EUROPE'S 3 MAJOR AIRLINES LOST €10.61bn IN FIRST HALF

 Cyprus Mail 9 August 2020 - by Andrew Rosenbaum

Aircrafts of Air France Airlines are seen on the tarmac at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport

Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, and IAG, the company that owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, together lost €10.61 billion in the first half of this year.

The French-Dutch airline on 31 July posted a €2.61 billion net loss due to high asset impairments for early retirement of idled planes and fuel-hedging losses caused by lack of passengers and freight in the pandemic. This figure also includes costs linked to the retirement of the A380 and A340 planes belonging to the French arm.

The airline is operating at 8 per cent of its normal level of activity.

The Air France group has been promised €4 million in loans guaranteed by the French state, and three billion in loans made directly by the Ministry of Finance. The Dutch arm, KLM, are providing a loan of €3.4 billion.

The board of Air-France-KLM, at the results announcement, promised to “accelerate our transformation.” More than 7,000 j0b cuts are to take place, but strategic changes are needed, analysts say.

“Air France-KLM will be selling the silver to pay back loans, and possibly seeking to raise capital on equity markets,” commented Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska.

Germany’s Lufthansa lost €3.6 billion in the first half. The company, which saw the number of passengers drop 96 per cent in the period from April to June, saw, in the first half, turnover fall to €8.3 billion, down 52 per cent from the same period in the previous year.

Lufthansa is cutting 8,300 jobs. Investment in new aircraft will be halved until 2023.  Nonetheless, the German airline is forecasting making a profit for the full year.

“We will not be spared a far-reaching restructuring of our business,” warned Carsten Spohr, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG in a press release on Thursday.

“While we think Lufthansa has been quick in reducing costs and extending payment terms with suppliers, we think the loss generated by the Covid-19 pandemic will be difficult to absorb with free cash flow generation and is not yet fully discounted in the share price,” said Carolina Dores, equity analyst at Morgan Stanley.

IAG reported a loss of €4.2 billion for the first half of the year, as passenger levels fell 98 per cent. Losses at British Airways in the second quarter alone were €711 million. The airline plans to cut 12,000 jobs.

Head of IAG Willie Walsh said: “”Anyone who believes that this is just a temporary downturn and therefore can be fixed with temporary measures, I’m afraid seriously misjudges what the industry is going through.”

Analysts at Goodbody said IAG’s results demonstrated how network carriers with connecting short-haul and long-haul routes will find it more difficult to recover than budget carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

That comment could apply to all the airlines discussed in this article. Until more people around the world decide that international travel makes sense, these airlines will struggle. Budget flyers like Ryanair and Easyjet can survive with half-filled planes, because their cost base is much lower than that of the major airlines.

It will be interesting to see, as Lufthansa’s Spohr says, what kind of restructuring these complex organisations will be able to make happen.

 

 

Read More

HOW TO GET A COVID TEST FOR YOUR HOLIDAY

 The Telegraph 7 August 2020 - by Emma Beaumont

© Getty Cyprus - Getty

For those heading abroad this summer, there are certainly a few hurdles to overcome before you reach the beach. Whether it's your holiday destination being struck off the 'safe' list overnight, cancelled flights or turning up to find a closed hotel, there’s no doubt that booking a trip overseas remains a risk.

An increasing number of countries, including Cyprus and Barbados, are also demanding arrivals present evidence of a recent negative coronavirus test, leaving holidaymakers scrambling to get a test and certificate declaring them Covid-free.

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, patients heading into hospital for surgery or residents of 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 mine-field. Here, we break down how they work and what to look out for when ordering one. 

How do they work?

There are two options: Ordering a home test kit or booking an appointment at a clinic. Most home kits will arrive within 24 hours and should be sent back the same day. They will then be analysed in a lab and you should receive your results within 48 hours – various companies have different guarantees. 

If your test is negative, you should then be sent a certificate declaring you Covid-free. However, concerns have been raised that, as there is no standardised certificate, they could be forged. 

Furthermore, it is not always clear how much information is required in each country. As the free NHS test results are just a text message and short email, there is no guarantee that border officials would deem this acceptable. Some companies, such as C19 Testing, ease fears with a watermarked example of its certificates online, which include the name, address and telephone number of both the laboratory and company, plus the passport number and date of birth of the recipient. Crucially, the date the sample was taken and processed is also recorded. When ordering a kit, it is certainly worth clarifying what will be detailed on your certificate.

