Cyprus: Authorities modify COVID-19-related entry restrictions and ease certain domestic controls from April 1 /update 32

Cyprus modifies COVID-19 entry requirements, eases some domestic restrictions from April 1. Expect disruptions.

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have amended the country's COVID-19-related international entry restrictions. Effective April 1, all citizens and residents of Cyprus and Israel who have been vaccinated and hold valid certificates of vaccination issued by their respective countries may enter Cyprus without restrictions. 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. Authorities are moving several countries including Russia, the UK, and the US to the red category from April 1; these countries were previously designated gray, which meant that travelers from these countries had to obtain special permission in order to enter Cyprus.

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.

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.

Travelers from green countries, which are considered low risk, may enter without restrictions.

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.

For a complete list of the countries in each category, click here

Domestic restrictions
Authorities have also eased certain domestic restrictions. Primary and middle schools in Limassol have been allowed to reopen. In addition, residents are now permitted to leave their homes three times per day on weekends after logging their trip with health authorities via text message; the limit remains two times a day on weekdays. Nevertheless, the following domestic restrictions remain in force as of April 1:

Curfew hours are 23:00-05:00. Residents must stay at home during curfew hours unless seeking emergency medical attention; essential workers are exempt from the curfew.
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.

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.