared that citizens from Italy, which is even more severely affected by the pandemic, could also cross the Slovenian border unhindered.
Whether a recreational boat in one of the Slovenian marinas counts as a valid reason in addition to real estate owners, could not be found out at present. Our SeaHelp base will report on Monday about arrivals of Austrian and German owners.
In general there is little understanding for the political tug-of-war in Slovenia. Reliable government action looks different. But: Maybe after the first role backwards the next role backwards will follow soon. At this point we will continue to report on the communications spree surrounding the opening of Slovenia’s borders and ensure that our readers keep a clear view.
Important: The transit to Croatia, as explicitly mentioned, continues to take place without restrictions.
Update Slovenia 19.05.2020 – 04:30 PM
Rumours are currently circulating on the Internet that it is no longer possible to travel through Slovenia with immediate effect. SeaHelp has contacted the German embassy in Ljubljana and the Slovenian embassy in Berlin to find out more. The information is the same: EU citizens from Germany and Austria can still transit to Croatia without restriction if they leave Slovenia after 24 hours, according to the embassies. As of now, 19 May 2020, entry into Slovenia in order to get to one’s boats in the marinas is only possible if one enters a 14-day quarantine in Slovenia. However, the Slovenian embassy expects new information on this soon.
Note SeaHelp: According to the staff member of the Slovenian Embassy in Berlin, the following publication is not correct: “In addition, German citizens residing in an EU member state or in a Schengen state will also be able to enter Slovenia and transit through Slovenia, but only after the list of states has been published by the Slovenian government in accordance with § 9, paragraph 5 of the above-mentioned (consolidated) regulations and Germany has been included in the list of states. According to the embassy staff member, transit is always permitted if entry into Croatia is also guaranteed. We hope to have provided clarity in this regard.
Please read also:
First skippers report on entry into Croatia
Update regarding quarantine on the return journey to Austria:
