EU, TRAVEL INDUSTRY SEEK TO HARMONISE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

 Cyprus Mail 10 September 2020 - by Andrew Rosenbaum

The European Tourism Manifesto, an alliance of more than 60 trade organisations and private companies in the tourism sector, has called on Member States to urgently agree to harmonised travel restrictions, so that safe travel throughout the EU again becomes possible.

 The move follows the EU Commission’s announcement last Friday proposing a set of recommendations to prevent discriminatory measures applied by member states in a new attempt to harmonise fragmented COVID-19 travel restrictions across the bloc.

The Commission has re-released a new website, “Reopen EU” (first opened in June, but now upgraded)

(https://reopen.europa.eu/en ) which provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on travel restrictions by country. “This interactive tool provides you with the information that you need to confidently plan your European travel and holidays, while staying healthy and safe,” the site says.

Every 2.7 per cent increase in travel flows would generate or bring back one million jobs in the sector. Harmonising the inconsistent patchwork of COVID-19 rules and travel advice in Europe could lead to an increase in travellers by as much as 27 per cent, recreating 10 million jobs in travel and tourism across Europe, the European Tourism Manifesto notes, citing the latest WTTC research.

“European travel and tourism is the ecosystem most affected by the coronavirus crisis due to insufficiently coordinated travel restrictions, declining traveller confidence and reduced consumer demand. The 2020 summer season was strongly impacted by this crisis, with traveller confidence reaching a record low.” the European Tourism Manifesto alliance said in statement published on Tuesday.

“We call on national governments to urgently approve the European Commission’s proposal and to:

• Establish common criteria and thresholds for determining epidemiological risk, including a common colour-coding system to identify risk areas. These criteria should be evaluated on a detailed regional level, considering relevant geographical factors (particularly islands).
• Implement common measures to put in place upon departure to and return from risk areas. These measures should be determined with sufficient detail and based on scientific evidence (as there is no reason to restrict travel to entire countries if only certain regions are affected), and comprise:

• Replacing the need for quarantine of travellers with comprehensive cost-effective testing and tracing
• Avoiding blanket restrictions to free movement by implementing more targeted measures which are limited in geographical scope
• Avoiding imposing travel restrictions on passengers in transit
• Agreeing on common rules for requesting pre-travel COVID-19 negative test results where needed
• Ensuring the interoperability of contact tracing apps in the EU and the harmonization of Passenger Locator Forms based on international standards.
• Follow a common structured and transparent process to publish clear, comprehensive and timely information about any travel restrictions where these are needed,” the statement said.

These proposals comprehend and expand on those of the EU Commission.

“While many Europeans were keen to travel again during the summer, the inconsistent and everchanging border restrictions along with confusion about quarantine and test requirements, caused frustration for both businesses and travellers, deterring booking and damaging materialisation for both leisure and business travel,” the statement concludes.

 

Read More

FOREIGN MINISTRY UPDATES ADVICE FOR TRAVEL ABROAD

 Cyprus Mail 8 September 2020 - by Annette Chrysostomou

People planning to travel abroad from Cyprus are advised to avoid non-essential travel to all countries except those in coronavirus categories A and B, according to the latest travel advice issued by the foreign ministry.

Countries currently in category A are:  Canada, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway and Thailand

Countries in category B are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Uruguay

“The classification of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and may change at any moment. You are therefore encouraged to check the travel advice regularly,” the ministry said in an announcement late on Monday afternoon.

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who are temporarily located or permanently reside in countries not in category A and B are advised to be cautious, to follow local and international media on the latest developments regarding Covid-19, to adhere to the relevant instructions of the country’s authorities including restrictions or guidance concerning Covid-19, to take measures to protect themselves, and to inform the accredited diplomatic mission of the Republic of their presence in the country.

Cypriots who are currently abroad, or intend to travel abroad for any reason, are encouraged to register on the website www.connect2cy@gov.cy.

Passengers intending to return to or arrive in Cyprus will be required to comply with the applicable process, register at https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy and meet the requirements for entry to Cyprus.

Relevant decrees, announcements, press releases and information published by the ministry of health and other authorities and services of the government are available at https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/

In accordance with current regulations, only Cypriot citizens, permanent residents of Cyprus or holders of a special entry permit are entitled to board direct flights from countries not in category A and B to Cyprus.

