Northern Cyprus: Authorities lift COVID-19-related curfew as of Oct. 6 /update 37

Event

Northern Cyprus has lifted a nightly curfew, as of Oct. 6, which was imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19. The curfew was in effect 00:00-05:00. Most businesses may now remain open until 01:00, though they must maintain strict hygiene requirements.

Proof of full vaccination, recovery, or a negative PCR or antigen test result no more than 72 hours old is required to enter some establishments, including hotels and indoor areas of catering establishments. Facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces at all times. Indoor public gatherings are prohibited; outdoor gatherings can proceed subject to social distancing and capacity requirements.

International Entry Restrictions
Northern Cyprus continues to maintain international entry restrictions. Officials categorize countries as Dark Red, Red, Orange, and Green; a full list of countries by category is available here. Entry requirements by category are as follows:

• Dark Red: Travel is prohibited except for residents of Northern Cyprus; permitted travelers must present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

• Red: Travelers who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months must present a negative PCR test result taken within the previous 72 hours and self-isolate for seven days on arrival. All unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.

• Orange: Effective Oct. 11, travelers who are vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months must submit to testing on arrival rather than presenting proof of a recent negative result to a PCR test. At present, such travelers are still required to present a negative PCR result no more than 72 hours old. Unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test result and self-isolate for five days on arrival.

• Green: Vaccinated or recovered arrivals can enter without restriction; unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.

Additionally, all permitted arrivals, including citizens of Northern Cyprus, must complete an electronic health certificate, AdaPass, which is available here, before entering the country. Digital COVID-19 certificates provided by authorities in Turkey, the UK, and the EU are also accepted but must be uploaded to the AdaPass website and presented to officials in hard copy. Once the form is complete, travelers will be issued a QR code, which must be presented to officials on arrival.

Restrictions could be introduced 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

AdaPass
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Public Information Office - COVID-19
Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs