Northern Cyprus: Authorities extend COVID-19-related measures, including curfew, until April 19 /update 26

Event

Northern Cyprus has extended a 22:00-05:00 curfew until at least 05:00 April 19 as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes during curfew hours. An extended curfew will be in effect from 22:00 April 17-05:00 April 19. Only pharmacies, bakeries, and fuel stations will be permitted to operate during the extended curfew. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and related activities will also be permitted.

Certain cultural, entertainment, and leisure businesses remain closed. Retail stores and restaurants that are permitted to operate may do so 10:00-21:00, while markets may operate 07:00-21:00. Establishments that are allowed to operate must maintain strict hygiene requirements. Educational facilities are continuing to provide distance learning only. Protective facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces at all times.

International Entry Restrictions
Passengers who have visited certain hig- risk countries including UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Canary Islands (Spain), and Madeira (Portugal) in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter; citizens and permanent residents of Northern Cyprus are allowed to enter from these locations but must quarantine at government-designated hotels at their own expense for 14 days or self-isolate with the use of an electronic tracking wristband purchased from the government. These travelers are also required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no older than 72 hours before departure.

Passengers arriving from other countries are required to have taken a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before departure. These travelers must also undergo a 10-day quarantine at government-designated hotels or self-isolate with the use of an electronic tracking wristband, and take a PCR test at the end of the quarantine period. All PCR tests must be in either English or Turkish.

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, or medical purposes, who will need to possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within no longer than seven days.

Restrictions could 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. Confirm 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)