Contact details in case of an emergency:

• Diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad:

Contact details for our Diplomatic Missions are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa50_en/mfa50_en?OpenDocument

• Consular affairs department of the ministry of foreign affairs:

22-651113 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

• Duty officer of the ministry of foreign affairs:

99-660129 outside working hours*

• Crisis management department of the ministry:

+22-801000 8.30am to 3pm, Monday – Friday

* The Duty officer’s line is reachable outside office hours and is intended to provide assistance in emergency situations.

Read More

NEW CATEGORIZATION OF COUNTRIES Wef 28 August

 Filenews 24 August 2020 

A new categorization of countries with effect from Friday, August 28th, announced by the Ministry of Health based on the new epidemiological data.

• Austria moves from Category A to Category B
• Switzerland moves from Category A to Category B
• Denmark moves from Category A to Category B
• Ireland moves from Category A to Category B
• Iceland moves from Category A to Category B
• Croatia moves from Category B to Category C
• France moves from Category B to Category C
• The Netherlands moves from Category B to Category C
• Andorra moves from Category B to Category C
• Tunisia moves from Category B to Category C
• Sweden moves from Category C to Category B

The epidemiological picture of the various countries has been re-evaluated by the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Unit of Infectious Diseases of the Medical and Public Health Services, with regard to COVID-19 disease. The evaluation was based on the epidemiological indicators of the countries, such as: the actual R(t) reproduction number for SARS-CoV-2, the number of new diagnoses, the number of laboratory tests, the mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants, the estimated prevalence and incidence and classification by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as presented in valid databases.

The categorization of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and can be differentiated at any time, as the pandemic evolves and epidemiological data change. To this end, new data will be announced and the list of countries will be updated frequently.

It is noted that the relevant categorization of countries takes into account the Recommendation of the European Council of 30 June on the progressive and coordinated lifting of travel bans to the European Union.

Category A – Low-risk countries at this stage

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Germany, 2) Estonia, 3) Latvia, 4) Lithuania, 5) Hungary, 6) Slovakia, 7) Slovenia, 8) Finland

• Members of the Schengen Zone: 1) Liechtenstein, 2) Norway

• Third Countries: 1) Georgia, 2) Canada, 3) New Zealand, 4) South Korea, 5) Thailand

This category has been associated with countries with an actual reproduction number (Rt) of less than 1 and/or a small number of new diagnoses (<1/100,000 inhabitants per day) and/or a small or very low MORTALITY COVID19 (<5-10/1 00,000 inhabitants) and/or classification of sporadic cases or cluster of cases according to the WHO and/or at least satisfactory laboratory testing (>3000 tests/100,000 inhabitants).

It should be noted that passengers from Category A countries do not require the presentation of a COVID-19laboratory test certificate or self-limit.

Category B – Countries with a potentially low risk but with more doubt compared to Category A

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Austria, 2) Belgium, 3) Denmark, 4) Greece, 5) Ireland, 6) Italy, 7) Poland, 8) Portugal, 9) Sweden, 10) Czech Republic
• United Kingdom
• Members of the Schengen Zone: 1) Switzerland, 2) Iceland
• Small States: 1) Monaco, 2) Vatican City, 3) San Marino
• Third Countries: 1) Rwanda, 2) Uruguay, 3) China, 4) Japan

This category has been associated with countries with an actual reproduction number (Rt) of more than 1 and/or a number of new diagnoses >1/100,000 inhabitants per day and/or increased MORTALITY COVID-19 (>10/100,000 inhabitants) and/or limited laboratory testing (<2000 tests/100,000 inhabitants) or lack of WHO classification.

It should be noted that passengers from Category B countries are required to have carried out a laboratory check no later than 72 hours before departure and to have a Certificate proving a negative PCR test for the virus.

It should be specified, at the same time, that passengers from category B countries falling within the following categories may carry out the molecular examination on arrival in the Republic:

(a) Cypriot citizens and members of their families (their foreign spouses, minor children and their parents);

(b) all legal residents of the Republic;

(c) persons entitled in accordance with the Vienna Convention;

(d) persons irrespective of nationality, in whose country of residence there is no laboratory analysis service (public or private), to those who wish to travel to the Republic of Cyprus and upon notice.

It is noted that the cost of the examination is covered by them and in addition these persons should remain under house arrest until the result is published.