Tests at clinics tend to have a quicker turnaround. The Private Harley Street Clinic in London, which offers tests for £250, promises results within 24 hours and will issue a ‘fit-to-fly certificate’ at no extra charge. 

How much do they cost? 

This is where things get a little murky - a quick Google search reveals tests on sale for an eye-watering £500. There is no doubt that analysing tests and returning results in an extremely short window is not a cheap endeavour, but the disparity in pricing is stark. As a guide, there seems to be a pricing consensus around £150 for tests that return results within 48 hours, with steep rises for shorter time frames. 

Nick Burton and Dr Alasdair Scott from C19 Testing, which charges a relatively reasonable £119 for an at-home test, say that some are engaging in “exploitative pricing”. 

They say: “We are operating on thin margins, but as a collective of healthcare professionals, we are not looking to profiteer.” Dr Scott adds: “I wouldn’t be involved if the company wasn’t honest, transparent and evidence-based”.

When choosing a test to order then, it’s certainly a good idea to look at whether doctors are involved and ensuring that the company uses accredited UK lab analysis. 

What happens if your results don't arrive in time?

With some countries, such as Cyprus, requiring a certificate issued no longer than 72 hours before arriving, time is of the essence. 

C19 Testing guarantees that you'll receive your result certificate within 48 hours of receiving your swab in their laboratory, though it may well be sooner. Their lab “processes samples 24/7”, so it makes no difference when you order and return your test. For reassurance they say: “If we don't deliver on our guarantee, you'll receive a full, quibble-free refund.”

For late-planners, a few companies offer same-day results. The London General Practice offers test dispatch 24 hours a day, seven days a week and promises results the same day – if swabs are returned by 7am. The service also includes a follow-up video consultation with a doctor though it is not cheap at £315. 

If Covid-free certificates are adopted by more countries, timing could become a real issue. Travel specialist Dr Richard Dawood points to destinations with “a very long or complex routing”, which may be rendered off-limits to British travellers. 

How accurate are the tests?

There is some debate about the accuracy of home tests versus those performed at a clinic, as people could self-administer the test incorrectly. However, as the Government itself sends out a huge number of home tests every day, one would hope there is faith in the accuracy. 

Dr Richard Dawood says that test accuracy is “very good” and suggests that potential problems with the certificate system lie elsewhere, with timings and a potential shortage of tests. 

However, with any coronavirus test there is also the possibility that your sample might prove inconclusive. Private Harley Street Clinic say: “Sample failure is rare, but if this happens, the sample needs to be repeated which takes another 24 hours. If the second repeat fails again, a brand-new collection is required.”

It remains unclear how quickly after exposure to the virus you might test positive. The NHS says the optimal time to get a test is within the first five days of symptoms, with less clarity on the pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. It is not unthinkable, therefore, that you have your in-date coronavirus certificate, but then start showing symptoms on the way to the airport. 

Read More

HOTELIERS RELIEVED OVER UK JET2's RESUMPTION OF FLIGHTS TO CYPRUS [after 17/8]

 in-cyprus 7 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

Cyprus hoteliers have welcomed UK Jet2 airline’s decision to resume flights to the Mediterranean island after August 17, Philenews reported on Friday.

The airline’s intention was made public on Thursday by Deputy Minister for Tourism Savvas Perdios.

He also made clear that a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure is still needed from all passengers from the UK.

Last month, the airline had suspended its flights to Cyprus citing prohibitive entry restrictions.

However, after Jet2’s recent suspension of its flight to Spain following London’s new quarantine rules, the airline has turned its attention to other destinations.  It has already announced additional flights to Greece and Turkey.

Specifically, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays promotions for Greece and Turkey show an increase of 30,000 seats with the addition of additional flights and larger aircraft for these two routes.

Cypriot hoteliers are optimistic that TUI will follow Jet2’s example and start scheduling flights to Cyprus.

Read More

RYANAIR TO INCREASE FLIGHTS TO 60% OF NORMAL SCHEDULE IN AUGUST

 Cyprus Mail 7 August 2020 - by Reuters News Service

Ryanair will increase flights to over 60% of its normal schedule throughout August following what it said on Thursday was a successful resumption of services at 40% of capacity last month following COVID-19 lockdowns.

Europe’s biggest budget airline flew 4.4 million passengers in July, a broadly expected 70% year-on-year fall. It slashed its target for the financial year to March 2021 to 60 million passengers last month, from the 80 million forecast in May.

“Since the resumption of our schedule in late June, passenger numbers have continued to grow,” Eddie Wilson, chief executive of Ryanair’s main airline unit, said in a statement, saying traveller confidence was returning.

Ryanair (RYA.I) flew 4.4 million passengers in July, a broadly expected 70% year-on-year fall after it operated around 40% of its normal July schedule with a 72% load factor, a measure of how well an airline fills its available seats.

Europe’s biggest budget airline returned to a more regular schedule following the COVID-19 lockdown on July 1 when it said it expected to fly more than 4.5 million passengers during the first month back in the sky.

The Irish airline cut its annual passenger target by a quarter last week and warned a second wave of COVID-19 infections could lower that further.

Ryanair has no plans to reduce capacity to Spain after the British government advised against non-essential travel to the country due to COVID-19, a move Group Chief Executive Michael O’Leary called a “badly managed over-reaction”.

Britain on July 25 reimposed a two-week quarantine on travellers arriving from Spain after a surge of coronavirus cases, reversing a decision to drop the requirement on July 10.

“It seems to be a badly managed over-reaction,” O’Leary said on a call with investors in which he said the British government “panicked” instead of focusing on restricting travel to specific regions with high infection rates.

“There is no scientific basis for a national restriction,” O’Leary said.

Asked if Ryanair would reduce capacity between the two countries, Chief Financial Officer Neil Sorahan told Reuters: “We have no plans to cut capacity in the medium term.”

Ryanair had seen a dip in bookings to Spain for the coming 2-3 weeks as a result of the spike in infections, with the dip becoming more pronounced over the weekend as Britain moved to impose the quarantine, O’Leary said.

It was too early, however, to say whether there would be an uptick to alternative destinations.

Ryanair will this week launch a legal challenge against a similar 14-day quarantine introduced by the Irish government, which has only exempted 14 countries, including Greece and Italy but not Spain, the United Kingdom or the United States, O’Leary said.

 

Read More

APPLICABLE MEASURES FOR PASSENGERS COMING FROM EACH COUNTRY CATEGORY

04-08-2020 11:14

Applicable measures for passengers coming from each country category

In the context of the strategy applied by the Government for combating and managing the coronavirus pandemic and aiming at protecting Public Health and restricting incoming COVID-19 cases through entry points to the Republic, the Ministry of Health has been implementing country categorisation since May according to the epidemiological risk assessment. More specifically, European Union countries as well as third countries, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Council, are classified in three categories (low, medium and high risk), with the list being upgraded on a regular basis. Depending on the Category, passengers are obliged to observe specific measures, as follows: Passengers coming from countries of Category A are not required to present a COVID-19 laboratory test certificate or go into self-isolation. These passengers may undergo a laboratory examination on their arrival in the context of sample testing carried out by the Ministry of Health at the Larnaca and Paphos Airports. In such a case they are obliged to remain in self-isolation until the issue of the result. Passengers arriving from Category B countries are required to have undertaken a laboratory test 72 hours prior to departure at the latest and present a Certificate showing negative PCR test for the virus. Cypriot citizens and persons permanently residing in the Republic who arrive from Category B countries, have the choice of undergoing a molecular examination upon their arrival at the airport. The cost of the laboratory test at the airport is €60 and must be borne by the passengers themselves.  It is stressed that such persons are obliged to remain in self-isolation until the result is out. It should be noted that passengers from Category B countries may submit to a laboratory examination in the framework of the sample testing being carried out by the Ministry of Health at the Airports. Finally, under the Health Minister’s Decree (No.30), the entry into the Republic from countries included in Category C shall be allowed only to certain categories of citizens, who may opt to undergo a diagnostic test for the COVID-19 disease upon their arrival in Cyprus or carry with them a RT-PCR COVID-19 with negative result at least 72 hours prior to departure. It is stressed that such persons should remain in strict self-isolation for 14 days. Children aged up to 12 years, regardless of the Category of their country of provenance, are not required to undergo a laboratory examination at the Airports of Cyprus or present a negative test certificate from their country of provenance.   (ND)

Read More

REPATRIATION FLIGHT BEING SENT TO LEBANON, FOREIGN MINISTRY SAYS

Cyprus Mail 5 August 2020 - by Jonathan Shkurko

Firefighters spray water at a fire in Beirut

No casualties have been reported so far among Cypriots in Beirut from the huge blast, but some homes and businesses have been destroyed, a representative of the community said on Wednesday.

