Northern Cyprus: Authorities relax COVID-19 measures for international travelers as of Feb. 8 /update 41

Event

As of Feb. 8, travelers to Northern Cyrpus no longer face COVID-19-related restrictions based on their country of departure. Authorities replaced a color-coded country categorization system with regulations based solely on the traveler's vaccination status. Authorities plan to ease restrictions further from March 1, with vaccinated travelers to be exempt from testing requirements.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses are open, though they must maintain strict hygiene requirements. Proof of full vaccination, recovery, or a negative result from a PCR taken within the previous 72 hours or antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours is required to enter essential facilities. Unvaccinated individuals are barred from many establishments; this information is stored on the AdaPass. For more information on the AdaPass, click here.

Facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces at all times. Most indoor public gatherings of more than 10 people are restricted, while those that are permitted, such as weddings and demonstrations, may only take place subject to strict social distancing, testing, and hygiene measures.

International Travel Restrictions
Under the current measures in effect until March 1, vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR result taken within the 72 hours prior to departure, or a negative antigen result taken within 24 hours. Unvaccinated travelers must quarantine for five days upon arrival, as well as take a COVID-19 test at the end of the quarantine period. To be considered vaccinated, travelers must have completed a full vaccination schedule. For a full list of approved vaccines, click here.

Travelers are also considered vaccinated if they have received two different doses of permitted vaccines, one dose of a vaccine and have previously had COVID-19, or if they have tested positive in the 180 days prior to travel, provided more than 10 days have passed since their last positive test.

From March 1, all vaccinated travelers who have received their second vaccination dose (or first dose for Johnson & Johnson) within nine months prior to their arrival will be permitted to enter without presenting a PCR or antigen test. Those who have received a booster dose or have proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within 180 days but more than 10 days from their arrival will also be permitted to enter without a recent PCR or antigen test.

All arrivals, including citizens of Northern Cyprus, must complete an electronic health certificate before entering the country. Once the form is complete, travelers will be issued a QR code, which must be presented to officials on arrival. To access the certificate, click here.

Vaccinated travelers regularly crossing from the Republic of Cyprus into Northern Cyprus are required to provide a negative PCR or antigen test every seven days. Unvaccinated travelers or those that have not received a booster dose must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours, or a negative antigen test taken within 48 hours each time they cross.

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