Category C – Countries of increased risk compared to categories A and B

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Bulgaria, 2) France, 3) Croatia, 4) Luxembourg, 4) Romania, 5) Spain, 6) Malta, 7) Netherlands
• Small States: 1) Andorra
• Third Countries: 1) Algeria, 2) Serbia, 3) Morocco, 4) Montenegro, 5) Australia, 6) Tunisia, 7) Russia, 8) Ukraine, 9) Faroe Islands, 10) Egypt, 11) United Arab Emirates, 12) Israel, 13) Lebanon, 14) Qatar, 15) Bahrain, 16) Saudi Arabia

This category also includes those countries not included in categories A or B. Some of the countries at increased risk according to their epidemiological picture are mentioned above.

According to the Infectious Diseases Decree (No. 30) of 2020, only specified categories of citizens who have the possibility to choose to undergo a covid-19 disease diagnostic test on arrival in Cyprus or to have an RT-PCR COVID-19 certificate with them with a negative result no later than 72 hours before departure are allowed to enter the Republic. It is noted that these persons should remain in self-contained status for 14 days. Relevant health instructions can be found at the link here.

It should also be noted that according to the Decree of the Minister of Health, No. 37, dated 12 August 2020, citizens from Category C countries must undergo a molecular examination for COVID-19, 48 hours before the end of their self-limit, which expires at 14 days, at their own expense. The result of the laboratory examination must be sent to the e-monada@mphs.moh.gov.cy. It is understood that the self-limit is terminated on the 14th day and if the result of the repeated laboratory examination is negative.

It is stressed that all passengers, regardless of country category, are obliged to apply for CyprusFlightPass within 24 hours prior to the departure of their flight. In addition, for the purpose of ensuring public health and supervising the epidemiological picture, COVID-19 laboratory molecular testing will be carried out on passengers on selected flights arriving.

It is noted that the above categorization of countries will take effect from 28 August.

Source: eyenews

Read More

TRAVEL ADVICE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FOR COVID-19 [from 20/8]

 

TRAVEL ADVICE 

Of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Coronavirus COVID-19, 

group of countries Α and Β 

(From 20/08/2020, 00:00 Cyprus time, GMT+3)

Concerned countries: 

Countries in Categories A (Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Thailand 

and B (Andorra, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, Holy See, Italy, Japan, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rwanda, San Marino, Tunisia, United Kingdom and Uruguay), according to the epidemiological risk assessment conducted by the Ministry of Health. 

The classification of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and may change at any moment. You are therefore encouraged to check the travel advice regularly. 

Travel Advice : Exercise Caution

ALL OTHER COUNTRIES - Travel Advice - Avoid non-essential travel

Travel advice validity period: From 20/08/2020, 00:00 Cyprus time (GMT+3) 

In light of the continuing spread globally of coronavirus COVID-19 and given its classification by the World Health Organisation as a pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Cypriot citizens to exercise caution when travelling to these countries and to check in advance to make sure they are aware of the entry regulations and other measures that apply in their county of destination. 

Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who are temporarily located or permanently reside in these countries are advised to be cautious, to follow local and international media on the latest developments regarding COVID-19, to adhere to the relevant instructions of the country’s authorities including restrictions or guidance concerning COVID-19 and to take self-protection measures. 

Cypriot citizens who are currently abroad, or intend to travel abroad for any reason, are encouraged to register on the website www.connect2cy@gov.cy  

It should be noted that passengers intending to arrive/return to Cyprus will be required to comply with the applicable process, register at https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy and meet the requirements for entry to Cyprus foreseen by relevant Decrees and Decisions of the Council of Ministers. 

 Relevant decrees, announcements, press releases and information published by the Ministry of Health and other competent Authorities and Services of the Republic of Cyprus, are available from the dedicated website https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/en/ 

Contact Details : In case of an emergency, Cypriot citizens may contact the following numbers: 

- Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Cyprus abroad: Contact details for our Diplomatic Missions are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website http://www.tourism.gov.cy/tourism/tourism.nsf/home_en/home_en?openform

- Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +35 7 22651113 (08:30 - 15:00, Monday - Friday) 

- Duty Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +35 7 99660129 (outside working hours*) 

- Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +35 7 22801000 (08:30 - 15:00, Monday - Friday) * The Duty Officer’s line is reachable outside office hours and is intended to provide assistance in emergency situations.

