Covid update - Many countries updating their entry protocols
by Noonsite 30 Jul 2021 18:30 UTC
Covid-19 yachting protocols update © Noonsite
July 2021 has been busy with many countries updating their entry protocols to "vaccinated-only". We have updated the Covid yachting protocols for some 50+ countries so far this month and things don't appear to be slowing down as we move into August.
That said, regulations for cruisers still vary widely between countries. Suriname in South America for example has joined the crowd and now only permits vaccinated travellers, however its neighbour French Guiana has some of the least restrictive measures in place for long distance cruisers.
David Matelicani of Marina - Saint Laurent du Maroni - told Noonsite; "Crews arriving from Brazil, South Africa, Cape Verde or any other destination where the time spent at sea is greater than a week, are free to step off their yacht from day one. It is reassuring to see that the authorities consider leisure cruisers a low-risk category with regards to Covid transmission and have lifted restrictions accordingly."
There have been some big country openings this month, after nearly 18 months of waiting, including the British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Palau in the North Pacific.
In the South Pacific NZ borders are still closed, but the Vessel Exemption process is still in effect and working well. Latest news from government suggests this process will continue for the foreseeable future and that NZ will likely have immigration restrictions in place through 2022. John and Lyn Martin of Sail South Pacific have assisted 30+ vessels obtain exemption approvals. They recommend that vessels looking to head to NZ before cyclone season should be making application now as exemptions take approx. 2 months to process plus a further 3-4 weeks for visa application. Details at NZ Biosecurity.
With very little open in the South Pacific still, Vanuatu has extended its State of Emergency this month and will remain closed until 31 December 2021.
This article has been provided by the courtesy of noonsite.com.