Overall, 55% of accommodation providers are doing so without having gained the correct permissions, and another 22% hold only temporary licences. That means bona fide businesses form only 23% of the island’s hotel and tourist accommodation, the Audit Office figures show. In the Cypriot government-controlled Famagusta region, only 24 of the 241 tourist accommodation establishments are licensed—less than 10%.

Following the report, the island’s Deputy Ministry of Tourism recognised the issue, noting that over half of the territory’s tourist accommodation providers had never applied for a permit to operate. Tourism licensing is a perennial problem for the island, going back at least three decades. Officials say the backlog deteriorated further after an incentive scheme introduced in May 2013 came into effect with the aim of boosting the economy through denser developments and legalising unlicensed builds. This led to large-scale renovations and extensions that are yet to be assimilated into the permit system.

A compliance window of six years saw only 43 licenses awarded, meaning only six percent of hotels had a permit by 2023. That situation has now improved slightly, with the number of permits up to 94, or just under 13% by the end of 2024.

The last two years, meanwhile, have been taken up with consultations between the Deputy Ministry and various state bodies, with a view to ensuring a legal framework that applies safety legislation equally to all stakeholders. A programme of scheduled reminders to alert hospitality professionals to their obligations is also underway.

The picture is slightly better when it comes to self-catering accommodation, the Deputy Ministry said, with licensing drives increasing the number of operators with proper permits from 4,765 in April 2023 to 8,478 by 29 June 2026—a notable increase of 78%.

Given the proportion of operators doing business without licenses, the number of complaints about non-registered premises on the island is relatively low at 88 official reports.

Cyprus welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors in 2025, according to Cyprus Statistical Service data, a record-breaking number representing an increase of 12.2% year-on-year, but 2026 has been a challenging year so far, due to disruptions and travel alerts prompted by the war in the Middle East during the first and second quarters.

L’article Almost three-quarters of tourist accommodation in Cyprus operating without proper license est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The latest figures from the Cypriot Statistical Service indicate a 35.1% drop in revenues year-on-year, with the Travellers Survey clocking up revenue of €197.5 million, compared with the month of April 2025 when revenue was €304.2 million.

Over the winter to spring period between January and April, the downturn was less severe, at a drop of 23.9%, since nearly two of those months fell before the war with Iran broke out and actually recorded year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals and income of around seven per cent.

But those arrivals fell away after the conflict began, and a drone strike on the British Sovereign Base Area in early March led the US State Department to urge would-be tourists to “reconsider travel” to Cyprus, raising its travel advisory for the territory to level three. A number of European nations followed suit.

Unsurprisingly, across March, arrivals then plummeted 30.7%, and revenues fell 33.8%. The recent data shows that the situation for Cypriot tourism stakeholders continued to worsen into April.

Overall, per capita, visitors spent €651.77 each in April 2026, compared with €726.42 in April 2025, a 10.3% drop. Breaking it down by market, UK visitors (Cyprus’ biggest source market) represented 39.2% of arrivals in April 2026, spending €86.43 per day on average. Polish visitors were the second-largest source market for April, accounting for 8.4%) and spending €81.89 per day. German tourists came a close third in terms of numbers, composing 8% of the total, and spent more than the Poles, but less than the Brits (€85.99).

Commenting on the figures, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis said it was “well known” that the sector “was significantly affected by the conflict in the Middle East and its aftermath. The 35.1% decrease in revenues in April 2026 compared with April 2025 was unfortunately expected.”

Koumis blamed April’s data on the ‘Jet Fuel Crisis’ and subsequent “tremors in the pan-European tourism economy, bringing additional uncertainty and a slowdown in booking rates across Europe.”

Koumis also described a suite of measures taken by the state to support the travel sector, including bringing “dozens of foreign journalists” to Cyprus “to convey the true picture of the destination, which is characterised solely by safety.” Promotional activities abroad were “stepped up,” he said, and strategic partnerships “strengthened.” He went on to argue that: “The improvement in tourism performance in the months that followed proves that the measures taken had a positive impact, but above all we are pleased to see the tourism sector back on a stable course.”

As the closest European Union territory to Israel, Cyprus usually benefits not only from European Union visitors keen on its Mediterranean climate, but also from significant numbers of visitors from Israel (13%). With flight schedules in and out of Tel Aviv gradually normalising, Cypriot stakeholders will be hoping that the record growth seen in 2025 will pick up again during the last two quarters of 2026.

