Cyprus: Authorities to lift COVID-19 entry requirements for fully vaccinated travelers from certain countries from May 10 /update 34

Event

Authorities in Cyprus plan to lift the nation's COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from permitted countries, including European Economic Area countries, UK, US, Canada, and Russia, who have received both doses of a two-dose vaccination or the single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Starting May 10, these travelers will be able to enter Cyprus without restrictions the same day after the vaccination has been completed. Travelers will need to upload a copy of their vaccine certificate to their Cyprus Flight Pass profile.

As of April 26, all citizens and residents of Cyprus and Israel who have been vaccinated and hold valid certificates of vaccination issued by their respective countries may enter Cyprus without restrictions. The Cypriot government continues to use a four-tier color-coded system for classifying countries by risk of disease transmission. The tiers include the same "green," "orange," and "red" levels as the European Centre for Disease Control's (ECDC) categorization system.

Passengers from red countries, which are considered high-risk, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and take a second PCR test upon arrival at their own expense. These travelers must also self-isolate while waiting for the results of the second test.

Passengers from orange countries, which are considered medium risk, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Cypriot citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members may instead take a PCR test upon entry at their own expense and self-isolate while waiting for the results.

Travelers from green countries, which are considered low risk, may enter without restrictions.

It remains unclear how often Cyprus will update its country category listings. All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 24 hours prior to departure from their point of origin.

For a complete list of the countries in each category, click here.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities have tightened domestic restrictions due to an increase in infection rates. From April 26 through May 9, the following measures apply:

The daily curfew will start two hours earlier, running 21:00-05:00. Persons must stay at home during curfew hours, except to perform essential work or attend to medical emergencies.
Residents are allowed to leave their homes only once a day after logging their trip with health authorities via text message.
All restaurants and other catering establishments will be open for delivery only; non-essential stores will be closed.
Private businesses can have up 20 percent of their staff on-premises, up to a maximum of 25 employees. At least 50 percent of employees must have been tested for COVID-19; in cases where five or fewer employees are present, all must have been tested.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in all outdoor public spaces, except while exercising, in addition to all indoor public spaces.

Starting May 10, authorities plan to allow most businesses to resume operations; persons will need to present either a negative COVID-19 test, a certificate of vaccination, or a certificate of having recovered COVID-19 within the last three months to enter many establishments, including catering establishments, retail stores, and gyms, or to attend large gatherings.

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.