🇨🇾 Cyprus
What are the rules for entry? Cyprus is following a colour-coded system adjusted with the evaluation standards of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Depending on whether you’re vaccinated or not and depending on the colour category of the country you depart from, various conditions must be fulfilled before you can enter Cyprus.
In view of the arrival of the potentially more infectious Omicron variant, the Cypriot health minister announced that from December 6 until at least January 10, 2022, all passengers, without exception, entering the Republic of Cyprus through the airports must undergo a mandatory PCR test. The cost of €15 will be borne by the passenger.
What paperwork is required? Regardless of where you travel from, the Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed 48 hours prior to departure. Individuals travelling from grey countries need to obtain a special permit to enter Cyprus at least two days before the expected date of travel.
Can I visit from outside the EU? Yes. Travel from outside the EU is possible according to the guidelines outlined for the colour-coded system Cyprus abides by.
Arrivals from nine African countries, including South Africa and Botswana, are halted to prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant. Arrival is halted even for travellers that have passed through these countries 14 days before their trip to Cyprus. Only Cypriot nationals or those travelling for essential purposes will be allowed in the country, with a negative PCR test, a rapid test upon arrival, 10 days in quarantine and another test on the 10th day.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 15, Cyprus recorded 661 cases per million people and 1 death per million people on average each day. There have been approximately 614 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 66.5 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? From December 15, only individuals who have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine will be allowed to enter certain premises, among them cinemas, theatres, night clubs and catering facilities. From December 6 until January 10, 2022, all Christmas or other events inside and outside shopping centres will be suspended.
More: Here.
🇬🇷 Greece
What are the rules for entry? The Greek Health Ministry announced that from December 19 all passengers entering the country, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not, must have a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 48 hours before. Only those staying in the country for less than 48 hours are excluded.
Up until December 19, everyone can travel to Greece if they are fully vaccinated or not. Greece acknowledges all vaccines authorized by the EMA or WHO, as well as Sputnik V, CanSino, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines.
What paperwork is required? All travellers need to fill out a passenger locator form no later than 11:59 p.m. of the day before arriving in Greece. One PLF should be submitted per family. Random testing is also carried out by Greek authorities.
Can I visit from outside the EU? The same rules apply to most non-EU countries. As of November 26, arrivals from nine African countries, including South Africa and Botswana, are halted to prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant. Only Greek nationals or those travelling for essential purposes will be allowed in the country, with negative PCR tests, a rapid test upon arrival and 10 days in quarantine and after being in touch with the Greek embassies and consulates to get approval. For passengers entering Greece from land borders, there is a limit of 1,500 passengers per week. Maritime connections with Turkey are restricted.
What’s the COVID situation? In the week up to December 15, Greece recorded 458 cases per million people and 9 deaths per million people on average each day. There have been approximately 19,553 coronavirus-related deaths so far. About 65.7 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.
What can I do when I get there? Those without a vaccine certificate are barred from indoor venues such as bars, restaurants, cafes cinemas, theatres, retail stores and gyms. From December 13, the vaccination certificate will not be valid seven months after its issuance for those over 60, unless they have a booster shot. Everyone needs to show a vaccination certificate and an ID to enter indoor places, but issues have been reported with vaccination certificates issued outside the EU, as the Greek digital system does not recognize them. Unvaccinated people are only able to enter certain essential indoor stores, such as pharmacies and supermarkets.
Find out more: Here.
