The Coronavirus | Cyprus

This document contains the latest information about the protocols, preventative measures and changes adopted on Cyprus in response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

At the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, from sumptuous coastline to mountainous interior, Cyprus is an island steeped in contrasts: lively resorts to monastic serenity, cacophonous street life to ageless village silence, Greek temple to Byzantine hermitage, Neolithic dwelling to luxury hotel. Cyprus is an island for all seasons: with its short, mild winter and mountain snow, the glorious swathes of spring-time flora, the deep, burnishing heat of summer, and the mellow warmth of the island’s long autumn.

The island is Sunvil's birthplace and we have been offering holidays here since 1970. Our knowledge of the less-beaten paths is unrivalled.

Throughout the pandemic, we have closely monitored government guidance, regional policies and have maintained a continuous dialogue with our colleagues on Cyprus. Below we have highlighted the facts and guidelines relating to accommodation, shops and services. It is important to note that guidelines are being updated daily and you should contact us should you have any specific questions or concerns.

This document was updated on Thursday 06 May.

Arrivals

Cyprus is open to UK visitors. The requirements for travellers are detailed below:

• A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure from the UK. A negative test result is required in order to travel. At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government's approved providers) and our travellers can purchase a test at a reduced rate - see below.
• A completed Cyprus Flight Pass questionnaire. This questionnaire must be completed a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. It is your responsibility to do so as will be any costs incurred for new flight tickets and amendments to your travel plans should the form not be submitted. Airlines are denying boarding to those who fail to provide evidence of their submission. You can find further information about the Cyprus Flight Pass here. Should you require any assistance with the Cyprus Flight Pass you can contact the dedicated help desk. This service is accessible by telephone +(357) 2484 1234 and through the Cyprus Flight Pass e-platform. Your negtative PCR test result must be uploaded to the Flight Pass. 
• A PCR, LAMP or Antigen test taken at a clinic within 72 hours of your return to the UK. This test is taken and payable locally - our team on the ground will provide the necessary information. A negative test result is required in order to travel. Further details can be found here.
• A completed UK Passenger Locator Form (PLF).
• PCR tests on return from travels as per the government's traffic light system. Greece has been categorised as Amber and as such a 10-day period of self-isolation applies plus a PCR test on/before Day 2 and on/after Day 8 is required. These tests must be ordered before your return to the UK. Tests can be ordered from Randox Health, at a reduced rate for Sunvil travellers. A full list of providers for the Day 2 and Day 8 tests can be found here.

Testing providers

In UK tests:

At Sunvil, we have a partnership with Randox Health (one of the UK government’s approved providers) and our travellers can purchase tests at a reduced price:

Randox Health
Finsbury House
23 Finsbury Circus
London
EC2M 7EO
Website: https://www.randoxhealth.com
Tel: 0800 254 5130

• UK testing kits for travellers: Pre-departure test, Day 2 and Day 8 test – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/amber-travel-pack/ – at a cost of £129.00

With Randox, you will self-administer a swab test using the instructions in the test kit provided and send the test back to Randox using one of their local drop boxes or a courier. Once the test has been analysed you will be sent an electronic test certificate.

Further testing information and additional suppliers can be found here.

Full testing information can be found here.

Please also ensure that you are familiar with the new rules for travel within Europe from 01 January 2021. A synopsis of the changes can be found in our dedicated blog.

Accommodation

A series of protocols have been adopted by hospitality establishments across the island to safeguard all. These measures include:

• It is mandatory to wear of a face mask indoors and out-of-doors (when not exercising)
• Enhanced cleaning throughout any hospitality establishment
• The mandatory use of face masks and gloves by accommodation personnel
• The frequent airing of indoor spaces
• The provision of antibacterial gel in public areas such as at entrances, receptions, lounges, public toilets, lifts etc.
• Contactless payments encouraged

Sunvil's team will advise any measures specific to your hotel of choice upon confirmation and with our travel documentation.

Swimming pools and wellness facilities

Outdoor swimming pools are permitted to open providing an enhanced cleaning policy of the pool surroundings and furniture is adopted. 

Sunbeds are required to be spaced at a distance of at least 2m, with only guests travelling together permitted within this bubble. Umbrellas are required to be spaced at a distance of at least 4m.

Transfers and car hire

Sunvil and our local partners have adopted the following measures when transferring our guests:

• The use of face masks is compulsory for all occupants within transfer vehicles.
• Transfer vehicles must be cleaned and aired regularly
• All touch points disinfected after every journey
  
  
• Hire cars will be deep-cleaned prior to all rentals

Services

Restaurants and cafe-bars are permitted to offer seating inside and outdoors. The minimum distance allowed between tables is 2sqm outdoors and 3sqm indoors, and no more than 6 people are allowed at one table. 

Social distancing (2m) is required in all public outdoor spaces including parks, gardens and the beach.

Shops are open and operating with limited capacity. You may be required to wait a few minutes before entering, as we have been doing so in the UK. 

Please note that a night-time curfew is in place across the island. The curfew starts at 23:00 (11pm) and ends at 05:00 (5am). In addition, movement outside of these individual districts is forbidden at all times. Further restrictions include:

• A ban on public gatherings, but outdoor sports are permitted, provided no more than two people are together
• Restaurants, bars, cafes and other such venues will only be allowed to operate on a take-away and delivery basis. The former service is only available until 8pm
• Public markets (open-air fruit markets for example) will operate at a 50% capacity
• Public transport will operate at 50% capacity
• All non-essential shops will close

Face masks

It is obligatory to wear a face masks at all times, indoors and outdoors (except whilst exercising), when more than two people are present.

Archaeological sites

Archaeological sites will operate with applicable social distancing measures in place i.e. 3m indoors and 2m outdoors. All touch points will be disinfected regularly.

Sunvil's support

Sunvil’s destination specialists know Cyprus inside out. The team consisting of Claire, Courtney, Jackie, Jordan, Justin, Karolina and Mark are supported in-country by our local representative. We operate a 24-hour emergency telephone number and are also on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Other useful links

• A country by country overview can be found at reopen.europa.eu/en
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for Cyprus
• Coronavirus specific travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office