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COVID-19 and Tourism in Cyprus

Introduction

Cyprus, as most countries globally, has been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Local economy and more specifically the Tourism Industry took a hit during the pandemic as it
emerged just before the kick-off of the summer season.

Fortunately, Cyprus’ proactive and strict measures that have been implemented from March
until May 2020 led to the swift and effective control of the spread of the virus. In the wake of
this pandemic, Cyprus showed that it has an efficient and reliable healthcare system and
statistically, it has one of the lowest ratios of coronavirus cases per capita in Europe.

The Cyprus government remains hopeful that with the relaxing of the measures, the reopening
of airports and the various government schemes supporting the Tourism and hospitality
industry, travellers will feel safe to visit for both business and leisure.

Airports/Flights

The Republic of Cyprus announced the gradual easing of the restrictions in flights operated to
and from Larnaca and Pafos Airports.

 

 

The re-opening of the airports:
• Phase A: 9 – 19 June 2020
• Phase B: 20 June 2020
Countries have been also classified based on their epidemiological data.
Flights to and from Cyprus will be available between the Countries in the below Categories A & B and for Category C at phase B.
• Category A: Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Lithuania.
• Category B: Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia and the Czech Republic.
• Category C: All countries not included in the above categories

 

 

Phase A

9-19 June 2020. People arriving from the countries included in both Categories A & B, will have to furnish a clear, negative Covid-19 test from a certified laboratory to be
allowed onboard conducted within 72 hours before departure. Cypriot citizens and permanent residents in Cyprus, also can take the test upon their arrival in Cyprus
remain in self-isolation at home until the results are issued.
• Passengers should complete the Passenger Locator Form and the Declaration for both Category A and/or B Countries.
• With regards to Category C countries, flights are totally prohibited. Certain exemptions
apply.

Phase B

From 20 June 2020. Any passenger arriving from countries belonging in Category A, will not need to have a test in place but should complete the Passenger Locator Form
and the Declaration.
• Passengers arriving from countries included in Category B, will continue to need a negative COVID19 test issued 72 hours before their departure by a certified laboratory.
They should also complete the Passenger Locator Form and the Declaration.

• For Countries in Category C flights will be permitted as per the below:
i. Cypriot citizens in the Republic of Cyprus and their family members
ii. Persons legally living in the Republic of Cyprus
iii. Persons allowed to enter in the Republic of Cyprus under the Vienna Convention
iv. Persons, regardless of nationality, having special permission by the Republic of Cyprus

Passengers must conduct a test confirming negative PCR for Covid-19 during the last 72 hours before departure and they must have a certificate which confirms negative
PCR for Covid-19, issued from a certified laboratory.
Passengers should also complete the Passenger Locator Form and Declarations.

Hotels

Hotel and tourist accommodations were about to re-open during the 3rd phase scheduled
between mid June and mid July 2020. However, further to the decree published on the 22 of
May 2020 in the official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus, the reopening of hotels and tourist
accommodation has been allowed as of the 1st of June 2020.

Travellers can be assured that enhanced health, safety and hygiene protocols  have been established for all hospitality establishments, as well as extensive training of staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

It is important to note that as a part of the Cyprus government’s initiative to attract travellers,
the government will cover the costs of lodging, food, drink, and medication for any travellers
who test positive for COVID-19 during their stay, as well as their families and close contacts.
The travellers will only need to cover the cost of their airport transfer (taxi) and their flight back
home.

Conclusion

 

To conclude, Cyprus proactive actions to tackle the coronavirus pandemic have been considerably effective and have contributed to the quick “restart” of the economy. Cyprus has been able to contain the spread with very few confirmed cases during June and has one of the lowest ratios of cor

onavirus cases per capita in the EU. The government is hopeful and as per the recent data during months of July and August travellers will “resume” their visits in Cyprus.

 

 

 

Frixos Vrachas – Author