Cyprus: Authorities to ease COVID-19 related measures as of Feb. 21 /update 56

Event

Authorities in Cyprus will ease measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 effective Feb. 21. The ban on entry to many catering and entertainment establishments for unvaccinated individuals will be lifted; they will now be able to enter upon presentation of a rapid test not older than 24 hours. Additionally, limits on gatherings and capacity on businesses will be eased from this date.

Also from Feb. 21, authorities are amending entry restrictions so that travelers with a certificate of vaccination or recovery can enter from any country without additional requirements. There will be a transition period Feb. 21-28 during which time all arrivals, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, will be required to undergo a PCR test on arrival at airports.

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 the holder is vaccinated against, recovered from, or recently tested negative for COVID-19. 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.

International Travel Restrictions
Until Feb. 21, authorities use a four-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. All other countries are classified as grey, and nonessential from these is generally prohibited. All international arrivals must register online through the official Cyprus Flight Pass website within 48 hours before departure from their point of origin.

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, 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.

From Feb. 21 onwards, authorities will change to a three-tiered color-coded system, classifying countries as green, red, or grey. Travelers with a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery can enter without additional requirements from any location. Unvaccinated travelers from green countries must possess a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to departure or a negative rapid antigen test taken in the 24 hours prior to departure. Unvaccinated travelers from red countries must meet those same testing requirements and submit to a PCR test on arrival. Unvaccinated travel from grey countries is permitted for essential purposes only; permitted travelers must meet the same requirements as those from red countries in addition to isolating for 10 days on arrival; isolation can be ended early following a negative test taken on no less than seven days after arrival.

From Feb. 21-28 all arrivals, regardless of vaccination or recovery status, must submit to a PCR test on arrival at airports.

For a complete list of countries in each color-coded category and applicable entry requirements, click here.

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)