Northern Cyprus: COVID-19-related restrictions on domestic activities and international travel remain in effect as of March 15 /update 23

Event

COVID-19-related restrictions on various domestic activities and international travel remain in effect in Northern Cyprus as of March 15. A nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew is in place on weekdays; on weekends, the curfew runs from 21:00 on Friday through 05:00 on Monday. Individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes during curfew hours. Certain cultural, entertainment, and leisure businesses are closed; only essential businesses are permitted to open during weekends. Establishments that are allowed to operate must implement strict hygiene requirements. Educational facilities are continuing to provide distance learning only. Protective facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Officials have designated three categories of countries from which travelers are allowed to enter Northern Cyprus. Travelers from Category-A countries, including Australia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand, must present on arrival a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding. Category-B rules apply for travelers from Category-A locations arriving in Northern Cyprus via Turkey.

Travelers from Category-B countries must present on arrival a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 120 hours before boarding. They must also undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine at a government-designated facility at their own expense, after which they will be released on confirmation of a negative PCR test. Officials will isolate students arriving in Northern Cyprus for higher education for seven days in dormitories or hotels designated by their respective universities.

Travelers from Category-C countries, as well as permitted travelers who have been to the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Denmark, or South Africa in the past 14 days, must present upon arrival a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 120 hours before boarding. They must also quarantine at a designated facility at their own expense for 14 days. Travelers from the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, Denmark, and South Africa who are not citizens or residents of Northern Cyprus are barred from entry.

Ercan International Airport (ECN) is operating on a reduced timetable; ECN is Northern Cyprus' only commercial airport and only operates direct flights with Turkey. Authorities could temporarily prohibit foreigners from entering via ECN if state-designated quarantine centers have reached capacity. Limited crossing points are open at the land border with Cyprus; residents crossing between Northern Cyprus and Cyprus are subject to quarantine, except for residents traveling for work who will need to possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within no more than seven days.

Restrictions may be reintroduced or amended at any time, depending on disease activity in the country.

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.

Resources

Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Northern Cyprus Ministry of Health - Country Categories
World Health Organization (WHO)