Cyprus: Authorities to ease COVID-19-related measures starting April 11 /update 58

Event

Cypriot authorities plan to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions and international entry requirements starting April 11. From this date, Safe Passes will no longer be required in most workplaces; employees in the healthcare sector will continue to be required to have such a pass. In addition, facemasks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor public places. Starting April 18, Safe Passes will no longer be required in retail stores and shopping malls.

Regarding international travel starting April 18, authorities will remove the country categorization based on disease activity and the obligation to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travel. Under the new directive, all passengers who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID in the last 180 days, regardless of nationality and country of departure, will be permitted entry without any further requirements. Travelers will need to provide evidence of a booster shot if nine months have passed since their second shot. All passengers above the age of 12 who are not fully vaccinated and have not recently recovered from COVID will need to present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours before departure or a negative antigen test no older than 24 hours before departure.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and services are operating subject to certain health requirements. A COVID "SafePass" is required to access many businesses, facilities, and events. The SafePass constitutes evidence that the holder is vaccinated against, has recovered from or has 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. Individuals with only one dose of a vaccine may opt to provide proof of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 72 hours to gain temporary access to the SafePass. Unvaccinated individuals may not receive a SafePass and are not permitted to enter most catering or cultural venues. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in indoor public spaces for all people over six years of age.

International Travel Restrictions
Under existing regulations and until April 18 authorities use 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 within 72 hours prior to departure or a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure for Cyprus. 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.

All arrivals are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass 48 hours prior to departure. until April 18. To access the form, click here.

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)