Travel Safely to Cyprus After COVID-19

With countries keen to attract visitors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyprus has pledged to cover costs for anyone who tests positive for the virus while on vacation there. Inbound air travel resumes on 9 June, initially from 19 countries that are considered low risk and will expand to more countries as their infection rates diminish.

The eastern Mediterranean island nation has set aside a 100-bed hospital to care exclusively for visitors who test positive, covering medication, lodging, food, and drink for them and their families. It was revealed in a letter sent to governments, airlines, and tour operators that the patients’ families and close contacts will stay at a 500-room “quarantine hotel.” The only expenses the country will not cover are repatriation flights and taxis to airports.

Moreover, strict health and hygiene protocols will be implemented, including social distancing, disinfection of sunbeds, encouragement of contactless card payments, and the wearing of masks by hotel staff. Cypriot authorities request visitors to carry health certificates proving they have tested negative for the virus at least three days before departure. This precaution will be lifted on June 20 for 13 countries; however, officials will still administer temperature checks and free random testing for arrivals.

At the time of publication, Cyprus has reported 943 positive cases of COVID and 17 deaths in the Greek south, while the Turkish north of the island declared itself virus-free several weeks ago.