Cyprus: Authorities ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of June 10 /update 39

Cyprus eases domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of June 10; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have eased additional domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of June 10. As of this date, the nationwide curfew is entirely lifted, capacity limits for events such as weddings and baptisms are increased to 250 people indoors and 350 people outdoors, and nightclubs are allowed to reopen but may serve customers seated at tables. Most businesses are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. In order to access some facilities, including the indoor area of catering establishments, gyms, and shopping centers, individuals are required to produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours, proof of vaccination, or evidence of having recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months.

The use of protective facemasks remains mandatory in all outdoor public spaces except while exercising, on public transport, and in all indoor public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
The Cypriot government continues to use a three-tier color-coded system for classifying countries by the 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; non-essential travel from countries not included in any of these categories is prohibited. For a complete list of the countries in each category, click here. All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 24 hours prior to departure from their point of origin.

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.

Authorities previously lifted the nation's COVID-19 entry restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers from permitted countries, including European Economic Area countries, UK, the US, Canada, Israel, and Russia. These travelers may 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 of Cyprus who hold valid certificates of vaccination issued by their country of residence may enter Cyprus without restrictions.

As of June 4, residents crossing between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus are no longer subject to quarantine provided they can present a negative PCR COVID-19 test or a rapid antigen test from within the last seven days.

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.