What are the rules in bars?

Bars hosting 150 or more people are classed as high risk under a new Cyprus categorisation system. Those hosting 150 or less are medium risk. Both require the presentation of a SafePass, or a PCR or rapid flow test from a test centre, taken no more than 48 hours or 24 hours old respectively (PCR no more than 72 hours, and rapid test 48 hours for medium risk establishments). It is compulsory to wear a face mask until seated. The serving of drinks at a bar is prohibited. You will be required to social distance.  

What are the rules for restaurants?

As with bars, restaurants are classed as high risk or medium risk. You will be required to show a SafePass, or its equivalent as above, when entering a restaurant. The restaurant must deny entry for anyone without a SafePass, or inform the authorities of anyone who refuses to show a SafePass. The fine for non-compliance is hefty. Masks must be worn until seated. Only seated service is allowed. You will be required to social distance. 

What are the rules for shopping?

Small shopping malls, along with supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, takeaways, kiosks and retail shops of less than 100 square metres are considered low risk and a SafePass is not required. The exception is banks where a SafePass may be required. Larger outlets, such as department stores, are considered medium or high risk, and their status must be clearly displayed.  Authorised officers will scan your QR code and have the right to ask for identification. Sanitising gel is provided at the entrance to shops. You must wear a face mask and social distance in all shops.

What are the rules in hotels?

Hotels are obliged to follow similar protocols as businesses, such as in the retail and catering sectors, in so far as domestic guests must possess a SafePass and non-resident guests must show a Cyprus Flight Card or a European Union Digital Certificate in an electronic or printed form, or a PCR or rapid flow test from a test centre of no more than 72 hours or 48 hours old respectively. Social distancing and mask-wearing is mandatory. Hotels must display their guidelines prominently. Hotels may choose to host only vaccinated guests, which they must make clear prior to accepting a booking.

What are the rules on public transport? 

All passengers aged 12 years and over must present a SafePass or its equivalent when boarding a public bus, a private tour vehicle, using shuttle buses to and from airports or seaports, or using a taxi. All vehicle drivers and employees of such transport companies must be in possession of a SafePass. It is mandatory to wear a facemask. All such companies must show the current protocols prominently at their premises or inside their vehicles. Maximum capacity is 50 per cent.

Shall I take cash, or pay for everything on card? 

All passengers aged 12 years and over must present a SafePass or its equivalent when boarding a public bus, a private tour vehicle, using shuttle buses to and from airports or seaports, or using a taxi. All vehicle drivers and employees of such transport companies must be in possession of a SafePass. It is mandatory to wear a facemask. All such companies must show the current protocols prominently at their premises or inside their vehicles. Maximum capacity is 50 per cent.

Returning to the UK

Anyone arriving in the UK must fill out a Passenger Locator Form. Vaccinated arrivals no longer need to take a pre-departure test or day two lateral flow test. Unvaccinated arrivals still need to take a pre-departure lateral flow test and a day two PCR test.

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