With over 2,000 nationals permanently residing in Lebanon, Cyprus is one of the most represented communities in the Middle Eastern country.

The president of the Cyprus Community in Lebanon, Stalo Habibi, who has lived in Beirut for the past 27 years and who was there at the time of the explosion, called the blast an absolute catastrophe for a country that was already going through a very difficult time.

The massive warehouse explosion, which was felt as far away as Cyprus, sent a devastating blast wave across Beirut, killing at least 100 people and injuring nearly 4,000. Officials said the toll was expected to rise after the blast at port warehouses that stored highly explosive material.

“The damage produced by the blast is incalculable,” Habibi told Cyprus Mail. “Beirut needs help and needs it now.”

Habibi said she had a phone conversation with Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides on Wednesday morning, during which coordinated rescue actions were discussed.

“The Cypriot embassy in Beirut (only three kilometres away from the port where the blast took place) has also been extensively damaged, so we are trying to do the best we can to help our citizens in Beirut. We are in a situation of absolute emergency; we have never experienced such a thing before.”

Habibi added that, so far, there are no casualties among the Cypriot community in Beirut after the blast, with only three people suffering light injuries.

“However, many houses and apartments where Cypriots live have been destroyed, not to mention their businesses. It will take years to repair that damage caused by the blast.

“Our association is practically acting as a link between the foreign ministry in Cyprus and the Cypriots living in Beirut, as we pass them on all the information we receive from home.”

Meanwhile, the ministry of foreign affairs has announced that a flight repatriating Cypriot citizens and permanent residents to the island from Lebanon has been scheduled for Thursday.

According to the announcement, those who wish to fly to Cyprus need to register on the government portal at www.connect2cy.gov.cy  until 10pm on Wednesday, stating their intention to return to Cyprus, or otherwise to contact the foreign ministry at 22801000.

Furthermore, the Cyprus police confirmed they will also send two helicopters to Beirut on Wednesday.

Five firefighters and eight specially trained policemen with rescue dogs will help dig through the rubble looking for survivors following the blast.

The Lebanese ambassador to Cyprus Claude El Hajal has also said medical equipment will be sent to Beirut from the island.

“We are in constant contact with the ministry of foreign affairs of Cyprus. What happened is a huge disaster. I received a phone call from Mr Christodoulides and he said the government is ready to offer assistance to Lebanon in any way.

“We need medical equipment and medicines and, from what I understand, a flight carrying supplies will arrive in Beirut from Larnaca on Thursday.”

El Hajal also said that Lebanon is in need of trained dogs and rescue teams to try find the injured under the rubble, something he also conveyed to the Cypriot authorities.

“Cyprus is ready to help us. At the moment, the most urgent things we need are medical supplies,” he said.

The explosion was the most powerful ever to rip through Beirut, a city still scarred by civil war three decades ago and reeling from an economic meltdown and a surge in coronavirus infections.

President Michel Aoun said 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and bombs, had been stored for six years at the port without safety measures. He called it “unacceptable”.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his condolences to Lebanon. In a message to the people of Lebanon on Twitter, Anastasiades said: “We hope and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured people.”

He also gave his condolences to all the families of the people who died in the Beirut explosion.

“We stand ready to provide any assistance deemed necessary.”

Cypriots in need of help in Beirut are also asked to communicate with the Crisis Management Centre of the ministry at 99-660129 or with the Embassy in Lebanon at +9613572139.

Those who wish to donate money to the relief fund can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2.

Read More

IRELAND DROPS CYPRUS FROM COVID-19 'GREEN LIST'

in-cyprus 5 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

Ireland on Wednesday downgraded Cyprus from its “green list” that drops a 14-day quarantine requirement for travellers arriving from countries with a low covid-19 infection rate, according to state radio.

Passengers from countries not on the “green list” of Ireland which has one of the lower rates of infection in the European Union are asked to restrict their movements for 14 days.

The Mediterranean island’s downgrade followed additional measures by Dublin to limit non-essential travel in the wake of an uptick in covid-19 infections in recent days both in Ireland and other European countries.

Read More

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO CYPRUS

in-cyprus 4 August 2020 - by Maria Bitar

As part of the Government’s strategy for managing the corona virus pandemic, the safeguarding of Public Health and limiting the entry of Covid-19 incidents through gateways into the country, the Ministry of Health has been implementing a country categorisation system since May that changes according to the assessment of their epidemiological risk.