Read More

TRAVEL FOR CYPRIOTS WITHOUT A COVID TEST

 Filenews 19 August 2020 -Theano Thiopoulou

There are 12 European countries that have Cyprus on the green list and this means that cypriots who travel to them are not subject to control for coronavirus and quarantine.

It is travel to some countries that do not need the complicated procedures of the tests while in cases where Cyprus is on the "orange" or "red" list Cypriot citizens are quarantined.

Of course, if a country has Cyprus in the "green" it does not mean that Cyprus follows the same policy. It may have the country in red which implies that on arrival in Cyprus it needs a crown test or even quarantine.

Greece, a popular destination for Cypriots either for tourist reasons or for study purposes has Cypriot citizens in the green category. This means that Cypriots can enter the country without restrictions and without the certification paper for COVID 19 examination. The same is true of the United Kingdom.

It is worth noting, of course, that the epidemiological characteristics of each country are assessed by the competent authorities of the other countries and a change of category can be made accordingly. Each State shall take into account the number of new diagnoses, the number of laboratory tests, the mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants, the estimated prevalence and incidence and classification by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as presented in valid databases.

According to the European Union 'reopen' website, Cypriots who want to travel to Austria, Denmark, Finland [until 24/8], France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy are also free to travel without tests and restrictions. Also, travel to Bulgaria from EU countries is allowed without restrictions. From 1 July European citizens visiting Croatia as well as people with an EU residence permit can enter the country without restrictions. In the Czech Republic entry from EU countries is allowed without restrictions, with the exception of Romania and from 24/8, Spain. In Estonia, for people without symptoms it depends on the country from which they began their journey or which countries they crossed. If they left or crossed a country with a crown virus infection rate of more than 16, the restriction on free movement applies to them for two weeks upon arrival in Estonia.

Cyprus has 25.2 based on the list given by Estonia. For Ireland all travel to and from the country should be avoided. In Lithuania, foreigners arriving from countries where the COVID-19 incidence rate exceeds 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants should give a negative result to a coronavirus test carried out in the last three days prior to their arrival. Portugal accepts travellers arriving from European Union countries without presenting a COVID 19 test. In order for a Cypriot to travel to Belgium, he must have taken mandatory tests.

 

Read More

FINLAND RESTORES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR 10 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING CYPRUS

 Cyprus Mail 19 August 2020 - by Staff Reporter

Finland will bring back travel restrictions for Cyprus and nine other countries which it had for months considered safe destinations in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, Reuters reports.

Travelling from Iceland, Greece, Malta, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Cyprus, San Marino and Japan to Finland will be limited to essential trips starting August 24.

People returning from those countries will be required to self-quarantine for two weeks, Minister of Interior Maria Ohisalo said.

Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, Finland had already restricted travelling to and from most other countries around the globe.

In June, Finland‘s government set a maximum of eight to 10 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over two weeks for countries to be considered safe destinations.

Gradually, it has been removing countries from its list of safe destinations as a second wave of infections has crept from one country to another.

“Our strong message is that travelling to risky countries should be avoided. Returning to Finland from them will lead to quarantine and trouble,” Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka told reporters.

Finland‘s own 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants stood at 5.2 on Tuesday, among the lowest rates in Europe, according to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

But the number of cases has been on the rise in recent weeks, with health authorities counting a total of 7,776 cases and 334 deaths in Finland and a rise of 24 new cases and one death on Tuesday.

 

Read More

TRAVELLING TO THE UK? Link to contact details form which must be submitted

 TRAVELLING TO THE UK?

Reminder that you must complete a contact details form before you travel to the UK and up to 48 hours only before your arrival to the UK.

Link to site:  https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

Read More

4 COUNTRIES DOWNGRADED BASED ON EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PICTURE [ wef 20/8]

 Filenews 17 August 2020 

The Ministry of Health has re-categorised countries on the basis of epidemiological risk.

Specifically:

1. Japan by Category A is downgraded to Category B
2. Australia by Category B is downgraded to Category C
3. Spain by Category B is downgraded to Category C
4. Malta from Category A is downgraded to Category C

As reported by the Ministry of Health, the epidemiological picture of the various countries has been re-evaluated by the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control Unit of Infectious Diseases of the Medical and Public Health Services, with regard to COVID-19 disease. The evaluation was based on the epidemiological indicators of the countries, such as: the actual R(t) reproduction number for SARS-CoV-2, the number of new diagnoses, the number of laboratory tests, the mortality rate per 100,000 inhabitants, the estimated prevalence and incidence and classification by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as presented in valid databases.

