How to check in to Greece. Transit Log, TEPAI, Fees, Coast Guard, Port Police, Customs.

Last week we went from Turkey to Greece, entering a country within the EU and thus entering the Schengen Zone. This can sometimes make it difficult as your boat may or may not be VAT paid, but we’re going to tell you all about the pitfalls and give you some documentation that will help you make this transition easily.

Understanding EU Schengen Zone

Greece is part of the European Union (EU) as well as the Schengen Zone at this current date, August 1st 2024. However, Cyprus, including Northern Cyprus, is neither in the EU nor the Schengen zone and is technically a part of Turkey. The map shown outlines all states operating under the Schengen Zone rules with an important note: Southern Cyprus which is part of Greece, as it currently stands on this point in time is not considered to be a part of the Schengen Zone.

Documents & Sequence

Mainly documents, you are going to need calendar dates, your boat’s documentation, and personal ID. You will have to apply for Transit Log and most likely pay it before entering Greece, so it’s essential to keep a note of the sequence of events. This is quite important for the Greek authorities who need to understand the status of your boat – whether it’s VAT paid or not – as this can impact on the length of the transit log you are issued with.

Additionally, they will be checking whether you’re an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen, but crucially, your VAT status does not change. It remains constant regardless of citizenship issues. The biggest issue at the moment appears to stem from Brexit and VAT on UK boats and some ex-charter boats which can lead to confusion for some people.

Transit Log & VAT Paid Boats

If your boat has a VAT paid status, you are entitled to travel without any additional documentation in Greece however the ministry has issued directives stating that boats from non-EU countries including the UK even if they’re VAT paid will only be issued with an unlimited Transit Log. This is currently in dispute and most likely you will be encouraged to accept an 18-month Transit Log, even though you have provided proof of your boat’s VAT status.

The length of the transit log does not relate to how many days you can spend in the Schengen Zone – that’s governed by a different rule. Boats from outside the EU will be issued with a limited transit log, which can sometimes be as short as one month, though normally it lasts around 18 months.

The status of your boat doesn’t change the status of your citizenship. The issues of Transit Logs and the time spent in Schengen Zone don’t directly relate either.

Non-EU Citizens 90/180 Rule

For non-EU citizens, there is a restriction on how long you can spend within the Schengen Area. You cannot stay for more than 90 days in every 180-day period without risking a fine and your boat may be impounded until the penalty has been paid. This is particularly applicable if you overstay beyond this 90-day allocation; some EU countries, notably Greece, enforce these rules strictly with big fines.

If your boat has VAT already paid when it was launched in the EU then proof of that would have to be shown at the Greek Customs and Border Patrol checkpoints. For British boats now, evidence of payment before Brexit will also be required.

Greek Cruising Tax (TEPE) – An Overview

All cruising vessels entering Greece have to pay what’s called a Greek Cruising tax or ‘TEE’ (TEEPE). The payment period starts from the 1st of the month and ends at the end of that month; you can’t pay for just part of a month. Some discounts are available if you’ve been in Greek waters for more than 12 months but these discounts are not particularly large. The system is fully online which makes it fairly easy to manage your payment, however, this must be done before you arrive in the country or you could be subject to a fine.

The process of applying and paying your TEIPE can now be streamlined thanks to the handy guide we’ve made available on our website for free. For more information please refer to this guide.

Step-By-Step Guide to Check-in Greece

To avoid fines, you should always start at the Port Police for your passport stamp as they will inform you on how many days you are permitted in the Schengen Zone. From there move on to Customs where you will collect your Transit Log. If you have an unlimited version of this document then you won’t need to report to customs; simply hand over the document to the Coast Guard for them to stamp.

The first stop should always be at the Port Police, and here your passport gets stamped. This is when your 90 days within the Schengen Zone start counting. EU citizens are not required to check in nor limited to these 90 days of stay if they have an EU passport.

Reporting To The Port Police

If you’re a non-EU resident, it’s essential that you report immediately to the port police once arriving in Greece. Your 90/180 days in the Schengen Zone begins on this date. If you have an EU country passport and a non-EU spouse travelling with you, you should both check in with the Port Police and confirm in writing your significant other’s presence. It is advised to do so for their stay too.

Customs & The Transit Log

Keep a record of everything as you go along, and try to have all necessary documents with you at all times. You will likely be asked for your passport, the boat’s registration, an ICC certificate if required (captain’s papers), crew list, proof that you’ve paid your TEIPE fee, Certificate of Insurance and evidence of your boat’s VAT status. If your vessel is VAT exempt or registered outside the EU, there’ll be more extensive documentation needed.

If at customs, you’re issued a transit log – even an unlimited one – take this to the Coast Guard for their stamp; there’s a €1.15 fee for the first stamp in. Ensure all paperwork is up-to-date and don’t forget your crew list as it might differ from yours with updated info.

Challenges With The Greek Coast Guard Offices

The rules around the use of an unlimited transit log may not be clearly understood by all Greek Coast Guard offices; this is something the Cruising Association has been actively trying to resolve. As it stands, vessels with an unlimited Transit Log are meant to check in and out only upon entering/exiting Greece (not at every port visited).

Despite ongoing efforts though, there remains a possibility you’ll encounter problems when dealing directly with the Coast Guard offices, who may still demand you check in/out at every stop. This information has been disseminated but doesn’t seem to have filtered down universally through all Coast Guard staff.

Patreon Members Get Access To A Greek Check-In Pack

Due to time and effort put into researching, collating and correlating all the required documentation, we’re only making a special ‘Greek check-in’ pack available to patrons via our Patreon page. For those who sign up for at least one month of patreon status, this resourceful packet provides detailed information including relevant documents, updates, slides and tips that can help streamline your process of entering Greece.