Depending on what category the country they’re coming from is in, passengers must comply with specific measures, as follows:

For passengers from Category A countries, nor a Covid-19 laboratory diagnostic test certificate or quarantine are required.

Passengers arriving from Category B countries are required to have a laboratory diagnostic test no later than 72 hours before departure and to present a Certificate proving a negative PCR test for the virus.

Cypriot citizens and permanent residents of the Republic arriving from Category B countries, have the option to undergo the molecular test upon arrival at the airport. It is stressed that these individuals must remain in quarantine until the test result is issued.

Finally, for passengers travelling from countries included in Category C, and according to the Decree of the Minister of Health (No. 30), entry to the Republic is allowed only to certain categories of citizens. It is stressed that these individuals must remain strictly in quarantine for 14 days.

For children aged 12 and under, regardless of the Category in which their country of origin falls, a laboratory diagnostic test is not required at Cypriot Airports nor is the presentation of a negative test certificate from their country of origin.

Source: Philenews

Read More

CORONAVIRUS - REVISED LIST OF COUNTRIES FOR TRAVEL TO CYPRUS - wef 6 August

Cyprus Mail 4 August 2020 - by Annette Chrysostomou

The health ministry announced three amendments to the list of countries from which Cyprus accepts visitors on Tuesday which mean changes in categories for Greece, Thailand and Morocco. The changes will take effect on Thursday.

Greece will move from category A to B, Thailand from category B to A and Morocco from B to C.

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

According to the latest update, category A, which includes countries deemed safer compared to the rest as regards their epidemiological outlook includes Austria, Germany,  Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Poland , Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Georgia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand.

Passengers coming from these countries do not need to test for the coronavirus or self-isolate upon arrival.

In category B, in which are countries with potentially low risk but more precarious than category A are Belgium, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Australia, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China.

Passengers from category B countries are required to present a negative Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours from a recognised laboratory.

Cypriots and their families, permanent residents and people covered by the Vienna Convention can take the test upon their arrival in Cyprus. The same applies for persons regardless of nationality, whose country of residence is not in a position to offer Covid-19 testing to those wishing to travel to the Republic of Cyprus (public or private sector). The last category is eligible for tests in Cyprus only after the Cypriot health ministry issues an announcement.

They have to pay for the cost of the test and should remain isolated until the result is announced.

Countries not listed above are in category C and are deemed at increased risk compared to the other countries.

Among them are Bulgaria, Portugal, Sweden, Luxembourg, Romania, Algeria, Serbia, Morocco and Montenegro.

Entry to Cyprus from category C countries is allowed only to Cypriot citizens permanently residing in the Republic of Cyprus and their family members, permanent residents, people allowed to enter Cyprus under the Vienna Convention and people with special permission. They have to take a test and will have to remain in self-isolation for 14 days whether the result of their Covid-19 test is positive or negative.

All passengers, regardless of the category of the country they are arriving from, are required to apply for CyprusFlightPass (https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/ ) within 24 hours of their departure and present this at the passport control when they arrive.

Any passenger may be asked to take a test upon arrival.

Read More

EASY JET EXPANDS LIMITED SCHEDULE AS SUMMER BOOKINGS RISE

in-cyprus 4 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

British low cost airline easyJet said it planned to fly about 40% of its capacity over the rest of the summer, more than originally scheduled as bookings were stronger than expected despite ongoing restrictions due to the pandemic.

After planes were grounded for months until mid-June bringing airlines to their knees, the tentative return to flying in Europe has been threatened by rising COVID-19 cases, prompting the UK to bring back travel restrictions for Spain.

But easyJet said late summer bookings were “performing well” and it would now fly 40% of last year’s capacity in its fourth quarter, compared to earlier guidance of 30%.

It also said its fourth quarter loss would be smaller than the headline loss before tax of 324.5 million pounds ($424 million) which it posted for the three months to the end of June, which reflected over two months when travel was halted.

The pace of easyJet’s capacity recovery is behind Europe’s largest budget carrier, Ryanair, which said for July it would fly about 40% of normal capacity, rising to 60% in August and 70% in September, and Wizz Air which is at about 70%.

But Ryanair was forced to cut its annual passenger target last week, warning of the impact of a potential second wave of the virus.

