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A. Entry into the country
Q1: What are the requirements for entry into the country?
There are no restrictions for entry into the country.
Q2: What documentation is necessary for traveling to Cyprus?
Only normal travel documents are required (identification and airplane boarding card).
B. Travel Protocols
Q3: What protocols can be expected in Cyprus airports/port terminals?
Wearing masks is compulsory in all indoor areas for all persons aged 12 and over.
C. Movement within the destination
Q4: Are there any local restrictions on movement?
There are currently no restrictions on movement and travelers can enjoy all kinds of services and facilities across the destination, without the need to present any health certificates.
D. Destination protocols
Q5: General protocols
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.
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.), for all persons aged 12 and over. Areas where people are seated whilst consuming food and beverage (restaurants, coffee-shops, bars, snack-bars, lobby bars, etc.) are excluded from this provision. 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.
Q6: Buses/taxis
a. Use of masks is compulsory for all persons aged 12 and over
b. Frequent ventilation and disinfection
c. Disinfection of all high frequency touch areas after every route (door handles, seats etc.)
d. Capacity of tour buses is allowed at 100%
Q7: Swimming pools, beaches and water parks
a. Disinfection of sun beds, umbrellas and personal safe boxes after every use
b. Physical distancing does not apply to lifeguards who are called into urgent life-saving action
Q8: Accommodation establishments
a. Carrying out of appropriate hand hygiene for all back-of-house and front-of-house staff; for housekeeping staff gloves are 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
Q9: Restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and night clubs
a. Carrying out of appropriate hand hygiene, for all back-of-house and front-of-house staff
b. 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
c. Disinfection of all touch points is carried out after each use e.g. chairs, tables, salt/pepper mills, sauce bottles, electronic payment machines etc.
d. 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
Q10: How will we deal with travelers who test positive during their stay in Cyprus? 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. The government will transfer these persons to designated 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.
b. 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. A person who tests positive for coronavirus, may alternatively choose to self-isolate in a private home / apartment rental, at their own expense, provided that their room is not shared with others and that they do not make use of public facilities.
Q11: What is the isolation duration for positive cases?
The duration of isolation for positive cases is 7 days from the date of testing positive and they are then released without the need to test negative. The duration of isolation can be reduced further if a traveler tests negative for coronavirus on the 5th day after testing positive (test should be PCR and the cost borne by the individual). Note that during the isolation period, it is mandatory for the traveler to self-isolate in their room or designated spaces at all times.
Q12: 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. It is recommended that close contacts of a person who has tested positive for coronavirus, perform a self-test on days 3 and 5 from the date of contact.
d. For close contacts that are not fully vaccinated nor recently recovered, or a period of 7 months has elapsed from the date of their full vaccination, testing on days 3 and 5 is compulsory.
e. Close contacts that are not declared by positive cases, can declare themselves as such, via telephone at 22514264, 22514258/9 (Monday-Sunday 08:00-20:00) or by e-mail at contacttracing2@moh.gov.cy.
F. Further information
Q13: 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 replies to traveler queries on Facebook Messenger (www.facebook.com/VisitCyprus.cy).
c. All relevant information is available on the website www.visitcyprus.com.
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