COVID-19 Information
Last updated: 12/15/2020
U.S. State Department:
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel and security updates from U.S. Embassy Nicosia.
Updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is that all international travelers arriving in the United States should stay home for 14 days from the time they returned from international travel. U.S. Citizens seeking to return to the United States should follow DHS and CDC guidance:
For the latest Consular Alerts for U.S. Citizens in Cyprus, click here.
The State Department has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Cyprus: Reconsider Travel.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Cyprus: Avoid All Travel.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you are advised to contact your general physician. U.S. Embassy Nicosia maintains a list of local medical practitioners on its website.
Country-Specific Information:
- Both the Republic of Cyprus and the area administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”) maintain restrictions intended to address the continued outbreak of COVID-19.
Republic of Cyprus:
The latest information is found on Republic of Cyprus’ COVID-19 information website (English): https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/eng
The December 9 announcement regarding extraordinary measures to mitigate spread of COVID-19 is found here.
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
The latest COVID-19 information is found on the “TRNC Ministry of Health” website (Turkish): https://saglik.gov.ct.tr/
English language decrees and press releases can be found here (English): https://pio.mfa.gov.ct.tr/en/
Entry and Exit Requirements:
Republic of Cyprus:
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- U.S. citizen tourists will not be able to travel to the Republic of Cyprus if they have been in the United States, or any other country not classed as a Category A or B country, in the two weeks before travel to Cyprus. Those U.S. citizens who have been present in a Category A or B country for the entire 14 days prior to travel to Cyprus will face the same requirements as other travelers coming from those countries.
- U.S. Citizen Legal Residents of the Republic of Cyprus may enter the ROC when traveling from the United States provided they show proof of their resident status and approved Cyprus Flight Pass.
- The UN Buffer Zone crossings from “TRNC” are, at present, effectively closed to anyone who does not hold a Cypriot or EU passport or who is not legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and points of entry? Yes
- Full information on the requirements to travel to the Republic of Cyprus can be found here. NOTE: In order to board a flight, all incoming travelers must provide information to the Republic of Cyprus and obtain a “Flight Pass” at: https://www.cyprusflightpass.gov.cy.
- If travelers to ROC cannot obtain a PCR test within 72 hours prior to boarding, they will be tested upon arrival at their own expense (85 euro). (Some passengers may be randomly selected for COVID testing upon entry, irrespective of which countries they traveled from.) Those testing positive will be in mandatory quarantine at a designated facility. Those testing negative must self-isolate at their residence for 14 days and complete a negative PCR test after the twelfth day, prior to release following Ministry of Health protocol. Isolated individuals should only leave their house for emergency after contacting a doctor or dialing 1420. If other passengers on your flight subsequently test positive on arrival to Cyprus, you may be subject to further mandatory quarantine/self-isolation measures.
- A dedicated email address has been set up by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism for assistance at travel2020@visitcyprus.com. A call center is available to assist travelers with queries regarding the use of the Cyprus Flight Pass at: +(357) 2484 1234 and through the Cyprus Flight Pass e-platform. For questions about immigration/overstay status in Cyprus, email: migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy.
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Turkey. A buffer zone patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus separates the two sides. U.S. citizen travelers should enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus ONLY at Larnaca and Paphos airports and at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry at Ercan Airport in the north to be a “legal” entrance into Cyprus.
- The UN Buffer Zone crossings from “TRNC” are, at present, effectively closed to anyone who does not hold a Cypriot or EU passport or who is not legally residing in the Republic of Cyprus.
- U.S. citizens transiting Istanbul to/from Ercan Airport are advised to update their STEP registration to include Turkey and email: ACS_Istanbul@state.gov prior to traveling.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and points of entry? Yes
- As of December 15, travelers by air or sea must present a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours and, if intending to stay longer than three days in “TRNC,” quarantine for at least ten days.
- Travelers by air or sea who intend to stay for less than three days provide a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours, present a return ticket, and submit to another PCR test upon entry.
- Travelers coming for IVF treatments are required to quarantine for 10 days.
- Travelers entering “TRNC” from the ROC must present a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours and, if intending to stay longer than 24 hours in “TRNC,” quarantine for at least seven days.
- Until at least December 25, “TRNC” residents working in the ROC are forbidden to enter “TRNC” from the ROC. Taxis and other transportation are forbidden to enter without first completing quarantine. Exceptions are made for those working in healthcare or studying in the ROC.