EasyJet said on Tuesday it remained focused on costs. Its operational cost cash burn during its third quarter was lower than the previously guided 30 to 40 million pounds per week, putting total cash burn at 774 million pounds for the quarter, lower than guidance of 1 billion pounds.

The airline said in May it would need to cut 4,500 jobs and become more efficient to stay competitive and survive the pandemic which will result in a much smaller travel market.

(Reuters)

Read More

CYPRUS AIRWAYS SUSPENDS FLIGHTS TO THESSALONIKI AND SKIATHOS

Filenews 3 August 2020 

The suspension of flights to Thessaloniki and Skiathos from 18 August and the reduction in the frequency of flights to Athens and Heraklion announced by Cyprus Airways.

The company announced the decision after Greece's downgrading to Category B, noting that affected passengers will be informed by email.

Please note that Cyprus Airways is closely monitoring the situation and following the instructions of the World Health Organisation and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Source: Eyenews

Read More

SPECIAL ENTRY PERMIT TO CYPRUS - REQUIREMENT APPLIES TO THOSE FROM CATEGORY C COUNTRIES ONLY

To avoid confusion, the special entry permit should not be confused with the Cyprus Flight Pass.  The Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed by anyone entering Cyprus.    The Special Entry Permit should only be completed by those wishing to come to Cyprus from countries in Category C.

Press announcement by the Ministry of the Interior on obtaining a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus

The Ministry of the Interior announces that the requirement for obtaining a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus applies only to persons coming from countries not falling into Categories A and B, in accordance with country categorization based on risk assessment, as these are announced by the Ministry of Health concerning the following cases: (a)  First degree relatives of persons who reside lawfully in the Republic and/or are economically active in the Republic (husband, children, parents) for purposes of family reunion. (b) Persons, regardless of nationality, whose arrival in the Republic is necessary for the purpose of implementing public projects or for honouring other important professional commitments.  Requests for the granting of a Special Entry Permit by the Committee must be submitted on-line through the platform www.CyprusFlightPass.gov.cy  following the relevant link in connection with the Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus. In the case where an approval has been obtained for the granting of a Special Entry Permit to the Republic of Cyprus, a password will be sent to you by email, to be used in filing an application for the issue of a CyprusFlightPass through the special internet electronic platform of the Republic of Cyprus. Given the large volume of applications it is emphasized that the persons wishing to come to Cyprus should make all the necessary arrangements timely in order to obtain all the required approvals and permits with the least delay possible. All those wishing to travel to the Republic of Cyprus are urged to obtain the required special entry permit first before making travel arrangements with airline companies. ( DC )

Read More

COMING FROM UK AND NEED COVID TEST?

The following may assist those who are coming to Cyprus from the UK and need a Covid test.

Cypriot nationals and permanent residents of Cyprus can take a Covid test on arrival at Larnaca or Paphos, although they will have to pay for the service.

1  NHS test is acceptable.  See below and also see article in Cyprus Mail: https://cyprus-mail.com/2020/07/31/coronavirus-cyprus-will-accept-uk-nhs-negative-tests-with-specific-details/

2  The following test and courier service is available:  https://www.citydoc.org.uk/covid-19-fit-to-fly/?fbclid=IwAR2GQO732esTo_swerfyDJcxom4zz1JOBiHQHMSYFB1WtzY_BvVinpxRMWU

3  UK Government site has useful information:  https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus/entry-requirements

5  Internet searching of 'Covid test near me' may bring up possible sites for local and private testing facilities, although cost and quality of service may vary.

And don't forget you will need to complete the Cyprus flight pass:  https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy/

Read More

CYPRUS DOWNGRADES GREECE TO CORONAVIRUS CATEGORY B COUNTRY - Updated for those currently in Greece

in-cyprus 3 August 2020 - by Annie Charalambous

As from Thursday, Greece will be included in category B of countries whose travellers need to provide negative coronavirus tests upon arrival to Cyprus.

The downgrade from category A was essential after several people who arrived from Greek destinations tested positive to coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced late on Sunday.

The negative coronavirus test certificate should not be older than 72 hours.

On Monday, it was officially announced that people who are already in Greece and will return after Thursday will not have to pay for the coronavirus tests they need to take upon their arrival.

This followed strong reaction by people who have already travelled to Greece.

The Health Ministry had already made clear that random tests at airports on passengers arriving from Greece will also increase between Monday and Thursday.

