IMPORTANT NOTICE
Below is a description of the new protocol for entry into the country, which comes into effect on 1st March 2022 (see part ‘A’). Until then, traveler's will need to follow the temporary measures displayed in this box, which are currently in effect due to the emergence of the Omicron Variant. The temporary measures include the obligation for all arriving travelers aged 12 years and over, to possess either a PCR test valid up to 72 hours prior to departure or an antigen rapid test valid up to 24 hours prior to departure, as well as the obligation to take a PCR test at the airport of arrival, even if they are fully vaccinated or recently recovered from COVID-19. The cost of a test is 15 euros at Larnaca Airport and 19 euros at Paphos airport, and must be covered by the traveler. Results of the test will be available within a few hours on the digital platform www.covid-testcyprus.com. Moreover, all arriving travelers should also undergo a rapid antigen test after 72 hours from the date of arrival. The rapid antigen test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health, by showing the boarding pass and proof of identification (identity card or passport). Individuals who received the 3rd dose of a two-dose vaccine or the 2nd dose of a single-dose vaccine, are exempted from taking the rapid antigen test.
A. Entry into the country (valid from 1st March 2022)
Q1(a): What are the requirements for entry into the country? Cyprus is following a colour-coded system based on the ECDC maps, which support a coordinated approach to enable free movement. We have three Categories colour-coded as Green, Red and Grey. The Green Category of the Republic of Cyprus corresponds to the Green and Orange Categories of the ECDC, while the Red Category of the Republic of Cyprus corresponds to the Red and Deep Red Categories of the ECDC. Note that for countries shown as grey on ECDC maps or for third countries which are not included on ECDC maps, a separate evaluation is carried out by Cyprus authorities. The Grey Category of the Republic of Cyprus concerns countries where not enough information is available and thus requires obtaining special permission for travel to Cyprus by those who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Below is a summary of the entry requirements when somebody is traveling to Cyprus. 2 Entry requirements (for persons who are fully vaccinated or recently recovered)* Green Red Grey Cyprus Flight Pass completion 48h prior to departure Yes Yes Yes PCR test 72h or antigen rapid test 24h prior to departure (traveler-paid) No No No PCR test upon arrival to Cyprus (traveler-paid) No No No Mandatory 14-day self-isolation upon arrival No No No * Definition of fully vaccinated or recently recovered persons can be found in Q1(b) Entry requirements (for persons who are non vaccinated and non-recovered) Green Red Grey Cyprus Flight Pass completion 48h prior to departure Yes Yes Yes PCR test 72h or antigen rapid test 24h prior to departure (traveler-paid) Yes Yes Yes PCR test upon arrival to Cyprus (traveler-paid) No Yes Yes Mandatory 14-day self-isolation upon arrival No No Yes The full list of categorized countries can be found on www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy.
Travelers should constantly visit this platform in order to remain up to date about possible changes that may affect their trip. Q1(b): What procedures are in place for persons who have been fully vaccinated or are recently recovered from COVID-19? Vaccinated or recovered passengers may enter the Republic of Cyprus, provided that they fulfil one of the following conditions: i. They hold a European Digital COVID Vaccination or Recovery Certificate, or equivalent Vaccination or Recovery Certificate from third countries that have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate System (EUDCC). ii. They hold a valid certificate of vaccination issued by the competent Authorities of any third country. It should be noted that, vaccination certificates issued by the competent authorities of: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man), Uruguay, Vatican City State, are only being accepted in digital form through the EU Digital Covid Certificate or equivalent – see further information in Q2.
3 Cyprus considers as authorized for travel purposes, the following vaccines: AstraZeneca, (Vaxzervia, COVISHIELD, SKBio), Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson&Johnson/Janssen, Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac), Sinopharm (BBIBPCOVID19), Sinovac (CoronaVac), Covaxin, Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 and Sputnik Light (the latter only as a booster dose in the basic vaccination scheme).
