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 Tuesday 17 August.

Cyprus has been categorised as Amber by the UK government. As such the following testing is required:

Testing guidance

If you have received both vaccinations (more than 14 days prior to departure):

• Pre-departure testing: This is not required for travellers in receipt of both vaccinations – see below for details of the evidence required. The evidence must be uploaded onto the Cyprus Flight Pass platform within 48 hours of your departure time from the UK.
• Test to return: All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider, approved by the UK government. A fit to fly certificate is provided (the certificate must be in English, Spanish or French).
• Testing on return to the UK: A PCR test on/before Day 2 is required. This must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.

* Evidence for passengers in receipt of both vaccinations (one of the following):

• The NHS App: This application is valid on smart phones and tablets and requires ALL passengers to register for their own account. The account is connected to your NHS number, date of birth and postcode. The application will display your Covid-19 vaccine record. 
• An official letter from the NHS: This letter can be obtained by calling “119” from any UK landline or mobile.
• You should check that your name on your passport matches how it is displayed on your NHS Covid Pass. If the names are different, contact your GP practice to have your details updated.
• We recommend you travel with a printed copy of your vaccination certificate.

If you have not received both vaccinations: 

• Pre-departure testing: A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your departure time from the UK. A negative test result is required in order to travel. This result must be added to the Cyprus Flight Pass within 48 hours of your departure time from the UK.
• Test on arrival: A further PCR test is required on arrival into Cyprus and is payable locally at a cost of 15 Euros per person (Larnaca airport) and 19 Euros per person (Paphos airport). The results of the test are made available within 3 hours on the digital platform www.covid-testcyprus.com.
• Test in resort if staying 8 days or longer: A rapid antigen test, taken on Day 8 and every subsequent 72 hours, is required and available at many clinical labs and pharmacies across the island - our local representative will also assist with this. The test will cost a maximum of 10 Euros. The negative test result is required for the Safe Pass (see 'In Cyprus' for further information).
• Test to return: All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider, approved by the UK government. A fit to fly certificate is provided (the certificate must be in English, Spanish or French).
• Testing on return to the UK: A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all travellers returning from an Amber destination. In addition, 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 and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.
• Test to release on Day 5: This optional test is available to travellers in England. The test must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. If you choose to purchase a Day 5 test after your return to the UK a revised Passenger Locator Form must be submitted.

Children aged 17yrs and younger:

• Pre-departure testing – required for children aged 12-17yrs: A PCR test taken within 72 hours of your flight departure from the UK. A negative test result is required in order to travel and needs to be uploaded to the Cyprus Flight Pass platform within 48 hours of your departure time from the UK.
• Test on arrival – required for children aged 12-17yrs: A further PCR test is required on arrival into Cyprus and is payable locally at a cost of 15 Euros per person (Larnaca airport) and 19 Euros per person (Paphos airport). The results of the test are made available within 3 hours on the digital platform www.covid-testcyprus.com. 
• Test in resort if staying 8 days or longer: A rapid antigen test, taken on Day 8 and every subsequent 72 hours, is required and available at many clinical labs and pharmacies across the island – our local representative will also assist with this. The test will cost a maximum of 10 Euros. The negative test result is required for the Safe Pass (see ‘In Cyprus’ for further information). 
• Test to return – required for children aged 11-17yrs: All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test must be taken at a local clinic or using a virtual provider, approved by the UK government.
• Testing on return to the UK – required for children aged 5-17yrs – Travelling with fully-vaccinated parent(s)/parental guardian(s): A PCR test on/before Day 2 is required. These tests must be ordered before your return to the UK and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.
• Testing on return to the UK – required for children aged 5-17yrs – Travelling with parent(s)/parental guardian(s) not in receipt of both vaccinations: A 10-day period of self-isolation applies for all not fully-vaccinated travellers returning from an Amber destination. In addition, 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 and evidence of this purchase must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form.
• Test to release on Day 5: This optional test is available to travellers in England. The test must be added to the UK Passenger Locator Form. If you choose to purchase a Day 5 test after your return to the UK a revised Passenger Locator Form must be submitted.

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 adults in receipt of both vaccinations: Day 2 – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-day-2-and-8-testing/ at a cost of £43.00.
• UK testing kits for adults not in receipt of both vaccinations: 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.
• Children aged 12-17yrs travelling with fully-vaccinated parent(s)/parental guardian(s): Pre-departure test and Day 2 – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/green-travel-pack/ – at a cost of £86.00.
• Children aged 5-11yrs travelling with fully-vaccinated parent(s)/parental guardian(s): Day 2 – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-day-2-and-8-testing/ at a cost of £43.00.
• Children aged 5-11yrs travelling with parent(s)/parental guardian(s) not in receipt of both vaccinations: Day 2 and Day 8 – quote SUNVIL2021 online at https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-day-2-and-8-testing/ at a cost of £86.00. 

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.

Alternative provider:

Express Test offer drive-through PCR tests at 17 airports and hubs across the UK including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports as well as at a centre in Croydon and in Reading.

The test costs from £50.00 per person and results are guaranteed by 10pm the next day (after receipt). Express Test also provide the Day 2 and Day 8 tests for those travelling to Amber list destinations.

Test to return (in Cyprus):

All travellers must undertake a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test within 72 hours of return to the UK. This test can be in the following format:

• An in-clinic test in resort: Our local partners will book your test for you at a registered clinic; transfers can also be arranged. The test is payable locally. An antigen will cost c.20-30 Euros, a LAMP or PCR test will be more. 
• A self-administered Antigen test (purchased prior to departure): Tried-and-tested by our team, this option will require you to perform a swab test and to upload the result to their website. On proof of a negative test result, a fit to fly certificate is issued. These tests can be purchased through Sunvil on 020 8758 4758 (choosing pre-departures) at a rate of £40.00 per test. Alternatively, you can purchase the tests online by visiting https://tests.medicspot.co.uk/products/return-antigen - £45.00 per person. 
• A virtual consultation test: Tried-and-tested by the Sunvil team, this option will require you to self-administer a swab test whilst on a virtual consultation with a registered clinician, in the privacy of your accommodation. Once complete, and a negative test result is received, a fit to fly certificate is issued. Our preferred partner is Qured. This test will cost £35.00*. 

Qured

4^th Floor West
22-25 Eastcastle Street
London
W1W 8DF

Website: https://qured.com

To order your tests, please follow these instructions:

• Go to https://patients.qured.com
• Select 'sign up' and create your account
• Click the test type 'diagnostic' and then 'PCR test' (or whichever test type you wish to choose)
• Enter your delivery address
• Select the delivery type as 'Courier' (or whichever delivery option you wish choose)
• Enter the promo code: 'SUNVIL10'
• Confirm the information is correct and confirm the booking
• You will be emailed the booking confirmation

When the results are released, the account holder will be sent an email and text. You can then login and view the results from the 'history' section on their account.

*Please note you will require a Smartphone with Cellular or WiFi access. Should you not be able to perform the test for any reason, we will endeavour to assist you in resort with an alternative test however the original test remains non-refundable. Sunvil cannot accept any responsibility for the reliance and performance of testing.

Requirements for the fit to fly 'Test to return' certificate:

• Name, which should match the name on your travel documents ( + passport number)
• Date of birth or age
• The result of the test
• The date the test sample was collected or recieved by the test provider
• The name of the test provider and their contact details
• Confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test

Requirements for the test:

Performance standards of >97% specifity, >80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

Further testing information and additional suppliers 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.

On Cyprus

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

Throughout the pandemic we have been closely monitoring 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.

IMPORTANT: You will be required to present your Cyprus Flight Pass* and a copy of your airline ticket and/or accommodation reservation at many public places including shopping malls, museums, food and beverage venues and archaeological sites.

*The Cyprus Flight Pass is valid for 7 days after arrival. From Day 8 onwards you will be required to provide proof of vaccination status or undertake a rapid antigen test at a local clinic or pharmacy. The rapid antigen test must be completed every 72 hours and on confirmation of a negative result a Safe Pass is issued.

Measures adopted at our 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 a face mask indoors and out-of-doors (when not exercising)
• Social distancing at 2sqm outdoors and 3sqm indoors
• 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

Swimming pools:

• 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

The use of face masks:

It is obligatory to wear a face mask at all times, indoors and outdoors (except whilst exercising), when more than two people are present. Exempt from these rules are restaurants and café-bars, whilst seated; beaches and swimming pools.

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 10 people are allowed at one table. 

Social distancing (2m) is required in all public outdoor spaces including parks, gardens and the beach. 3m should be maintained indoors.

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. 

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