COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Cyprus (12 December Update)

NOTE: The Republic of Cyprus is de facto divided into two jurisdictions. One is the Republic of Cyprus. The second area is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the north.

Both Cyprus and the TRNC have restrictions for controlling the spread of COVID-19. Restrictions in the TRNC will be noted when they differ from the Republic of Cyprus.

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter from A, B, and C-list countries.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• The Cyprus government has divided countries into three categories (category A, B, and C). Different restrictions apply to travellers depending on the category of their country of origin. The list of countries and their categories is available here. Foreign travellers are allowed to enter if arriving from A or B-list countries. Foreign nationals cannot enter Cyprus from a C-list country unless they are residents of Cyprus.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Travellers from B and C list countries will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued no more than 72 hours before travel. The list of countries and their categories can be found here.

• From 1 December, travellers arriving in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus must submit a certificate for a negative PCR test conducted within the previous 72 hours. If they intend to stay for more than 3 days, they must also quarantine for 7 days.

Test on arrival?

• Yes

• Travellers coming from the B and C list countries must undergo a PCR test upon arrival.

• TRNC: From 1 December, travellers coming into the TRNC who intend to stay less than 3 days must provide a negative PCR test report obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival and show a return ticket. They must also have another PCR test upon arrival. Travellers entering TRNC from the Republic of Cyprus must present a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours and, if intending to stay longer than 24 hours in TRNC, must quarantine for at least seven days.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Travellers from B list countries have to self isolate until the result from the PCR test taken on arrival is received. The list of A and B countries can be found in this link.

• Travellers coming from C-list countries quarantine for 14 days. If the test result is positive, this quarantine will take place in a designated facility. If the test result is negative, the 14-day quarantine can take place at home. Note that only Cyprus citizens and residents may enter from a C-list country.

• TRNC: Travelers entering the TRNC from the Republic of Cyprus and who plan to stay longer than 24 hours, must quarantine for at least seven days.

Vaccination required?

• No with exceptions

• From March 2021, vaccinated travellers will not be required to go through COVID-19 entry requirements.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• All travellers coming to Cyprus must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass 24 hours before travelling available at this link.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open.

• Commercial flight operations have resumed.

• The Cyprus government has been organizing repatriation flights from European hubs.

Note: The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry at Ercan Airport in the TRNC to be a “legal” entrance into Cyprus.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Maritime borders are open.

Curfew restrictions

• Cyprus: A nationwide curfew was imposed between 21:00 and 5:00 hours until at least 31 December.

• TRNC: No curfew is in place.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

• A maximum of 10 people can gather in one place. . Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation is operating with reduced capacity.

• There are no restrictions on inter-city or interstate travel

Non-essential shops open?

• No with exceptions

• From 14 December until 18 January 2021, most businesses and services will be closed.

• Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations are open.

Accommodations open?

• No

• Hotels and accommodations are open.

• Catering facilities within hotels and tourist accommodation may be open until 21:00 and only for the service of customers staying at these places.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Public catering facilities, including restaurants and cafes may only provide delivery, take-away, or online services. This includes taverns, cafes, pubs, snack bars and bars, coffeeshops and canteens in sports clubs, cultural clubs, and associations.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Food catering establishments are allowed to operate only delivery and takeaway services until 31 December.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Beaches and tourism sites are closed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Museums, libraries, historical and archaeological sites are closed.

Personal care services open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Barbershops and hair salons are closed.

Places of worship are open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Churches are closed except for weddings, christenings, and funerals, limited to 10 persons.

Events are allowed?

• No with exceptions

• A maximum of 10 people can attend weddings, christenings, funerals. Conferences, demonstrations, and exhibitions are prohibited.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Cyprus: Face masks are mandatory in all public places. Wearing a mask is compulsory in indoor and outdoor venues for everyone age 12 and older until 15 January 2021.

• TRNC: Face coverings are required in all public indoor venues, such as shops, theatres, malls.

Other

• TRNC: Activity at casinos, playgrounds, and indoor events such as weddings and sports tournaments are suspended.

Conseils

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.