Travelers aged 18 and over are considered fully vaccinated only if a period of 270 days (9 months) has not elapsed, after administration of the 2nd dose of a two-dose vaccine or the 1st dose of a single-dose vaccine. Otherwise, they should have received the booster/3rd dose in the case of a two-dose vaccine or the booster/2 nd dose in the case of a single dose vaccine. Travelers aged 18 and under are considered to have completed their vaccination scheme if they have received the 2nd dose in the case of a two-dose vaccine or the 1st dose in the case of a single-dose vaccine. Persons are considered to be recently recovered from COVID-19, 10 days after testing positive and for a period of 180 days. Travelers who can prove that they have received all necessary doses of an authorized vaccine or they have recently recovered from COVID-19, will not be required to undergo any tests to visit Cyprus, irrespective of colour-categorization of their country of departure. It should though be noted that the Republic of Cyprus still reserves the right to randomly test any arriving flight. In addition, all destination protocols need to be implemented and followed by everyone, including vaccinated travelers. Q1(c): What procedures are in place for persons who are neither fully vaccinated nor recently recovered? i. Persons traveling from GREEN countries are required to undergo either a molecular test (PCR) at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 72 hours prior to flight departure, or an antigen rapid test at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 24 hours prior to flight departure, and upload a certificate that demonstrates a negative result on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform. Children who arrive in Cyprus before their 6 th birthday, are exempted from testing. All travelers need to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass where they will be asked to provide certain information and solemn declarations. ii. Persons traveling from RED countries are required to undergo either a molecular test (PCR) at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 72 hours prior to flight departure, or an antigen rapid test at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 24 hours prior to flight departure, and upload a certificate that demonstrates a negative result on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform. They will also need to pay for and undergo a molecular PCR test upon arrival to Cyprus, the cost of which is 15 Euros at Larnaca airport and 19 Euros at Paphos airport; results of the test will be available within a few hours on the digital platform www.covid-testcyprus.com. Children who arrive in Cyprus before their 6 th birthday, are exempted from testing. All travelers need to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass where they will be asked to provide certain information and solemn declarations.
4 iii. Travel from GREY countries, is allowed only for: 1. Cypriot citizens and their family members (spouses and children) 2. Persons legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus 3. EU citizens, citizens of European Economic Area (including Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland 4. Persons allowed to enter the Republic of Cyprus in accordance with the Vienna Convention 5. Citizens of third countries, provided they obtain prior special permission issued by the Republic of Cyprus, as defined in the latest Quarantine Decree of 2021, through the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform (https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/en/specialpermission-request). Persons traveling from GREY countries are required to undergo either a molecular test (PCR) at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 72 hours prior to flight departure, or an antigen rapid test at a certified lab, with the sample taken within the last 24 hours prior to flight departure, and upload a certificate that demonstrates a negative result on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform. They will also need to pay for and undergo a molecular PCR test upon arrival to Cyprus, the cost of which is 15 Euros at Larnaca airport and 19 Euros at Paphos airport; results of the test will be available within a few hours on the digital platform www.covidtestcyprus.com. In addition, they will remain in a status of obligatory self-isolation / quarantine for ten (10) days or a status of obligatory self-isolation / quarantine for seven (7) days, provided they undergo another PCR test for COVID-19 on the 7th day, at their own expense. The result of the lab test must be submitted online to the Cyprus Flight Pass platform. Children who arrive in Cyprus before their 6th birthday, are exempted from testing. All travelers need to fill out the Cyprus Flight Pass where they will be asked to provide certain information and solemn declarations. Q2: What procedures are in place for persons who are holders of an EU Digital Covid Certificate (EUDCC) or equivalent? The following certificates are accepted as part of the EUDCC procedure: a. Vaccination certificate (issued upon completion of a person’s full vaccination program). Cyprus considers as authorized for travel, the