Northern Cyprus: Authorities ease COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions June 3 /update 30

Northern Cyprus eases COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions June 3; business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Northern Cyprus have eased restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 as of June 3. The curfew hours have been eased to 23:00-05:00 on weekdays, during which individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes. The extended curfew will now be in place from 23:00 Saturdays to 05:00 Mondays; only pharmacies, bakeries, and fuel stations will be permitted to operate during these times. In addition, bars and clubs are permitted to open, effective June 3 at no more than one-third capacity. Casinos will reopen from June 10. Shopping malls and indoor markets may also operate on Sundays 10:00-17:00.

Certain cultural, entertainment, and leisure businesses remain closed. Shops that are permitted to operate may do so 10:00-20:00; restaurants may operate 10:00-20:30, and markets may operate 07:00-20:00. Establishments that are allowed to operate must maintain strict hygiene requirements. Private gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. Protective facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces at all times.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities will reopen nine border crossings with Cyprus June 4. Travelers will require a negative PCR COVID-19 test from within the previous seven days. Residents crossing between Northern Cyprus and Cyprus are no longer subject to quarantine, provided they present a negative test or a rapid antigen test from within the previous seven days.

Travelers from most other destinations must present a negative test result no more than 72 hours old. Nonresident foreign nationals who have visited certain high-risk countries within 14 days of arrival in Northern Cyprus will be denied entry. Nationals of Northern Cyprus who have visited high-risk countries must quarantine at a government facility for 14 days on arrival and take a second test at the end of the quarantine period. As of June 3, the list of high-risk countries includes India, Brazil, Netherlands, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Siera Leone. Travelers from most other destinations need not quarantine but may be required to present a second COVID-19 test to authorities no later than 96 hours after arrival. Some travelers may be permitted to self-isolate at home under strict monitoring conditions.

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.

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.