The following categorization of countries, based on the epidemiological risk assessment, is extremely dynamic and can be differentiated at any time, as the pandemic evolves and epidemiological data change. To this end, new data will be announced and the list of countries will be updated frequently.

It is noted that the relevant categorization of countries takes into account the European Council recommendation of 30 June on the progressive and coordinated lifting of travel bans to the European Union.

Category A – Low-risk countries at this stage

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Austria, 2) Germany, 3) Denmark, 4) Estonia, 5) Ireland, 6) Latvia, 7) Lithuania, 8) Hungary, 9) Slovakia, 10) Slovenia, 11) Finland

• Members of the Schengen Zone: 1) Switzerland, 2) Iceland, 3) Liechtenstein, 4) Norway

• Third Countries: 1) Georgia, 2) Canada, 3) New Zealand, 4) South Korea, 5) Thailand

This category has been associated with countries with an actual reproduction number (Rt) of less than 1 and/or a small number of new diagnoses (<1/100,000 inhabitants per day) and/or a small or very low MORTALITY COVID19 (<5-10/1 00,000 inhabitants) and/or classification of sporadic cases or cluster of cases according to the WHO and/or at least satisfactory laboratory testing (>3000 tests/100,000 inhabitants).

It should be noted that passengers from Category A countries do not require the presentation of a COVID-19laboratory test certificate or self-limit.

Category B – Countries with a potentially low risk but with more doubt compared to Category A

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Belgium, 2) France, 3) Greece, 4) Italy, 5) Croatia, 6) Netherlands, 7) Poland, 8) Portugal, 9) Czech Republic
• United Kingdom
• Small States: 1) Andorra, 2) Monaco, 3) Vatican City, 4) San Marino
• Third Countries: 1) Rwanda, 2) Tunisia, 3) Uruguay, 4) China, 5) Japan

This category has been associated with countries with an actual reproduction number (Rt) of more than 1 and/or a number of new diagnoses >1/100,000 inhabitants per day and/or increased MORTALITY COVID-19 (>10/100,000 inhabitants) and/or limited laboratory testing (<2000 tests/100,000 inhabitants) or lack of WHO classification.

It should be noted that passengers from Category B countries are required to have carried out a laboratory check no later than 72 hours before departure and to have a Certificate proving a negative PCR test for the virus.

It should be specified, at the same time, that passengers from category B countries falling within the following categories may carry out the molecular examination on arrival in the Republic:

(a) Cypriot citizens and members of their families (their foreign spouses, minor children and their parents);

(b) all legal residents of the Republic;

(c) persons entitled in accordance with the Vienna Convention;

(d) persons irrespective of nationality, in whose country of residence there is no laboratory analysis service (public or private), to those who wish to travel to the Republic of Cyprus and upon notice.

It should be noted that the cost of the examination is covered by them and in addition these persons should remain in a house-to-house restriction until the result is published.

Category C – Countries of increased risk compared to categories A and B

• Member States of the European Union: 1) Bulgaria, 2) Sweden, 3) Luxembourg, 4) Romania, 5) Spain, 6) Malta
• Third Countries: 1) Algeria, 2) Serbia, 3) Morocco, 4) Montenegro, 5) Australia

This category includes those countries not included in categories A or B. Some of the countries at increased risk according to their epidemiological picture are listed above.

According to the Infectious Diseases Decree (No. 30) of 2020, only specified categories of citizens who have the possibility to choose to undergo a covid-19 disease diagnostic test on arrival in Cyprus or to have an RT-PCR COVID-19 certificate with them with a negative result no later than 72 hours before departure are allowed to enter the Republic. It is noted that these persons should remain in self-contained status for 14 days. Relevant health instructions can be found at the link here.

It is stressed that all passengers, regardless of country category, are obliged to apply for CyprusFlightPass within 24 hours prior to the departure of their flight. In addition, for the purpose of ensuring public health and supervising the epidemiological picture, COVID-19 laboratory molecular testing will be carried out on passengers on selected flights arriving.