following vaccines: AstraZeneca, (Vaxzervia, COVISHIELD, SKBio), Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson&Johnson/Janssen, Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac), Sinopharm (BBIBPCOVID-19), Sinovac (CoronaVac), Covaxin, Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 and Sputnik Light (the latter only as a booster dose in the basic vaccination scheme). b. Covid recovery certificate (valid 10 days after testing positive and for a period of 180 days). c. Negative PCR test, with the sampling being carried out within 72h prior to departure or antigen rapid test, with the sampling being carried out within 24h prior to departure. Holders of a vaccination-based or recovery-based EUDCC (or equivalent) will be exempt from any additional testing upon entering Cyprus, irrespective of colour-categorization of their country of departure. Holders of a test-based EUDCC (or equivalent) will need to follow the procedures explained in question 1(c) of the current document. 5 Vaccination certificates and recovery certificates issued by the competent authorities of: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man), Uruguay, Vatican City State, are only being accepted through the EUDCC or equivalent. Prior to travel, holders of an EUDCC (or equivalent), need to fill out all required information on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform (see Q3 below). The EUDCC (or equivalent) does not need to be uploaded on the Cyprus Flight Pass Platform. The traveler is responsible and liable in the event of provision of untruthful information, and in such a case, will be subject to penalties upon arrival to Cyprus. Travelers may still be subject to random testing upon arrival and are still obliged to follow all destination protocols. Q3: What documentation is necessary for traveling to Cyprus? a. A ‘Cyprus Flight Pass’ must be issued on the website www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy prior to travel. All passengers traveling to the Republic of Cyprus need to fill out and submit in advance, all required information and documents; use of the platform is obligatory for anyone who wishes to fly to the Republic of Cyprus. ONLY in the event of a technical problem or scheduled maintenance of the electronic platform (officially announced on the electronic platform) will passengers be allowed to fill in the required forms, on paper. These can be downloaded from https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/en/technical-issues. In this case, travelers have to carry with them, in paper form, the required documentation. b. In the case of non-digital vaccination certificates, a copy of the certificate must be uploaded onto the Cyprus Flight Pass platform prior to travel, and certain vaccination details must also be provided. Verification of the certificate’s authenticity, is the sole responsibility of border control services in the country of departure. The traveler is responsible and personally liable in the event of provision of untruthful information, and in such a case, will be subject to penalties upon arrival to Cyprus. c. The Cyprus Flight Pass will include the following points: a) personal information of the passenger, b) disclaimer that travel is taking place at a person’s own responsibility, and that the Republic of Cyprus or businesses operating within it, cannot be held liable for infection at any point during the travel process, c) disclaimer that upon return to their country of origin, a person will notify the Health Authorities of Cyprus, should they display COVID-19 disease in the 14 days after leaving the island, d) declaration that if a person has been found positive for COVID-19, he/she will not travel to the Republic of Cyprus, except if 10 days will have at least passed from the date he/she tested positive for COVID-19, e) request form for nonvaccinated citizens of third countries travelling from Grey Category Countries, wishing to acquire special permission for travel to Cyprus, by submitting their 6 requests electronically through the following link: https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/en/special-permission. d. Airlines will not permit passengers to board the aircraft and travel to the Republic of Cyprus without a Cyprus Flight Pass (however, checking the validity of the information included in the Cyprus Flight Pass by travelers is NOT an obligation of the airlines). Any travelers arriving to the Republic of Cyprus without a Cyprus Flight Pass, will be subject to a fine of 300 Euros. Any travelers refusing to undertake a required PCR test upon arrival will be placed into mandatory 10-day quarantine, with the cost of transport, lodging, meals and beverages paid by them. B. Travel protocols Q4: What protocols can be expected on airplanes? a. Prior to boarding, travelers will need to show their ‘Cyprus Flight Pass’ b. Travelers’ temperature may be tested prior to boarding c. Wearing masks is compulsory during the flight Q5: What other protocols can be expected in Cyprus airports/port terminals? a. Entrance or passage will only be allowed to travelers and staff b. Travelers will have their temperature tested ate the entrance of the terminal c. Wearing masks is compulsory