L’article Cypriot tourism revenues fell by a third in April 2026 amid Middle East conflict est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran at the end of February has had a major impact on the global travel industry, especially for countries in the Middle East. Immediately after the start of the war, both the US and the UK had issued emergency warnings for those travelling to Cyprus, especially following a drone strike at the British military base at Akrotiri on 2 March 2026.

Although on paper, the US and UK travel advisories only concern American and British citizens, their stances are generally seen as important security indicators. Moreover, with the UK accounting for 31.8% of all tourist arrivals on Cyprus in 2025, the impact of the travel advisory was enormous and could be felt throughout Cyprus’ tourism industry.

A positive development for Cyprus’ image as a travel destination is reflected in the updated travel advisories issued by the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

The United States has decided to restore Cyprus to the normal travel advisory level, Level 1,…

— Cyprus MFA (@CyprusMFA) June 2, 2026

As other countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Italy had already adapted their advisories, the US and the UK have now followed that example.

Since 1 June 2026, the UK’s foreign travel advice for Cyprus reads as follows.

“Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.

British nationals should: read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad – GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”; sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts; monitor local and international media for the latest information; sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities; keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date.”

Travel Advisory 6/1/2026
Cyprus – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions https://t.co/Z3dhzRUxlZ

— U.S. Embassy Cyprus (@USEmbassyCyprus) June 1, 2026

The US, in its turn, restored Cyprus to Level 1, its lowest travel advisory category, on 1 June 2026.  Previously, Washington had categorised Cyprus as a Level 3-destination, advising travellers to reconsider travel given the risk of armed conflict, among other things. As a Level 1 country, however, travellers are advised to exercise normal precautions in Cyprus.

Following the news, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said the updated travel advice should be considered as a positive development, allowing Cyprus tourism to return to a normal situation after months of uncertainty.

“The British market has long been Cyprus’ largest source of tourists, even though arrivals from the UK recorded a significant decline in the first four months of the year because of developments in Akrotiri,” Koumis told Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), adding that May had only experienced a small decline in passenger traffic compared to other years.

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In a statement shared with local news outlet CyprusMail, the Cyprus Hotel Association (PASYXE) shared that positive outlook.

“This is a significant development, which sends positive messages to the markets, creating more favourable conditions for the rest of the tourist season.”

However, the president of the Association of Cyprus Tourism Enterprises (Stek), Akis Vavlitis, was only moderately optimistic. He expects the real impact of the news or the lack thereof will be clear within two or three weeks, when an eventual spike in bookings will become apparent.

L’article Cyprus to see rise in tourism after US and UK ease travel restrictions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis was reported as saying the republic “was, is, and will always be a safe destination” by the Cyprus Mail. But public sentiment appears to be cautious about travel there. Sophia Efthymiou, of short-term rental firm Saaiman Stays, told Euronews that 13 guests have cancelled 50 nights between them in the last week alone, resulting in an estimated loss of 35% of business income.

An update to the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) travel advisory for Cyprus on 5 March 2026 could be behind some of the tourism downturn. It notes that a “drone attack” took place three days earlier at RAF Akrotiri, a UK military airbase on the island. Without mentioning the situation in the Middle East or Persian Gulf specifically, where visitors and foreign residents have been affected by airspace closures due to Iranian airstrikes, the FCDO alert also points out that “regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.”

The uncertainty comes as a blow to the Cypriot tourism sector, which had seen unprecedented success in 2025, with annual visitor arrivals soaring 12.2% year-on-year to reach a record 4.53 million. It had appeared that tourists had grown inured to the sight of missiles in the Mediterranean skies over the course of the recent Gaza crisis. But Fotos Kikillos, Municipal Secretary of Ayia Napa (at the far east of Cyprus, close to Lebanon and Syria), has implied that the buoyancy seen until now could be changing. The Guardian reports that he remarked at travel trade show ITB Berlin in early March how stakeholders are “hearing of cancellations, of a certain numbness.”

