Earlier this month, Cyprus changed its Covid rules, both for visitors and for the Cypriot population. So, what are the rules currently and do they benefit you?
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Good news for Brits
Cyprus has now dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions for British visitors. This means that there is no longer a requirement to show a Covid pass, proof of vaccination or a negative test.
Whilst Spain and other countries dropped travel restrictions earlier this year, Cyprus was one of the few to keep its restrictions in place. However, this all changed on June 1st and your trip to Cyprus should now be seamless.
The requirement for passenger locator forms ended back in April.
Cyprus has now dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions for British visitors.
Face coverings
Rules surrounding face coverings also changed at the beginning of the month. People aged six and up now no longer need to wear masks in most public settings. However, masks are still required on public transport and in medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics.
Cypriot authorities are also still encouraging people to wear masks in large crowds or if in contact with those who are medically vulnerable.
A boost for Cyprus
Cyprus’s tourism sector is hoping that this relaxing of rules will lead to an increase in visitors arriving and a boost for the Cypriot economy. Reports show that tourism is already nearing 2019 levels and more than half a million people visited the island in the first four months of the year.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Savvas Perdios, said, “That we are at 80% of 2019 arrivals gives us some courage that it won’t be the tragic year (that) many may have expected. It won’t be a brilliant year, but it will be a good one.”
To aid pandemic recovery, Cyprus is aiming to increase its accessibility via air. The government has launched a Declaration of Air Connectivity initiative, which has been welcomed by twelve EU member states. Cyprus is now connected to Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Marseille, and others in Central Europe and the Scandinavian countries.
To aid pandemic recovery, Cyprus is aiming to increase its accessibility via air.
Cyprus’ current COVID-19 situation
Cyprus recorded 183 Covid cases per 100,000 people in the last week, less than France, Italy Portugal and Germany. There have been no deaths over the past week.
Around 60% of the Cypriot population has received two vaccines.
Property market update
Property sales in Cyprus hit a 14-year high in May and had been increasing for five consecutive months. The highest number of sales was in Limassol, followed by Paphos, Larnaca, Nicosia, and Famagusta. The first five months of 2022 should a 42% increase in sales compared to the same period last year.
Property sales to international buyers rose 94% compared to May 2021, with sales increasing in all districts with the exception of Nicosia.