in all areas C. Movement within the destination Q6: Are there any local restrictions on movement? To enjoy certain services across the destination, where a large number of people congregate, the Cyprus Flight Pass will need to be presented on the spot, in the event of a check by an authorized officer (for example in churches, conference venues, wedding venues, events venues, shopping malls, museums, casinos, theme parks, children play areas, archaeological sites, mini cruises, etc.). Along with the Cyprus Flight Pass, additional documents may be required as proof that travelers are not permanent residents of Cyprus e.g. a copy of the airline ticket and/or accommodation reservation. Therefore, travelers should at all times carry with them a copy of the aforementioned documents, together with proof of identification (identity card or passport). For movements within the destination, the Cyprus Flight Pass is valid for up to (and including) 7 days, from the date of arrival to Cyprus (date of arrival is considered as Day 1). From the 8 th day after arrival, a local Safe Pass* (proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19) is necessary. A valid EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate (or equivalent) is also sufficient for this purpose, provided that it is vaccination-based or recovery-based. For children between the ages of 6 and 11, a PCR test taken within 72 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours can be used as well. 7 Possession of a Safe Pass guarantees access to: nightclubs, discos, music dance venues, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, pubs and other catering facilities (including catering facilities in shopping malls), theatres, amphitheaters, cinemas, entertainment halls, closed and outdoor stadiums. Places where the Cyprus Flight Pass or Safe Pass do not need to be presented include beaches, picnic sites, promenades, outdoor exercise areas and hotel facilities (the latter only if someone is a hotel resident). *Note that for Safe Pass purposes, the vaccination certificate is considered expired, when a period of 7 months has elapsed from the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the first dose of a single dose vaccine. After that period, a 72-hour PCR laboratory test or a 48-hour rapid antigen test, is required for movements within the destination. D. Destination protocols Q7: Are there any general safety protocols that will apply? a. Enhanced health, safety and hygiene protocols have been devised for all hospitality establishments, cultural sites and entertainment venues, and extensive training of staff has taken place prior to the destination opening for visitors. b. Physical distancing measures are followed, so that people who do not belong to the same travel group maintain a reasonable distance from each other (the minimum area occupied per person should be 2 sq. meters outdoors, and 3 sq. meters indoors). c. Adequate ventilation provisions are undertaken for all public indoor areas, so that apart from air conditioning there will be regular input of fresh air. d. Antibacterial gel/liquid is available in all establishments, at entrances, reception areas, lounges, public toilets, lifts etc. e. Use of masks is compulsory in all indoor areas (taxis, buses, diving/safari jeeps, lifts, theatres, malls, etc.) and outdoor public places. Areas where people are seated whilst consuming food and beverage (restaurants, coffee-shops, bars, snack-bars, lobby bars, etc.) are excluded from this provision. Also exempted are beaches, swimming pools and instances where persons are exercising. In any case, travelers should always consult the Visit Cyprus website for the latest information on this matter, as procedures may change at short notice. Q8: Buses/rental vehicles/taxis/diving and safari jeeps/yachts a. Frequent ventilation and disinfection b. Disinfection of rental vehicles or yachts after their return (including keys) c. Disinfection of all high frequency touch areas after every route (door handles, seats etc.) d. Capacity of tour buses is allowed at 100% Q9: Swimming pools, beaches and water parks a. Disinfection of sun beds, umbrellas and personal safe boxes after every use 8 b. Distance of 4m between umbrellas and 2m between sunbeds of persons not belonging to the same group c. Physical distancing does not apply to lifeguards who are called into urgent life-saving action Q10: Accommodation establishments a. Use of masks and carrying out of appropriate hand hygiene, for all front-of-house staff; for housekeeping staff gloves are also compulsory b. Dispersion of guests at ‘group check-in’ c. Rooms will not be allocated to new arrivals, unless enough time has passed since the previous occupants left, for appropriate cleaning, disinfection and aeriation d. Disinfection of room keys/cards after every departure e. Where food or drink is displayed on self-service stations, appropriate sneeze guards or face masks are availed, and hand disinfection stations are installed; alternatively, items could be served directly by the staff f. The minimum area occupied between persons not belonging to the same party, is 2 square meters outdoors, and 3 square meters indoors. Q11: Restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and night clubs a. Use of masks and carrying out of appropriate hand hygiene, for all back-of-house and front-of-house staff b. The maximum party size is set at 8 persons per table. In any case, travelers should always consult the Visit Cyprus website for the latest information on this matter, as procedures are likely to change at very short notice. c. The minimum area occupied between persons not belonging to the same party is 2 square meters d. Menus are disinfected after every use, unless they are disposable; alternatively they will be displayed at various communal points of the establishment, or made available digitally e. Disinfection of all touch points is carried out after each use e.g. chairs, tables, salt/pepper mills, sauce bottles, electronic payment machines etc. f. An information sheet is made available at the entrance, displaying the maximum number of guests allowed in place at any given time E. Testing and quarantine procedures at the destination Q12: Is random testing going to be done at the destination? Entire flights are randomly asked to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, irrespective of where they flew from. Children who arrive in Cyprus before their 6 th birthday, are exempted. The cost in such cases is borne by the Cyprus government. 9 Q13: How will we deal with travelers who test positive during their stay in Cyprus? What happens to their close contacts? Who will cover the cost of hospitalization and treatment? a. The Cyprus government is committed to taking care of all travelers who test positive for coronavirus during their stay, as well as their close contacts. The government will transfer these persons to separate facilities, covering the cost of lodging, food, drink, and medication; the traveler will only need to bear the cost of their airport transfer and repatriation flight, in collaboration with their agent and/or airline. Using separate facilities will not only ensure that patients are properly taken care of, but it will also provide peace of mind to other travelers, that their accommodation establishment is free of COVID-19. b. More specifically, a COVID-19 hospital with a surplus of available beds and intensive care units equipped with respirators has been made available exclusively for travelers who test positive for coronavirus. c. In addition, 300 rooms in dedicated quarantine-hotels are available for persons deemed as close contacts of persons who test positive for coronavirus, and these can be increased at very short notice if required. Q14: What is the definition of a close contact? a. A close contact is defined as ‘somebody who came into close physical contact to a person who has tested positive for coronavirus’ i.e. at a distance of less than 2m for more than 15 minutes. b. Contact tracing from an airplane only includes passengers from the same family. c. Based on the protocol for close contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, ONLY the following categories are placed in quarantine: Individuals who have not completed their vaccination scheme. Individuals who have completed their vaccination scheme and a period of 7 months has already elapsed. Individuals holding a Certificate of Recovery and a period of 90 days has already elapsed. Q15: What is the quarantine duration for close contacts? The normal duration of quarantine is 10 days.
Travelers who are transferred to the designated quarantine-hotel are tested (PCR) at their own expense on day 7 and if negative they are released. The duration of quarantine can be reduced further if a traveler has an earlier return flight; in such a case, the traveler needs to test negative for coronavirus on the day prior to their departure (test should be PCR and the cost borne by the individual). Note that during the quarantine period, it is mandatory for the traveler to self-isolate in their room or designated spaces at all times. Q16: What is the quarantine duration for positive cases? The duration of quarantine for positive cases is 10 days from the date of testing positive. 10 F. Further information Q17: How can travelers be kept up-to-date with the latest developments, and informed about protocols implemented at the destination? a. A dedicated email address has been set up by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for this purpose at travel2022@visitcyprus.com b. A dedicated team of destination experts will reply to traveler queries on Facebook Messenger (main page www.facebook.com/VisitCyprus.cy). Additional pages are available in the following countries: UK, DE, RU, SWE, FR, AT, GR, IT, UKR, NED, POL, BEL, ES, CH, ISR. c. A dedicated call centre has been set up for the assistance of travelers who may have queries regarding the use of the “CyprusFlightPass”. The hours of operation of the help desk will be: Monday- Sunday 08:00- 20:00 Cyprus time Queries via telephone: Calls within Cyprus: 1474 Calls from abroad: +357 22 285 757 For queries in writing through the e-platform via the link: https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/en/contact-us d. All relevant information will also be made available on the websites www.visitcyprus.com and www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy