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Can I visit Cyprus? Latest advice as country announces it will welcome vaccinated UK tourists

Cyprus will reopen without restrictions for vaccinated UK holidaymakers - getty
Cyprus will reopen without restrictions for vaccinated UK holidaymakers - getty

Cyprus has announced that it will begin welcoming vaccinated Britons from May 1. While current restrictions in the UK still forbid most international travel, the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown states that this ban will be lifted some two weeks later on May 17 (provided all goes according to schedule), making Cyprus one of the few potentially viable foreign holiday options this summer.

Here we outline the latest advice.

Can I visit?

Right now, no. Not only is the UK government prohibiting travel abroad, except for those who have a 'valid reason' for doing so, but the Cypriot government has removed the UK from its Category B list, which previously allowed Britons into the country provided they could provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken before departure.

From May 1, Cyrprus will begin permitting UK travellers who have had two EMA-approved Covid jabs to enter the country, provided the second dose has been had at least seven days before departure. They will not need to take a Covid test – although the health authorities will reserve the right to carry out random tests – and will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

For travellers who have not received both doses the picture is a little unclear. Tentative plans have been put forward to reopen borders for unvaccinated travellers from some point in April under the same conditions as before: provision of a negative Covid-19 test, obtained from an approved provider and taken within 72 hours prior to depature.

How do I organise a test?

Before the UK's Category B status was revoked, tourists were permitted to travel to Cyprus as long as they could provide a negative Covid-19 test result on arrival, obtained within 72 hours before travel. The Republic of Cyprus government announced that test results could 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. Children under 12 years old did not require to be tested in order to travel to Cyprus. Please see the Republic of Cyprus Information Office website for further information.

Currently, free NHS tests (either at home or a testing site) are only available to those with symptoms of the virus and the people they live with, as well as patients heading into hospital for surgery or residents of certain virus hotspots.

So, if you feel well but need to prove you are Covid-free, then the best course of action is booking a private test. However, with so many companies selling online PCR tests, choosing a reliable and reasonably priced one can be a minefield. Similarly, private clinic tests can vary dramatically in cost and time guarantees. The UK government guide to testing for Covid-19 contains useful links and further information. Alternatively, you can read Telegraph Travel's guide to obtaining a Covid-19 test for your holiday.

Once the negative Covid test has been obtained, you will need to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travelling, available on the Cyprus Flight Pass website.

"You will be responsible for ensuring your PCR test result is uploaded to Cyprus Flight Pass within 24 hours of your departure. If you need to provide your appointment letter you can upload both documents in a single photo. 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."

Are there restrictions on the island?

The use of masks is compulsory in most indoor public spaces including supermarkets, bakeries, shops and malls, hospitals and other locations listed on the Cyprus government Press Information Office website. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a €300 fine.

In the north of Cyprus, most movement restrictions have now been lifted. Face masks must be worn in public at all times.