The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is the ideal destination for enjoying the summer as tourists troop in to have a feel of the relaxing beaches, coastal resorts and rich historical sites.
There are currently strict entry restrictions and measures governing the country as a response to the threatening wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can we travel to Cyprus during COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, Cyprus has reopened its borders to EU and Schengen nations after months of lockdown, but only travellers from certain countries are currently being let in.
List of countries allowed to travel to Cyprus
Cyprus has implemented travel restrictions according to a classification of high, medium and low-risk countries based on data and criteria. Each country has a colour code (red, orange, green, grey). The measures applicable to travel to Cyprus depend on the colour code assigned to each country.
Travel from grey countries is allowed only for:
- Cypriot citizens and their family members (spouses and children)
- Persons legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus
- EU citizens, citizens of the European Economic Area (Island, Lichtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland
- Persons allowed to enter the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the Vienna Convention
- Citizens of third countries, provided they obtain prior special permission from the Republic of Cyprus as defined under the Infectious Diseases Decree (N.2/2021 8.1.21), as amended. The application for special permission must be submitted on the Cyprus Flight Pass platform.
Cyprus: COVID-19 Restrictions
- Travellers arriving from countries classified as “green” can enter Cyprus without being subject to any isolation or test requirement.
- All other travellers arriving from countries classified as “orange” or “red” are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative PCR test. The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Additionally, travellers from countries classified as “red” are subject to a second test upon their arrival, at their own expenses.
- Passengers travelling from grey countries are required to undergo a molecular test at a certified lab, with the sample taken in the last 72 hours prior to the flight departure. They must upload their negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform. On arrival, they must remain in self-isolation/quarantine for fourteen (14) days.
They may also remain in self-isolation/quarantine for ten (10) days and undergo another COVID‑19 PCR test on the 10th day at their own expense. The result of the lab test must be submitted to [email protected]. Children below 12 years old are exempted from testing.
- All travellers who test positive will be placed in compulsory confinement for 14 days.
- Passengers travelling from green, orange, red and grey countries may be subject to random testing on arrival, which will be covered by the government.
- Passengers who have been vaccinated against COVID‑19 and hold a valid certificate issued by the Republic of Cyprus are exempted from the negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate requirement as well as from quarantine and self‑isolation measures.
- Passengers who have been vaccinated and hold a valid vaccination certificate from Cyprus, Israel or the United Kingdom can enter Cyprus without completing the mandatory PCR test.
- Crew travelling to the Republic of Cyprus from countries that are categorised orange, red or grey, and who have a layover of up to two nights must take a COVID‑19 PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid test within 24 hours of arrival. They must also self‑quarantine at their accommodation hotels for the duration of their stay.
- Passengers who are vaccinated with Astra Zeneka, Pfizer and Moderna can enter Cyprus without PCR or having to stay in quarantine. Passengers vaccinated with Janssen / Johnson & Johnson must complete 14 days after their second dose to be eligible to enter Cyprus without a PCR test or completion of mandatory quarantine.
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