In light of the recent decline in the spread of COVID-19, the authorities in Cyprus have announced a gradual and limited reopening of the economy, with the necessary precautions and restrictions still in place. “De-escalation will be very slow, coordinated and controlled,” said Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
To make sure this is possible, the Cypriot authorities have decided to tighten certain international entry restrictions starting February 6, using a division of all foreign countries into three categories.
As of February 6, passengers arriving from category A countries will need to isolate themselves for 72 hours upon arrival, and perform a PCR test within 72 hours after the end of the isolation period.
Passengers from category B countries, or visiting that country in the last 14 days before landing in Cyprus, will be required to present a negative corona test, carried out within 72 hours before the flight to Cyprus, on top of those requirements from category A passengers.
Entry from category C countries is restricted to Cypriot nationals and special cases. Passengers visiting a category C country in the last 14 days, will be required to undergo the same inspections as passengers from category B countries, but must also enter a 14-day isolation period in government complexes. Those passengers may be exempt from isolation after 10 days, pending a negative result on their second corona test.
The division of categories is as follows:
Category A – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore.
Category B – Japan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Rwanda and South Korea.
Category C – All other countries.
All international travelers must register online through the official Cyprus website, to receive a travel certificate before arriving in the country.
Slowly easing the lockdown
Following a significant decline in infection rates, Cyprus will de-escalate lockdown restrictions starting February 8.
✔ Cinemas and theaters may reopen at a 50 percent occupancy rate.
✔ All individual sports, as well as team sports with up to 5 participants, may resume outdoors.
✔ Some businesses, such as hairdressers, beauty salons and tattoo parlors, may reopen, and employers will run them with up to 50 percent of staff.
Restrictions still in force
✔ Retail stores and malls remain closed
✔ A nationwide nightly curfew between 21:00 and 05:00. Vital workers and those seeking emergency medical care are exempt.
✔ Residents are allowed to leave their homes twice a day, but only after they have registered their outing with the health authorities via text message.
✔ Gatherings in closed spaces are limited to 10 people.
✔ Meetings between households are limited to 4 people.
✔ Weddings, baptisms and funerals will be held in places of worship, with no more than 10 people in attendance.
✔ Restaurants, cafes and bars can only offer takeaway services.
✔ Face masks are mandatory in public transportation and in all closed and open public spaces, except during physical activity.