It is noted that the above categorization of countries will take effect from 20 August.

Source: eyenews

Read More

TRAVELLERS TO ESTONIA FROM CYPRUS NOW HAVE TO BE QUARANTINED [wef 17/8]

 in-cyprus 16 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

Travellers from Cyprus, Denmark and Greece must now spend 14-days in quarantine after arriving in Estonia from Monday, August 17.

This is what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, adding that with the addition of these three counties the total number of those on the mandatory quarantine list stands at 23.

A country is added to the quarantine list if the reported rate of coronavirus is more than 16 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the preceding 14 days.

On the other hand, it is removed from the list if the reported number dips below that.

Read More

CATEGORIES FOR VISITORS TO CYPRUS WEF 14/8

  

CATEGORIES FOR VISITORS TO CYPRUS - updated 12/8 - effective 14 August 2020

Category A – Low risk countries at the current stage

• European Union Member States:1) Austria, 2) Germany, 3) Denmark, 4) Estonia, 5) Ireland, 6) Latvia, 7) Lithuania, 8) Malta, 9) Hungary,  10) Slovakia, 11) Slovenia, 12) Finland

• Schengen Area Members: 1) Switzerland, 2) Iceland, 3) Lichtenstein, 4) Norway

• Third Countries:  1) Georgia, 2) Japan, 3) Canada, 4) New Zealand, 5) South Korea, 6) Thailand

Included in this category are countries with an effective reproduction (Rt) number lower than 1 or/and small number of new diagnoses (<1/100,000 inhabitants per day) or/and small or very small COVID-19 mortality (<5-10/100,000 inhabitants) or/and classification of sporadic cases or clusters of cases according to the WHO or/and at least satisfactory laboratory testing (>3000 tests/100,000 inhabitants).

It should be noted that passengers coming from Category A countries are not required to present a laboratory COVID-19 test certificate or go into self-isolation.

 

Category B - Countries with possibly low risk but greater uncertainty compared to Category A

• European Union Member States: 1) Belgium, 2) France, 3) Greece, 4) Spain, 5) Italy, 6) Croatia, 7) Netherlands, 8) Czech Republic, 9) Poland, 10) Portugal
• United Kingdom
• Small States:1) Andorra, 2) Monaco, 3) Vatican City, 4) San Marino
• Third Countries: 1) Australia, 2) Rwanda, 3) Tunisia, 4) Uruguay, 5) China

Included in this category are countries with an effective reproduction (Rt) number greater than 1 or/and number of new diagnoses <1/100,000 inhabitants per day or/and increased COVID-19 mortality (>10/100,000 inhabitants) or/and limited laboratory testing (<2000 tests/100,000 inhabitants) or lack of WHO classification.

It should be noted that passengers coming from Category B countries will be required to have undertaken a laboratory test no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure and to possess a Certificate showing negative PCR examination for the virus.

It is also clarified that passengers from Category B countries, falling into the following categories, may carry out the molecular examination upon arrival in the Republic:

a) Cypriot citizens and their family members (their alien spouses, underage children and parents),

b) all those legally residing in the Republic,

c) persons entitled to under the Vienna Convention,

d) persons, irrespective of nationality, whose countries of residence do not provide a laboratory testing service (public or private) to those wishing to travel to the Republic of Cyprus according to a relevant announcement.

It should be noted that the examination cost will be borne by those persons themselves and in addition, such persons should remain in self-isolation at home until the examination result is issued.

 

Category C – High-risk countries compared to categories A and B

• European Union Member States: 1) Bulgaria, 2) Sweden, 3) Luxembourg, 4) Romania
• Third Countries: 1) Algeria, 2) Serbia, 3) Morocco, 4) Montenegro

All countries not included in categories A or B are placed in this category. Some of the countries which are of high risk according to their epidemiological picture, are mentioned above.

In accordance with the Infectious Diseases Decree (No.30) of 2020, the entry into the Republic from Category C countries shall be allowed only for specific categories of citizens who have the possibility to choose whether to undergo a diagnostic test for COVID-19 upon their arrival in Cyprus or have with them a negative RT-PCR test certificate for COVID-19, undertaken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure. It must be noted that such persons shall have to remain in a state of self-isolation for 14 days. Relevant sanitary instructions are available at the following link: https://www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus/info.html.

