Cyprus: Authorities ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from March 16 /update 31

Event

Authorities in Cyprus are easing certain COVID-19-related domestic restrictions. Effective March 16, daily curfew hours will be shortened by two hours to 23:00-05:00 instead of the previously designated time frame of 21:00-05:00. Residents must stay at home during curfew hours unless seeking emergency medical attention; essential workers are exempt from the curfew. In addition, authorities have allowed the outdoor areas of restaurants and other catering establishments to reopen. Nevertheless, the following domestic restrictions remain in force as of March 16:

Residents are only permitted to leave their homes twice per day after logging their trip with health authorities via text message.
Many retail stores and shopping malls remain closed.
Household gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Weddings, baptisms, and funerals may take place in places of worship but may not exceed 10 attendees.
Public gatherings are restricted to no more than two persons, excluding children.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in all outdoor public spaces, except while exercising, in addition to all indoor public spaces.

International entry restrictions
With regard to international travel, the Cypriot government continues to use a four-tiered color-coded system for classifying countries by risk of disease transmission. The tiers include the same "green," "orange," and "red" levels as the European Centre for Disease Control's (ECDC) categorization system in addition to a "gray" level designating countries from which travelers must obtain special permission in order to enter Cyprus.

Travelers from green countries, which are considered low risk, are only required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Cyprus through March 31; this test will be at the expense of Cypriot authorities. Starting April 1, there will be no entry restrictions for travelers from these countries.

Passengers from orange countries, which are considered medium risk, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Cypriot citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members may instead take a PCR test upon entry at their own expense and self-isolate while waiting for the results.

Passengers from red countries, which are considered high-risk, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and take a second PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. These travelers must also self-isolate while waiting for the results of the second test.

Travelers from gray countries require special permits to enter Cyprus unless they are Cypriot citizens or residents or citizens of an EU country. These travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival; the self-isolation can be ended on the 10th day with a second negative PCR test. For a complete list of the countries in each category, click here.

It remains unclear how often Cyprus will update its country category listings. All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 24 hours prior to departure from their point of origin.

Authorities plan to ease the COVID-19-related entry restrictions for travelers from the UK. Starting April 1, authorities will allow entry for all travelers from the UK; however, such individuals must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. In addition, starting May 1, Cyprus will allow all travelers from the UK who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to enter without restrictions.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.