- “TRNC” residents studying or working in healthcare in the Republic of Cyprus must obtain a letter from their employer or school, complete an application, register with a general practitioner in “TRNC,” and present a negative PCR test from the previous 10 days.
Movement Restrictions:
Republic of Cyprus:
Is a curfew in place? Yes
- Until at least December 31, a strict island-wide curfew is in effect from 09:00pm to 05:00am with the exceptions of emergency medical reasons and employees with a letter from their employer.
- Beginning December 11, restaurants and eating establishments are only open for delivery and take-away. (After 09:00pm, only delivery is allowed.)
- Shopping malls are closed. Other retail establishments are allowed to operate with one person per 10 square meters maximum capacity. Food retailers are required to restrict hours before 09:00am to serve vulnerable populations and those aged 65 years and over only. Public markets and transportation will operate at 50 percent capacity. Gyms and betting parlors are closed.
- Church gatherings are prohibited with the exception of weddings, christenings, and funerals, limited to 10 persons, including minors, with face coverings required.
- Conferences, demonstrations, and exhibitions are prohibited. Theme parks, playgrounds, and camp sites are closed.
- Until at least January 15, face coverings are required for everyone ages 12 and older in all public indoor and outdoor venues in the ROC. Certain shops and pharmacies have exclusive shopping hours for vulnerable populations between 08:00am-10:00am.
- Further details are found here.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
Is a curfew in place? No
- Until at least January 1, 2021, holiday festivities at restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels are forbidden.
- Bars, night clubs, and other entertainment locations are closed until at least December 25.
- Restaurants and cafes must maintain strict social distancing.
Quarantine Information:
Republic of Cyprus:
Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- See Entry / Exit requirements above.
- Adherence to home quarantine / self–isolation protocols may be monitored in-person or by telephone. Those in self-isolation should only leave their house for emergency after contacting a doctor or dialing 1420. If the individual in isolation is a minor, only one adult is allowed to remain in the home and request absence from work.
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- See Entry / Exit requirements above.
COVID-19 Testing:
Republic of Cyprus:
- COVID-19 PCR tests are available at designated laboratories in the ROC at a cost of approximately 85 euro. Those contacted by contact tracing are entitled to one free test. Physicians can also refer patients for tests at local General Hospitals. Rapid tests are periodically available for free at select sites, with follow-up PCR testing required for those whose results are positive.
- Free rapid (antigen) tests are available periodically in announced locations. A positive result then requires a PCR test for confirmation.
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
- COVID-19 PCR tests are available at the Nicosia General Hospital (Outpatient Section), Near East University Hospital (Emergency Section), and the Kolan British Hospital. Tests cost 200 Turkish lira. If the tests are needed for crossing the UN Buffer Zone for work, study, or medical treatment purposes, persons can apply to the “Ministry of Health” for a test free of charge.
Transportation Options:
Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Commercial flights are operating in the Republic of Cyprus and “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”
- As of November 17, incoming commercial flights to Ercan Airport remain limited to two per day.
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Face coverings are required on all public transport.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
Republic of Cyprus:
- Failure to wear a face covering in any public space or on public transport is punishable by fine up to 300 euro.
- Travelers who fail to comply with the 14-day self-isolation regulations may face fines, imprisonment, or both.
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”):
- “Official” information about fines is unavailable at this time.
- As of October 8, media reports indicate: Failure to wear a face covering or maintain social distance rules may result in a 300 Turkish lira fine. Those not following quarantine regulations may be fined 15,000 Turkish lira. Fines must be paid within 30 days or the offender risks one year in prison.
Consular Operations:
- U.S. citizens in Cyprus who require assistance should email the Embassy at ACSNicosia@state.gov. If you need immediate assistance related to an emergency, such as a death, hospitalization, or you have been a victim of serious crime, you can call the Embassy at +357 22 393939.
- The U.S. Embassy Nicosia has resumed routine passport and Consular Record of Birth Abroad (CRBA) operations. Passport renewal and CRBA appointments are available online. Please consider waiting to apply if your passport is valid and you have no immediate need to travel. If you have an emergency travel need, we can print emergency passports. Please contact us for an emergency appointment at ACSNicosia@state.gov. Notarial services are available on an urgent, case-by-case basis.
- Consular operations at the U.S. Embassy’s north office are suspended indefinitely.
- Visa services: Information on the status of visa operations can be found on our website. Appointments are available on the GSS website. Important information for valid visa holders transiting the Schengen Zone, the United Kingdom, and Ireland en route to the United States can be found here.
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