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25 Feb 2021 | 07:28 PM UTC

Cyprus: Authorities to ease certain domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from March 1 /update 28

Cyprus to allow limited number of establishments to reopen as of March 1. Most other COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

Critical

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have issued instructions easing a limited number of domestic COVID-19 restrictions. Effective March 1, schools will reopen for certain students. Indoor sports facilities, including gyms and swimming pools, will be also allowed to reopen. In addition, authorities will allow access to nature trails. Nevertheless, the majority of the nation's existing measures will remain in place until at least March 16. These include:

  • Many retail stores and shopping malls remain closed.

  • A 2100-0500 curfew is in place nationwide; essential workers and residents seeking emergency medical attention are exempt. Residents are only permitted to leave their homes twice per day after logging their trip with health authorities via text message.

  • Household gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

  • Weddings, baptisms, and funerals may take place in places of worship, but may not exceed 10 attendees.

  • Restaurants, cafes, and bars can offer carryout services only.

  • Public gatherings are restricted to no more than two persons, excluding children.

  • Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in all outdoor public spaces, except while exercising, in addition to all indoor public spaces.

International entry restrictions
A number of international travel restrictions remain in effect as of Feb. 25. Authorities have classified each foreign country into one of three categories - A, B, and C - based on COVID-19 transmission risk. Travelers from countries in Category A must self-isolate for 72 hours upon arrival and take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours after completing the quarantine period. Travelers who have visited a Category-B country in the previous 14 days must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure for Cyprus in addition to meeting the requirements for Category-A travelers. Direct travel from Category-C countries is permitted for Cypriot nationals only with few exceptions. Travelers who have visited a Category-C country within the previous 14 days have the same testing requirements as those arriving from Category-B countries, but they must also undergo a 14-day quarantine in government-assigned accommodation; individuals may be released from quarantine after 10 days if they achieve a negative result in a second test. As of the most recent review on Feb. 17, countries in the three categories are as follows:

  • Category A: Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore

  • Category B: China (including Hong Kong, and Macau), Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, South Korea, and Thailand

  • Category C: All other countries

All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 24 hours of departure from their point of origin.

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 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

Government of Cyprus

Cyprus Flight Pass, including list of country categories

World Health Organization (WHO)