Cyprus: The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Cyprus to reflect the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel. Read the full advisory: https://t.co/xeGmqQrxI9 pic.twitter.com/mEMqAcDIZU

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 4, 2026

In addition to Koumis’s reassurances, the Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Works has sought to address tourist concerns and the FCDO warning by banning all drone use other than government activity.

It’s also possible that a significant proportion of the cancellations being experienced by hotels and rentals on the island could be for reasons other than sentiment. Israeli holidaymakers for example, made up 13% of visitor numbers in 2025, and with the hostilities causing closed airspace and cancelled flights between Cyprus’s Larnaca International and Paphos International airports from Middle Eastern hubs such as Haifa and Tel Aviv in Israel, the slowdown in bookings could be due to a (perhaps temporary) inability to get to Cyprus, rather than fear.

#Cyprus: Updated assessment that terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.https://t.co/6VF97DCrWL pic.twitter.com/1FEZXiKKLT

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 5, 2026

Flights are also grounded to and from Amman in Jordan; Beirut, Lebanon; the UAE’s Dubai; and the Qatari capital Doha. Oxford Economics analysts have set out two scenarios for the conflict’s impact on travel and tourism, one seeing negative sentiment fade for the wider region by the end of June, the other extending negative sentiment into September. Stakeholders in Cyprus will be hoping for the former.

L’article How the Iran war is affecting tourism in Cyprus est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Water scarcity is a problem usually linked to hot and dry summer seasons, but in Cyprus, drought comes early in 2026. According to Europe’s Combined Drought Indicator, the nation is one of those struggling with dry weather conditions at the time of writing. A fact that is confirmed by  Eliana Tofa Christidou, head of the nation’s water development department, who says that dam inflows are at their lowest since hydrological records began in 1901.

While water levels at the Kouris reservoir – known for its usually-submerged but now-visible St Nicholas Church – are down to 12.2% of its capacity, Cyprus’ overall water storage is down to 13.7%. In February 2025, which was already a difficult year for the country’s water needs, this was still 26%.

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Multitude of measures

Given the circumstances, authorities in Cyprus are now asking all residents to cut their water use by 10%, which amounts to 2 minutes of uninterrupted running water. Moreover, the country has announced a package of emergency measures worth €31 million.

“Everyone has to reduce their consumption. Whether that is in the shower, brushing their teeth, or using a washing machine. Times are critical, and every drop now counts”, explained Eliana Tofa Christidou in an interview with The Guardian.

Within Europe, Cyprus might well be one of the regions most touched by climate change. According to data collected by the Mediterranean Growth Collective, temperatures in the country are rising 20% faster than the global average. Hot temperatures, combined with a 15% rainfall drop since 1901 and a 300% increased water needs due to tourism and a growing population, are creating dire circumstances.

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According to Eliana Tofa Christidou, the per capita water consumption can reach up to 500 litres per day due to the meteorological circumstances. As the mean per capita consumption of water in Europe amounts to ‘only’ 120 litres per person per day, authorities are now launching campaigns to reduce that amount to 140 litres per person per day.

The reuse of wastewater, water leakage interventions, irrigation limits, and a push for residents to invest in water-saving tap appliances are some of the other measures that are part of the current emergency plan of €31 million, while previous investments have already permitted the start of the installation of desalination units, aimed at turning seawater into freshwater. Some 14 are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, although ecological voices are warning of their potential to have a disruptive character on the island’s fauna and flora. 

L’article Water crisis in Cyprus raises concerns ahead of summer tourism surge est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The ranking process began with a longlist of 40 European cities assessed using cultural indicators such as museum density, venue diversity and year-round festivals. Cultural experts then shortlisted 10 finalists based on heritage value, contemporary creativity, visitor experience and international relevance. Final results were determined by votes from 22,093 travellers across 131 countries, who rated the cities based on interest in visiting in 2026, authenticity of cultural atmosphere and general appeal. Weighted equally with expert evaluations, the results gave Nicosia the highest overall score of 18.6 out of 20.

Nicosia has been recognised for its creative-friendly environment, with a cultural ecosystem that encourages collaboration among artists, designers, performers and entrepreneurs. The city hosts creative workshops, open studios, pop-up exhibitions and participatory cultural projects, while historic buildings have been repurposed as ateliers, galleries, concept cafés and cultural hubs. 

