Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Nicosia (April 3, 2020)
Location: Cyprus
Event: Health Alert – Cyprus
Republic of Cyprus
On Tuesday, April 2, the Republic of Cyprus announced an extension of the two week ban on incoming passenger flights. Until April 18, all incoming passenger flights to the Republic of Cyprus (Larnaca and Paphos airports) have been halted. This has resulted in an almost complete cancellation of regularly scheduled departing flights.
U.S. citizens considering returning to the United States should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and provide your name and contact information to our email address: CyprusUScitizen@state.gov so we can contact you when we have updates.
On Monday, March 30, the Republic of Cyprus announced further enhancements to its emergency declaration of March 23. Official English language versions of the instructions regarding travel permission paperwork and the SMS system are available here: https://covid19.cy/index_en.html
The latest guidelines on movement restrictions and exemptions can be downloaded here:
https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/en/pdf/formsms.pdf
Area Administered by Turkish Cypriots (“Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”)
On Sunday, March 29, the “Council of Ministers” announced enhancements to its emergency declaration. The official English language version of the March 29 announcement is available here: https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/council-of-ministers-decisions-taken-on-29-march-2020/
U.S. Citizens
As of March 16, 2020, U.S. Embassy Nicosia has suspended non-emergency U.S. citizen and visa services. U.S. citizens in Cyprus who require assistance should contact the Embassy using the contact information at the end of this Health Alert.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Read the full text of the Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel.
U.S. citizens with questions or concerns regarding passport validity or expiry should email ACSNicosia@state.gov.
Updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is that all international travelers should stay home for 14 days from the time they returned from international travel. Updated guidance is available on the CDC website here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html
Actions to Take:
• Follow the instructions of the authorities.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on latest conditions in Cyprus.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.
• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
• Work with your airline, travel provider, or hotel/lodging directly regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
• U.S. Embassy Nicosia, Cyprus web page
+357 2239-3939 (after hours; wait for recorded message, then press 0)
Email: ACSNicosia@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs Cyprus Country Information
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444