Press Releases

In light of the continuing spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19, which has been classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, and in view of new information emerging with regard to the detection of a new strain of SARS-COV-2 virus in the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has today issued a new Travel Advice, valid through to 5 January 2021, advising Cypriot citizens to avoid travelling to the UK unless it absolutely necessary.

TRAVEL ADVICE

Countries covered:

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Advice to Cypriot citizens:

Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Period of validity:

From 21/12/2020, 18:00 (Cyprus time), until 5/1/2021, time 23.59

In light of the continuing spread of COVID-19 which has been classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, and in view of the new information emerging with regards to the detection of a new strain of SARS-COV-2 virus in the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Cypriot citizens to avoid travelling to the UK, unless absolutely necessary.

If it is necessary that you travel, we recommend that you find out prior to travel what regulations and restrictions are in force regarding entry and stay in the UK. Furthermore, you should bear in mind that controls and/or restrictions in relation to COVID-19 may change at any time due to the situation, in a way that affects your journey.

Cypriot citizens temporarily finding themselves, or permanently residing, in the United Kingdom are urged to follow the local and international media for the latest developments regarding COVID-19 and the new strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus, to strictly adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and to take all appropriate individual measures to protect their health.

It is important also to note that, for the purposes of safeguarding public health and for precautionary reasons until further clarification from the scientific community, all passengers arriving to Larnaka or Pafos Airports from the UK during this period, shall be subject to the measures listed in the relevant Announcement issued by the Ministry of Health on 21/12/2020.

Cypriot citizens who are already in the UK or intend to travel to the country are encouraged to register on the Connect2CY online platform.

It is reminded that all passengers intending to travel/return to Cyprus are obliged to register on the online platform Cyprus Flight Pass and fulfil all applicable conditions for entry into the Republic of Cyprus, as defined by the relevant Decrees and Decisions of the Council of Ministers.

Relevant decrees, announcements, press releases and information from the Ministry of Health of the Republic and other competent Authorities and Services of the Republic are available on the dedicated website of the Press and Information Office.

Telephone numbers for contact in case of an emergency:

• High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London

+44 2073214100 (9.00 - 16.30, Monday - Friday)

• Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

+357 22651113 (8:30 - 15:00, Monday - Friday)

• Duty Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

+357 99660129 (outside working hours*)

• Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

+357 22801000 (8:30 - 15:00, Monday - Friday)

* The Duty Officer’s line is reachable outside office hours and should only be used in emergency situations.

(MG/SCH)