Northern Cyprus: Officials extend COVID-19-related domestic restrictions until at least Feb. 10 /update 18

Event

Authorities in Northern Cyprus are extending the nation's domestic measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, until at least Feb. 10. A nationwide partial lockdown will remain in effect. Nonessential stores and businesses must close during this period. Fuel stations, food markets, pharmacies, bakeries, butchers, and their suppliers are permitted to open. Nonessential travel between districts is suspended. Additionally, educational institutions will remain closed until Feb. 10, and funerals may only be attended by direct family members. Many public-facing employees are reportedly required to undergo PCR testing before resuming their duties. Protective face coverings are mandatory in public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Officials have designated three categories of countries from which travelers are allowed to enter Northern Cyprus. Travelers from Category-A countries, including Australia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, South Korea, and Thailand, must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on entry, taken no more than 72 hours before boarding, and will not be required to self-isolate if arriving via Cyprus. For travelers from Category A arriving in Northern Cyprus via Turkey, the rules from Category B will apply.

Travelers from Category-B countries must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon entry, taken within 120 hours before boarding. The travelers will be additionally quarantined in state-designated quarantine centers at their own expense for seven days, after which they will be released on confirmation of a negative PCR test. Officials will isolate students arriving in Northern Cyprus for higher education for seven days in dormitories or hotels designated by their respective universities.

Travelers from Category-C countries must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test upon entry, taken within 120 hours before boarding. They must quarantine at a designated facility at their own expense for 14 days, after which they will be released on confirmation of a negative PCR test.

Ercan International Airport (ECN) is operating a reduced timetable; ECN is Northern Cyprus' only commercial airport and only operates direct flights with Turkey. Limited crossing points are open at the land border with Cyprus. Authorities could temporarily prohibit foreigners from entering via ECN if state-designated quarantine centers have reached capacity.

Restrictions may be reintroduced or amended at any time, depending on disease activity in the country.

Resources

Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Northern Cyprus Ministry of Health - Country Categories
World Health Organization (WHO)