Cyprus is the latest country to ease travel restrictions in time for the Easter holidays and summer. The Mediterranean country is dropping the outdoor face mask mandate, as well as the requirement to show a vaccination or recovery certificate to enter certain venues. Meanwhile, unvaccinated travelers will find entry rules are also being eased for them. Read on to find out the latest status in Cyprus prior to Easter.

Cyprus easing back on restrictions for locals and travelers

Cyprus, the mythological birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, has so much to offer international travelers. With its white-sand beaches, fascinating archaeological sites, nature trails, vineyards and lively nightlife, the country is a popular spring and summer destination.

As with its neighbor, Greece, Cyprus instituted strict COVID-19 policies at its borders right from the start. However, it is now planning to gradually phase out the restrictions. Meanwhile, on April 11, Cyprus will drop its outdoor mask mandate. Currently, locals and visitors are required to wear masks in any outdoor public setting. This is the case even with the beach unless people are staying in one place.

However, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantela told Associated Press Thursday that the mask rule will no longer apply from April 11.

The following week on April 18, there will no longer be the need to show proof of vaccination or recovery when entering shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries and festivals. On top of this, theaters and cinemas will return to 100 percent capacity.

Meanwhile, a further requirement for unvaccinated travelers to take a test on arrival in Cyprus will also be relaxed on April 18.

What is the current status of Cyprus?

The remaining regulations depend on where travelers are coming from. Cyprus currently categorizes countries into green (low risk) and red (high risk) lists. Currently, only a few countries and on the green list and most are on the red list. The latter includes the United Kingdom, the US and certain other countries. Those travelers are still required to show a vaccination or recovery certificate on departure for Cyprus.

Currently, anyone over the age of 12 who is unvaccinated is required to undergo a PCR test three days prior to departure, or an antigen test one day prior to departure. Upon arrival, they must take a further test and isolate (for around three hours) while awaiting test results. However, this requirement will also be dropped on April 18.

What vaccinations are acceptable?

To be considered fully vaccinated, anyone aged 18 and up must have received their booster shot if more than 270 days have passed since their last dose of the primary vaccination.

Anyone aged from 12 to 17 is considered fully vaccinate if they have had the two primary vaccinations or one in the case of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Other requirements for travel to Cyprus

Currently, travelers 18 and over, wherever they are coming from, are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass prior to travel. However, the Cyprus government has confirmed that this requirement will also be dropped from April 18.

What about face masks?

At the present time, masks must be worn in indoor and outdoor public spaces, including beaches. However, from April 11 the requirement to wear masks outdoors will be dropped. However, residents and visitors will still be required to wear a mask to access public transport. Masks are also required in indoor public settings such as supermarkets, restaurants, bars and museums.

Vaccine passports in Cyprus

Currently, visitors and locals are required to produce a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants, bars and hotels. Visitors can prove their vaccination status through the Cyprus Flight Pass form, while travelers from the EU can present their EU digital COVID certificate. However, after the Easter holidays, this will no longer be required.

Does Cyprus have any new attractions in 2022?

Besides its many known attractions, a fascinating new addition is the Museum of Underwater Sculpture in Ayia Napa (MUSAN). The museum opened off the coast of Agia Napa in September 2021 when many people were unable to travel.

The museum consists of an underwater park with 93 sculptures by award-winning sculptor and environmentalist Jason deCaires Taylor. His previous work includes the Isla Mujeres National Marine Park in Mexico and is certainly worth a visit. The sculptures gather marine creatures are act as a coral reef, giving the sculptures new life.