Cyprus: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Dec. 15 /update 52

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have tightened COVID-19-related domestic measures as of Dec. 15. Individuals in the country are now required to have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to attend private events and access certain facilities, including catering establishments, cultural venues, and sports stadiums, provided they also have a negative result from a recently taken PCR or antigen test. Also, as of Dec. 15, authorities have implemented additional testing requirements for international travelers.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and services are operating subject to certain health requirements. A COVID "SafePass" is required to access most businesses, facilities, and events. The SafePass is evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19 in the previous six months, a negative result from a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from an antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours. Individuals who received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine over seven months ago require a booster shot for the SafePass to remain valid. As stated above, certain facilities can only be accessed by those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in public spaces for all people over six years of age.

As of Dec. 15, individuals confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and their close contacts must self-isolate for 14 days regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated close contacts of non-Omicron COVID-19 cases do not need to isolate but must take an antigen test 72 hours after confirmation and a PCR test seven days after confirmation; individuals who have received a booster vaccine are exempt from this requirement.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities use a three-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries by the risk of local disease transmission and accordingly assign international travel restrictions. The tiers include the same red, orange, and green levels as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) categorization system; nonessential 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 countries in each color-coded category, click here.

As of Dec. 15, all travelers arriving via air must take a PCR test on arrival at the airport, regardless of vaccination or recovery status; test results are generally available in three hours. Additionally, all travelers must take an antigen test 72 hours after arriving in Cyprus; only individuals who have received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from this measure.

Travelers from green countries may enter without additional requirements. Travelers from orange and red countries must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

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

All visitors to Cyprus must take a PCR or rapid antigen test every seven days after arrival; persons who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and those who have recovered from the virus in the past six months are exempt.

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

Due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19, travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe is restricted to Cypriot citizens and their families, EU citizens, and Cypriot residents. Permitted arrivals must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, submit to an additional test upon arrival, and enter quarantine in a government-designated facility for 10 days; travelers may exit quarantine upon receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken at the end of the 10-day period.

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 travel 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

Cypriot Coronavirus Portal
Cyprus Flight Pass, including List of Country Categories
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)