Cyprus Tightens Restrictions for Inbound Travelers

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades on Friday announced that the country is tightening its borders to reduce further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

From 1am of March 15 and for a period of 15 days in the first phase, Cyprus prohibits entry to any citizen – regardless of nationality – who does not fall into the following categories:

– Cypriot citizens.
– Legal residents in the Republic of Cyprus.
– European nationals or third-country nationals working in the Republic.
– Nationals of countries who are in a designated diplomatic service or mission under bilateral or international conventions.
– Individual cases of European nationals or third-country nationals for unavoidable professional obligations, provided that the relevant authorization has been obtained from the competent Ministry.
– European or third country citizens attending educational institutions in the Republic of Cyprus.

Larnaka International Airport, Cyprus. Photo source: @CyprusAeropolis

As regards to the crossing points between the free and the occupied areas, entry will be permitted only to persons falling into the following categories:

– Cypriot citizens, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
– Legal residents in the free areas.
– Nationals of countries who are in a designated diplomatic service or mission under bilateral or international conventions.

A total of 19 cases have been recorded in the last four days in the free and occupied areas of Cyprus.

“The measures we are taking are the result of recommendations and consultations with the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. We are not just urged but are instructed to implement them,” the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said.

Anastasiades underlined that the new measures do not affect the country’s commercial activities, since no limitations have been applied on imports and exports, including basic necessities.

“Therefore, there is no reason for undue panic,” he stressed.

Additional information – Cyprus Health Ministry

Photo source: @CyprusAeropolis

If citizens of the aforementioned categories are traveling to Cyprus from China’s Hubei Province, Italy, Iran and the Republic of Korea, they must remain confined to medical supervision for a period of 14 days.

In all other cases, inbound travelers must remain in self-isloation and practice self-monitoring for a period of 14 days and communicate immediately with the Cypriot authorities if they develop symptoms of the virus.

Citizens of the above categories wishing to leave Cyprus before the expiration of the 14 days will be able to do so provided they do not exhibit any coronavirus symptoms.

In addition, travelers who have entered Cyprus before the new rules enter into force (March 15) – and 14 days have not passed since their arrival – are urged to remain in self-isolation and practice self-monitoring until the 14-day period has elapsed.