Travel: Simon Calder discusses taking PCR tests

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Cyprus is currently on the amber list for travel, which means fully vaccinated Britons do not need to quarantine on their arrival in Cyprus or their return home. However, the UK is currently in Cyprus’ “red category”.

While the country is open to fully vaccinated arrivals, those who have not been jabbed face rigorous testing before and during their stay if they hope to visit the nation.

There are four key restrictions that limit movement across the Cypriot border.

These restrictions vary depending on whether or not a traveller has been fully vaccinated.

1. Proving full vaccination status

Travellers who have been fully vaccinated are able to enter Cyprus without testing or quarantine.

Cyprus is accepting vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the Sputnik (Gam-COVID-Vac) or the Sinopharm (BBIBP COVID-19) vaccines.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) states that Cyprus will accept the UK’s Covid pass as proof of vaccination.

“Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status,” it adds.

Fully vaccinated travellers are able to access Cyprus’ SafePass, which is needed to enter certain public spaces such as shopping malls, restaurants and sports facilities.

2.Pre-arrival testing for unvaccinated travellers

The FCDO explains: “Passengers coming from Red Category countries without proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and provide proof of a negative result.”

Passengers are responsible for the cost of this test.

The FCDO adds: “Results from the PCR test taken before travel can be in the form of an email or SMS, but the result itself and/or appointment letter must include the date and time when the test was taken.

“You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.”

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3. Testing during your stay for unvaccinated travellers

Upon arrival at Larnaca or Paphos airports, passengers will be required to undergo a second Covid test.

The cost of this test must be covered by the passenger.

Unvaccinated travellers must then take a PCR or antigen (rapid) test on day seven following their arrival into the country and then every 72 hours in order to obtain a SafePass.

4. Obtaining a Cyprus Flight Pass

All passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must obtain a Cyprus Flight Pass when travelling to the country.

Travellers will be responsible for ensuring their PCR test is uploaded to the Cyprus Flight Pass within 24 hours of departure.

The FCDO advises: “In addition to obtaining the Cyprus Flight Pass, passengers are required to carry with them, in hard copy or electronically, copies of these documents.

“You will be asked to present your flight pass prior to boarding and on arrival at immigration.”

5. Testing for visits to the north of Cyprus

Those travelling to the north of Cyprus face testing and quarantine rules.

Travellers arriving to or visiting the north of Cyprus from the UK will be required to undergo a PCR test within 72 hours prior to entering the north and present a negative result upon entry.

Fully vaccinated travellers will be exempted from quarantine.

However, unvaccinated passengers are required to quarantine for seven days at authority-designated accommodation.

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