Northern Cyprus: Authorities lift ban on movement between districts from April 5, extend other COVID-19-related measures, including curfew until April 12 /update 25

Event

Authorities in Northern Cyprus are lifting the nation's COVID-19-related ban on movement between districts from April 5 but will extend other restrictions, including the daily 22:00-05:00 curfew, until April 12. A 24-hour curfew will be imposed on Sunday April 12, with only pharmacies, bakeries, and gas stations allowed to open. Individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes during curfew hours.

Certain cultural, entertainment, and leisure businesses remain closed. Establishments that are allowed to operate must maintain strict hygienic requirements. Educational facilities are continuing to provide distance learning only. Protective facemasks remain mandatory in public spaces at all times.

International Entry Restrictions
Passengers who have visited certain high risk countries including UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Brazil, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Canary Islands (Spain), and Madeira (Portugal) in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter; citizens and permanent residents of Northern Cyprus are allowed to enter from these locations but must quarantine at government-designated hotels at their own expense for 14 days. These travelers are also required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no older than 72 hours before departure.

Passengers arriving from other countries are required to have taken a PCR test with a negative result within 72 hours before departure. These travelers must also undergo a 10-day quarantine at government designated hotels and take a PCR test at the end of the quarantine period. All PCR tests must be either in English, or Turkish.

Ercan International Airport (ECN) is operating on 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 are subject to quarantine, except for residents traveling for work, or medical purposes, who will need to possess a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within no longer than seven days.

Restrictions could 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. 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

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