Cyprus: Authorities to tighten domestic COVID-19 measures from Nov. 29 /update 51

Event

Authorities are planning to tighten domestic measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Nov. 25 in response to rising case numbers. Businesses and services are already operating subject to social distancing requirements and capacity limits, though, from Nov. 29, a COVID "SafePass" will become mandatory for all people aged 14-64 wishing to access certain facilities, including catering establishments, cultural sites, and mass events. From the same date, facemasks will become mandatory in public places for all people over six years of age. In addition, unvaccinated people will be prohibited from some facilities including restaurants and sporting venues from Dec. 15.

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; from Dec. 1, a negative antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours will also qualify.

International Entry Restrictions
Authorities use a three-tier color-coded system for classifying countries by the risk of local disease transmission. The tiers include the same red, orange, and green levels as the European Centre for Disease 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 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 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 who have received at least the first dose of the two-dose vaccines or have a medical reason not to get vaccinated 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.

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.

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 vaccine 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.

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 Center for Disease Control Map