Northern Cyprus: Officials extend COVID-19-related domestic restrictions until at least Feb. 15 /update 19

Event

Northern Cyprus has extended measures imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 until at least 0500 Feb. 15; a nationwide partial lockdown will remain in effect, and all nonessential businesses must remain closed until this time. Pharmacies, fuel stations, bakeries, butchers, supermarkets, and their suppliers may continue to operate; these stores may operate 0600-1900, depending on local disease activity. Banks must remain closed until Feb. 12. Nonessential travel between districts is suspended. All businesses, except pharmacies, must close Feb. 14.

Additionally, educational institutions will remain closed until at least Feb. 17, and funerals may only be attended by direct family members. Many public-facing employees are reportedly required to undergo polymerase chain reaction (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 PCR test on entry, taken no more than 72 hours before boarding. 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. Authorities could temporarily prohibit foreigners from entering via ECN if state-designated quarantine centers have reached capacity. Limited crossing points are open at the land border with Cyprus; residents crossing between Northern Cyprus and Cyprus will be subject to quarantine.

Restrictions may 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. Reconfirm 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

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