Nicosia’s cultural profile further extends to gastronomy, with the capital recently recognised as a Culinary Capital and Best Beverage Experience Destination 2024, reflecting growing international interest in its contemporary food and cocktail scene. Compact and walkable, the city offers a cultural short-break destination where museums, galleries and seasonal events highlight Cyprus’ artistic heritage from antiquity to the present.

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The EBD highlighted Nicosia’s rare balance of deep historical heritage and a lively contemporary cultural scene, along with the welcoming Mediterranean atmosphere that defines the city’s character. Nicosia’s status as Europe’s last divided capital and its unique combination of Greek and Turkish cultural influences were cited among the features contributing to its top ranking.

“By uniting history and innovation, creativity and participation, tradition and bold cultural programming, Nicosia stands as one of Europe’s most distinctive cultural destinations today,” says EBD. 

Local officials and tourism representatives in Nicosia welcomed the recognition, noting that the accolade underscores years of investment in cultural programming and urban revitalisation. The city is expected to host a year-long programme of festivals, exhibitions and events throughout 2026, part of efforts to highlight and expand its cultural offerings to both residents and international visitors. 

Alongside Nicosia, the other nine contenders recognised are Florence in Italy, Vienna in Austria, Leuven in Belgium, Šibenik in Croatia, Verona in Italy, Tomar in Portugal, Rouen in France, Oxford in the United Kingdom, and Graz in Austria, highlighting a combination of historic centres and vibrant regional cities that offer rich heritage, contemporary creativity, and broad appeal for travellers seeking Europe’s most compelling cultural experiences.

L’article Nicosia named Europe’s best cultural destination for 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As Cyprus is getting out of the second-driest winter in a decade, the country is struggling to keep up its water reserves. The water levels across the 108 dams spread over the island are already low (24.6% capacity) and high demand combined with leaks it putting an even greater strain on the water supply network.

In order to ensure the tourist hotspot can keep up its water supplies, agriculture and environment minister Maria Panayiotou has now shared a new funding plan. Firstly, €3 million will be allocated to hotels willing to construct their own private desalination plants over the next two years. Secondly, it will be easier for players in the agriculture and tourism sectors to build small-scale desalination plants. Thirdly, €8 million will be spent on fixing the existing infrastructure to reduce water leaks and losses – representing an estimated 40% of the country’s water needs according to Panayiotou.

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At the moment, Cyprus already has four working desalination plants. They each produce 235,000 cubic metres of fresh water on a daily basis. A fifth one has been temporarily put out of action following a fire. As of October, four mobile desalination plants will become operational and should provide 30,000 cubic metres of fresh water daily.

However, according to Panayiotou, more desalination plants are necessary. She estimates the daily number of cubic metres of fresh water produced on a daily basis should quadruply over the next decade in order to meet demand. 

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Публикация от Press and Information Office (@piocy)

Sea water for tourists in Greece

Cyprus isn’t the only country in the Mediterranean to make use of sea water for meeting the demand in water, partly caused by the tourism industry. A two-year-long drought in Greece has prompted officials to consider a new legislation which would oblige coastal hotels to fill their pools with sea water. 

“This (legislation) regulates the framework for carrying out seawater extraction and pumping it for swimming pools. The focus, of course, is to conserve water resources”,  Elena Rapti, a deputy minister of tourism told a parliament committee in January 2025.

Whether or not the Greek legislation proposal will go through remains to be seen, as some are questioning the treatment of the sea water in order for it to meet water quality rules. Especially if the sea water is pumped back into the sea once used this could greatly impact marine life.

L’article Cyprus combats water shortage by funding desalination plants for hotels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. Rescuing Cyprus airlines

The European Commission has funded a €6.13 million Cypriot incentive scheme towards airlines affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to be in line with EU rules — the State aid Temporary Framework, which allows governments to more freely support their national air carriers. In particular, the aid will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary and will be granted no later than 30 June 2022.

The scheme is a re-introduction of an aid measure initially approved by the Commission on 1^st July 2020, which expired on 31 December 2021. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants and the measure will be open to all interested airlines operating routes to and from Cyprus.

2. Remuneration

The level of remuneration will depend on the aircraft’s load factor — that is, the number of passengers on board divided by the capacity of the aircraft in passenger numbers — starting from a load factor of 41% and up to a 70%, and it will be paid per each transported passenger.

