Cyprus: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions from July 20 /update 42

Event

Authorities are tightening domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 due to rising infections. From July 20, a "SafePass" will be required at all locations where more than 20 people gather indoors or outdoors; this applies to venues including shops, catering establishments, and public services; limited exceptions are in place for open public spaces such as beaches and parks. A SafePass is defined as evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months, or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. This measure will be in place until at least July 31. Gatherings are capped at 450 people outdoors and 500 people indoors. Facemasks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities use a three-tier color-coded system for classifying countries by the 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; non-essential travel from countries not included in any of these categories is prohibited. All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 48 hours before departure from their point of origin. For a complete list of the countries in each category, click here.

Passengers from red countries must present a negative result from a PCR 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 PCR 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 until Aug. 1.

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

Permitted travelers from all other countries must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and self-isolate for 14 days on arrival; travelers without appropriate accommodation will be placed in government quarantine facilities. The isolation period can be ended early following a negative result to a test taken on or after day seven of isolation.

Authorities have lifted COVID-19 entry restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers from certain countries, including EEA-associated countries, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Canada, China, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Ukraine, UAE, the UK, and the US. Travelers must upload a copy of their vaccine certificate to their Cyprus Flight Pass profile. All citizens of Cyprus who hold valid certificates of vaccination issued by their country of residence may enter Cyprus without restrictions.

Residents crossing between Cyprus and Northern Cyprus are no longer subject to quarantine, provided they can present a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test or a rapid antigen test taken within the last seven days.

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.