Cyprus: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions starting May 10 /update 35

Event

The government of Cyprus plans to ease the nation's domestic COVID-19-related restrictions. Starting May 10, most businesses will be allowed to reopen. Authorities will also lift the existing limitation on movement during non-curfew hours. In addition, the nightly curfew will start two hours later, with the new curfew hours running 23:00-05:00. At the same time, authorities plan to introduce a special pass called a "Coronapass" which will allow the holder to visit catering establishments, churches, gyms, and non-essential shops; persons without a Coronapass will be denied entry to such facilities. In order to obtain a Coronapass, applicants must submit a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or rapid COVID test taken within the previous 72 hours, proof of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine no less than three weeks prior, or proof of having overcome the virus in the past six months.

The following restrictions will remain in place:

Private businesses are limited to having no more than 30 percent of their staff on-premises up to a maximum of 50 workers; the cap will be increased to 50 percent starting May 17.
Public gatherings are limited to 10 people.
Some entertainment businesses such as nightclubs remain closed.
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
Authorities plan to lift the nation's COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from permitted countries, including European Economic Area countries, UK, US, Canada, and Russia, who have received both doses of a two-dose vaccination or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Starting May 10, these travelers will be able to enter Cyprus without restrictions the same day as the vaccination has been completed. Travelers will need to upload a copy of their vaccine certificate to their Cyprus Flight Pass profile.

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 three-tier 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.

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.

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.