Cyprus: Authorities require a negative COVID-19 PCR test from all arrivals as of Jan. 4 /update 53

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have tightened COVID-19-related international entry measures as of 23:00 Jan. 4. All travelers above the age of 12 regardless of vaccination status must now possess a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours before departure. Persons who have recovered from the virus in the past six months are exempt. Additionally, all passengers will need to take a PCR test on arrival at the airport and take a rapid test 72 hours after arrival; travelers who have received the third dose of a vaccine are exempt from the rapid test. Travelers who test positive will need to isolate at a government-designated hotel for 14 days. The tighter entry restrictions will be in place through at least Jan. 15.

As of Jan. 3, authorities have also instructed all companies and organizations, including public ones, to allow at least 40% of the workforce to work remotely; companies with fewer than ten employees are exempt from this directive. Authorities have also clarified that only persons who have received the third dose of vaccination are exempt from presenting a negative rapid test to enter the workplace every seven days. Individuals who have received two doses or have recently recovered from COVID are subject to the testing requirements.

Domestic Measures
Individuals in the country must have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to attend private events and access certain facilities, including catering establishments, cultural venues, and sports stadiums, provided they also have a negative result from a recently taken PCR or antigen test. Individuals will need to present a rapid test no older than 24 hours to access entertainment venues and wedding receptions; persons who have received the third dose of a vaccine are exempt.

Most businesses and services are operating subject to certain health requirements. A COVID "SafePass" is required to access most businesses, facilities, and events. The SafePass is evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months, a negative result from a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from an antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours. Individuals who received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine over seven months ago require a booster shot for the SafePass to remain valid. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in public spaces for all people over six years of age.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities generally use a three-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries by risk of local disease transmission and assign international travel restrictions accordingly. The tiers include the same red, orange, and green levels as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) categorization system; nonessential 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 48 hours before departure from their point of origin. For a complete list of countries in each color-coded category, click here.

Permitted travelers from grey countries must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Travelers without appropriate accommodations will enter government quarantine facilities. The isolation period can end early after receiving a negative result from a test taken on or after day seven of isolation.

Due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19, authorities have restricted travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to Cypriot citizens and their families, EU citizens, and Cypriot residents. Permitted arrivals must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, submit to an additional test upon arrival, and enter quarantine in a government-designated facility for 10 days; travelers may exit quarantine upon receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken at the end of the 10-day period.

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 travel 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

Cypriot Coronavirus Portal
Cyprus Flight Pass, including List of Country Categories
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)