With effect from 12 August, a PCR coronavirus test must also be taken 48 hours prior to the expiration of their self-isolation.   Results of the test must be sent to monada@mphs.moh.gov.cy.  The self-isolation will end if the result is negative.   The cost of the test must be paid by the people in self-isolation themselves.  A maximum price for these tests is €85pp.

For Category C, if the period of residency on Cyprus exceeds 4 days, then the person must self-isolate for 14 days.

It must be stressed that all passengers, regardless of country category, shall be obliged to file an application for the CyprusFlightPass within 24 hours prior to their departure flight. Moreover, in order to ensure public health and the monitoring of the epidemiological picture, a sample molecular laboratory testing of passengers on selected arriving flights will be carried out.

It is noted that the above categorization of countries shall take effect on 14 August 2020.

Read More

BRITS TOLD TO START PAPERWORK NOW IF THEY INTEND TO TRAVEL WITH PETS IN 2021

  The Independent 12 August 2020 - by Qin Xie

© Provided by The Independent

Britons have been told that they must start the paperwork for taking pets abroad on 1 September 2020 at the latest if they plan to travel on 1 January 2021.

During the Brexit transition period, Britons can continue to use the existing Pet Passport system to travel with their pets.

However, new processes could be introduced after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, which could render the current documents invalid.

The changes will affect domestic pets as well as service animals.

A statement from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: "The UK government is working with the European Commission to ensure a similar arrangement for pet travel between Great Britain and the EU from 1 January 2021.

"However, if an agreement is not reached there could be new requirements in place for those travelling with a pet from Great Britain to the EU from 1 January 2021.

"If pet owners are planning to travel from January 2021 onwards then they should contact their vet at least four months in advance of their travel date to discuss the latest requirements, including the documentation and vaccinations needed.

"For example, those wishing to travel with their pet from Great Britain to the EU on 1 January 2021 should discuss the relevant documentation their vet by 1 September at the latest."

To further confuse the situation, it's not entirely clear what paperwork is needed at the moment.

Great Britain – which includes England, Scotland and Wales – will become a "third country" from 1 January 2021. Under EU law, a third country is "a country that is not a member of the European Union as well as a country or territory whose citizens do not enjoy the European Union right to free movement."

There are three different categories of third country under the current EU Pet Travel Scheme: unlisted, Part 1 listed, Part 2 listed. The rules and regulations applicable to each category is different.

The UK government has applied to be a listed country, but at present it's not clear which category Great Britain will fall into.

Pet owners are advised to check the latest pet travel advice before they travel.

Once the Brexit transition period ends, a number of changes will come into effect, which could increase the cost and amount of red tape travellers have to face to enter EU countries.

The European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) scheme, for example, looks like it will not continue for Britons, which would mean higher travel insurance costs for many travellers.

Read More

CORONAVIRUS - NORWAY REIMPOSES QUARANTINE ON CYPRUS [wef 15/8]

  Cyprus Mail 12 August 2020 - by Staff Reporter

Norway is reimposing quarantine on more travellers from foreign countries including Cyprus, the government said on Wednesday, and reiterated its advice that Norwegians should avoid travelling abroad amid a jump in the number of new coronavirus cases.

Norway diagnosed 357 people with Covid-19 last week, the highest since April, but still well below the record 1,733 cases found in a single week in late March, data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed.

“We’re doing this now so that everyone as soon as possible will be able to live their lives as freely as possible,” Prime Minister Erna Solberg told a news conference.

“All foreign travel is associated with a risk of infection,” Solberg said.

Norway last week put on hold a plan to further reopen society and urged its citizens to refrain from foreign travel amid the faster spread of the virus.

While not a member of the European Union, Norway belongs to the passport-free Schengen travel zone. It had some of the strictest travel restrictions in Europe in the early phase of the pandemic before gradually lifting them from June.

It will now reimpose 10-day quarantines from Saturday for all travellers from Poland, Malta, Iceland, Cyprus and the Netherlands, as well as the Faroe Islands and some Danish and Swedish regions.

Cyprus had managed to flatten the curve by June, but easing restrictions, which included reopening airports has resulted in a spike in cases in July, which health authorities are trying to contain.

Norway has already reintroduced similar constraints for Spain, France, Switzerland and several others, and has put on hold a plan to permit leisure travel from some non-European countries, which has been banned since March.

Read More