The aim of the scheme is to support airlines in a comprehensive and non-discriminatory manner in order to re-establish air routes from/to Cyprus and thus enable the recovery of air connectivity and tourism.

3. Necessary, appropriate and proportionate

The EU executive concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with EU legislation. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures under EU State aid rules.

The Covid-19 outbreak affected Cyprus’ real economy with the baseline scenario of the Ministry of Finance forecasting a GDP contraction of 7% in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2022, real GDP is forecast to grow by 3.8% and exceed the 2019 level.

4. State aid

State aid was formally introduced into EU law by the Treaty of Rome, in 1957, which classified state aid as being any state intervention that distorted competition law.

The definition was later updated by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) in 2007. It stated that any aid given to a company by a state within the EU would generally be incompatible with the EU’s Single Market.

A company that receives government support gains an advantage over its competitors, therefore, the TFEU generally prohibits State aid unless it is justified by reasons of general economic development.

L’article Commission approves €6.13 million to support Cypriot airlines affected by COVID-19 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The artist, who is one of the most famous representatives of the eco-art movement, inspired his works by nature and humans. The statues will serve a dual purpose: on the one hand, they will be a unique experience for visitors; on the other, they will create the right conditions for the enrichment of marine life.

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The statues are made of inert materials, with neutral pH, so as not to negatively affect the exhibition space. They will also be exposed at different depths to attract marine life at all levels. The site where they will be located is a sandy beach and it is expected that over time, the biodiversity of the area will be enriched by the museum.

Those who will have the unique opportunity to visit the museum will be able to do so with a simple sea mask, but it looks like it will be very accessible to divers. Renowned British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor has embarked on a different journey in the human-nature relationship. He also designed Underwater Sculpture Museums in Grenada and Cannes, France. In fact, Grenada’s has been included in the list of the 25 wonders of the world, according to National Geographic.

The artist creates these “miracles” using his knowledge and skills as a sculptor, marine conservator, underwater photographer and diving instructor, which on the one hand create a special exhibition space, and on the other hand enhance marine life. They radiate hope and raise awareness on the state of the environment. For this reason, it is a great honor and joy, for the Cyprus Sea, to host such an important work of art that conveys such important and essential messages.

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It is worth noting that the Ayia Napa area of Cyprus is developing rapidly. Skyscrapers and luxury homes are being built, but it seems that at the same time there is an intention and appetite to create unique art and attractions. The museum is the result of a joint effort between the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Cyprus Department of Fisheries and Marine Research.

L’article New underwater sculpture museum in Cyprus is welcoming visitors est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

MEASURES TO CONTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC With effect from 11/12/2020 (6.00 am) until 31/12/2020 (5.00 am)

1. The movement of people is prohibited from 9.00 p.m. until 05.00a.m. with the following exceptions:

• Movement to/from work, as well as for work reasons by presenting the employee movement confirmation form,
• Movement to/from medical centre, hospital, pharmacy or vet for emergency medical reasons, and
• Movement of hunters to and within non-prohibited hunting areas, as defined in the Laws on Protection and Management of Wild Birds and Prey of 2003 to 2017, from 03.00 am. only on permitted hunting days (they must carry their hunting license with them for check purposes).

2. Gatherings in public places (parks, squares, water reservoirs, picnic areas, beaches, pavements and marinas, etc.) are permitted, provided that the number of persons shall not exceed two, excluding underage children.

3. Gatherings of persons in residences are allowed, with a maximum number of 10 persons, including underage children.

4. Church services and other forms of religious worship in religious sites shall be performed without the presence of congregants.

5. The holding of luncheons/dinners and any other events relating to weddings and christenings, is prohibited (other than a home event with a maximum number of 10 persons including minors).

6. Religious ceremonies (weddings, christenings, funerals) are permitted with a maximum of 10 persons attending.

7. As of Monday, 14/12/2020, public and private Lyceums and Higher and Tertiary Education Institutions will operate through online education. Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Gymnasiums continue to operate normally. It is understood that this concerns public and private schools/institutions.

8. Visits to hospitals, clinics, medical and diagnostic centres, are prohibited.

9. The operation of all catering establishments (restaurants, taverns, cafés, pubs, snack bars and bars, cafeterias and catering establishments within canteens and/or sports clubs, cultural clubs, associations, etc.) is suspended, with the exception of their delivery and take away services. (After 9.00 p.m. only home delivery is permitted).

