Cyprus: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related entry restrictions for travelers from India as of June 14 /update 40

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have tightened the nation's entry restrictions for travelers from India due to concerns over COVID-19 activity in that country. As of June 14, all travelers who have been to or transited through India in the last 14 days are barred from entry. Citizens of Cyprus and their families, citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area countries, as well as permanent residents of Cyprus, are exempt from this ban. All permitted travelers must either present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before boarding or be tested on arrival. In addition, all arrivals will need to quarantine in a government-designated facility for 10 days; the cost for the quarantine will be borne by Cypriot authorities. All travelers will be tested on the 10th day of isolation; those who test negative will be allowed to leave the quarantine.

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. 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.

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 have 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.

Residents crossing between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus are no longer subject to quarantine provided they can present a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test or a rapid antigen test taken within the last seven days.

Domestic Restrictions
Certain domestic restrictions remain in place as of June 14. The use of protective facemasks remains mandatory in all outdoor public spaces except while exercising; facemasks are also required on public transport and in all indoor public spaces. Most businesses are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. In order to access certain facilities, including the indoor areas 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 Capacity limits for events such as weddings and baptisms are set at 250 people indoors and 350 people outdoors. The nationwide curfew has been lifted.

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.