Cyprus: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 measures as of Jan. 31 /update 55

Event

Authorities in Cyprus are maintaining a slate of measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Jan. 31.

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 constitutes evidence of vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19 in the previous three 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 private and public-sector companies and organizations to allow at least 40 percent of their workforce to work remotely; companies with fewer than 10 employees are exempt from this directive. All individuals, except those who are fully inoculated and have received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must present a negative rapid test result every seven days to maintain access to their workplaces; this includes persons who have received two vaccine doses or have recently recovered from COVID.

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 result from a rapid antigen test or a PCR test taken within the 24 or 72 hours respectively before 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 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.

These measures will remain in place until at least Feb. 28

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)