Cyprus: Authorities modify COVID-19 testing requirement for all arrivals as of Jan. 14 /update 54

Event

Authorities in Cyprus have modified the COVID-19-related international entry testing requirements as of Jan. 14. All travelers above the age of 12 regardless of vaccination status must now present a negative result from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before departure or a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. This directive replaces the previous one which required all travelers to present a PCR test no more than 48 hours old.

Domestic Measures
Individuals in the country must 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 recent PCR or antigen test. Individuals will need to present a rapid test no more than 24 hours old to access entertainment venues and wedding receptions; persons who have received the third dose of a vaccine are exempt.

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. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in public spaces for all people over six years of age.

Authorities are instructing all companies and organizations, including public ones, to allow at least 40% of their workforce to work remotely; companies with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from this directive. Only persons who have received the third dose of vaccination are exempt from presenting a negative rapid test to enter the workplace every seven days. Individuals who have received two doses or have recently recovered from COVID are subject to the testing requirements.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities generally use a three-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries by risk of local disease transmission and assign international travel restrictions accordingly. 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.

All travelers must present either a negative rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours old or a PCR test no more than 72 hours old at departure. Persons who have recovered from the virus in the past six months are exempt. Additionally, all passengers need to take a PCR test on arrival at the airport and take a rapid test 72 hours later; travelers who have received the third dose of a vaccine are exempt from the rapid test. Travelers who test positive will need to isolate at a government-designated hotel for 14 days.

Permitted travelers from grey countries, which includes those not categorized as red, orange, and green, must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in addition to presenting a negative test. Travelers without appropriate accommodations will enter 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.

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)