It is noted that catering establishments within hotels and tourist accommodation facilities may operate until 9.00 p.m. serving only guests who are staying overnight in those premises (with a maximum number of persons depending on the space, 40 persons in indoor areas and 80 persons in outdoor areas). Moreover, catering establishments within the Larnaka and Pafos Airports are allowed to operate.

10. The operation of open-air and indoor theatres, amphitheatres, cinemas and performance halls, is suspended.

11. Popular markets shall function at 50% capacity and social distancing of 1.5 m. on the basis of the relevant protocol.

12. Mass gatherings and other events, demonstrations, parades, concerts, open-air bazaars, Christmas fairs, festivals in public or private venues, are still prohibited.

13. Public transport capacity shall be regulated by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works per District.

14. The operation of indoor shopping centres (malls) is suspended.

15. Other retail trade outlets, including superstores, department stores and large stores of over 500 sq.m., are allowed to operate in compliance with the measure of 1 person per 10 sq.m.. Such stores are obliged to ensure that there is a check at the entrance so that the maximum number of customers is upheld.

Can I travel to Cyprus?

Countries are categorised according to their epidemiological situation into three categories described here below. All travellers need to fill in a Covid-19 traveller declaration. The form can be filled in online here, or at airport check-in counters. It is requested prior to boarding.

Category A: Low-risk countries at current stage

• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Singapore

Included in this category are countries with an effective reproduction (Rt) number lower than 1 or/and small number of new diagnoses (<1/100,000 inhabitants per day) or/and small or very small COVID-19 mortality (<5-10/100,000 inhabitants) or/and classification of sporadic cases or clusters of cases according to the WHO or/and at least satisfactory laboratory testing (>3000 tests/100,000 inhabitants).

It should be noted that passengers coming from Category A countries are not required to present a laboratory COVID-19 test certificate or go into self-isolation.

Category B: Countries with possibly low risk but greater uncertainty compared to Category A

• China (including Hong Kong)
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Greece
• Vatican City State
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Norway
• Rwanda
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Sweden
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay

Included in this category are countries with an effective reproduction (Rt) number greater than 1 or/and number of new diagnoses <1/100,000 inhabitants per day or/and increased COVID-19 mortality (>10/100,000 inhabitants) or/and limited laboratory testing (<2000 tests/100,000 inhabitants) or lack of WHO classification.

It should be noted that passengers coming from Category B countries are required to undergo a laboratory test no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure and to possess a Certificate showing negative PCR examination for the virus.

It is also clarified that passengers from Category B countries, falling into the following categories, may undergo the molecular examination upon arrival in the Republic:

• Cypriot citizens and their family members (their alien spouses, underage children and parents),
• all those legally residing in the Republic,
• persons entitled to under the Vienna Convention,
• persons, irrespective of nationality, whose countries of residence do not provide a laboratory testing service (public or private) to those wishing to travel to the Republic of Cyprus according to a relevant announcement.

It should be noted that the examination cost will be borne by those persons themselves and in addition, such persons should remain in self-isolation at home until the examination result is issued.

Category C: High-risk countries compared to categories A and B

All countries not included in categories A or B are placed in this category. Some of the countries which are of high risk according to their epidemiological picture, are mentioned above.

In accordance with the Infectious Diseases Decree (No.30) of 2020, entry into the Republic from Category C countries shall be allowed only for specific categories of citizens who have the possibility to choose whether to undergo a diagnostic test for COVID19 upon their arrival in Cyprus or have with them a negative RT-PCR test certificate for COVID-19, undertaken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure. It must be noted that such persons shall have to remain in a state of self-isolation for 14 days.

It is also noted that in accordance with the Decree by the Minister of Health N. 37, dated 12 August 2020, citizens arriving from category C countries are obliged to undergo a molecular examination for COVID-19, 48 hours prior to the termination of their 14-day self-isolation, at their own expense. The test results should be sent to the following email address: monada@mphs.moh.gov.cy . It is understood that the self-isolation will come to an end on the 14th day provided that the outcome of the repeat test comes out negative.

L’article Travel restrictions in brief: Cyprus 🇨🇾 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.