Traditionally, Greek islands are Cypriots’ favourite summer holiday destination.

Both countries kept a lid on a first wave of infections by imposing blanket lockdowns from mid-March to May, but rates have been creeping up after a lull from late May to late July.

On Saturday Greece reported its highest single-day spike in weeks, of 110 new cases, while Cyprus reported 25 new cases on Friday, the first time it has been in double digits in weeks.

Cyprus has a three-tier risk system in grouping countries where travel is either unrestricted, allowed with a PCR test, or permitted with a PCR test and compulsory 14 day quarantine. Greece has now moved to the ‘B’ category from the ‘A’ category. The list is regularly updated.

 

 

Read More

GREECE MOVING TO CATEGORY B FROM 6 AUGUST

Greece is being moved to category B as of 6 August 2020

Following the detection of an increased number of COVID-19 cases amongst travellers returning from various parts of Greece, the Ministry of Health announces that, after evaluation, Greece is to be moved to category B with effect from 6 August 2020 In order to ensure public health and to monitor the epidemiological picture, in addition to the increased controls carried out on flights from the United Kingdom, the sample laboratory tests carried out on passengers on flights from Greece, are increased from today until 6 August. It is noted that Cypriot citizens and their family members and those legally residing in the Republic have the option to undergo the molecular examination upon arrival at Larnaka and Pafos Airports. The cost of the examination shall be borne by the travelers. All other passengers are required to have undergone a laboratory test 72 hours prior to departure at the latest and to possess a Certificate proving a negative PCR test for the virus, as is the case for all Category B travelers. It is further underlined that all passengers, regardless of nationality, are required to apply for the CyprusFlightPass within 24 hours before the departure of their flight. ( MK/DC )

Read More

TRAVELLING TO THE UK? Journey contact details required before arrival

TRAVELLING TO THE UK?

Provide your journey and contact details before you travel to the UK:  https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

You must have a physical copy of this form, or show a copy on your phone on arrival at the UK.   The form can be submitted within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.

The government will use this information to contact you if you or someone you’ve travelled with develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

If you need to self-isolate for the first 14 days after you arrive in the UK, the government will also use the information to check that you’re self-isolating.

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details, or more if you break this rule more than once. You also may not be allowed to enter the UK (unless you’re either British or a UK resident).

Read More

TRAVEL LATEST - BOOKINGS TO GREECE SURGE AS BRITISH HOLIDAYMAKERS FLEE SPAIN

The Telegraph 1 August 2020 - by Annabel Fenwick-Elliott

© istock greece - istock

British holidaymakers are flocking to Greece in lieu of Spain as the busiest month for summer holidays gets underway.

The chairman of Sunvil Holiday Group, Noel Josephides has reported a sudden rise in enquiries for 'last-minute, flight-only' bookings to Greece, and not from the company's usual 50-plus demographic. “We know they are people who were likely to go to Spain,” he told iNews.

It comes as Europe's largest tour operator Tui extended the cancellation of all UK holidays to the Spanish Balearic Islands and Canary Islands until August 10 and all holidays to mainland Spain until August 17. Jet2 has also been contacting customers already on holiday there and requesting they fly home earlier; sending empty planes to repatriate them.

Both operators have added extra added services to Greece in order to meet demand. 

Greece has fared well through the pandemic compared to the rest of Europe, with only 3.7 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 14 days. The UK has registered 14 per 100,000 over the same period.

Elsewhere, senior ministers in France and Germany have both warned of possible new lockdowns, and Matt Hancock has said it is "quite likely" that further countries will be dropped from the FCO's quarantine-exempt list as fears of a second wave grips Europe.

08:32 AM

Jet2 'will refund customers returning early from Spain'

Jet2 will refund customers on holiday in Spain who have been asked to return to the UK early, it has been reported.

The airline on Thursday cancelled flights to the UK for hundreds of passengers. But today Jet2 told the BBC that it is operating empty flights to pick up passengers from Spain until August 3. The airline will also refund unused nights for customers forced to come back early by the flight cancellations.

Jet2 said it was "responding to a very fast-moving situation with updates coming from the Government with little or no notice, and we have had to make decisions about our programme accordingly".

"We can assure these customers that we will be in touch with them to resolve any issues that they may have," the airline added.

08:27 AM

Yesterday's top headlines

A recap:

• President of Balearics urges UK to drop blanket travel ban
• Face masks to become mandatory in museums in England
• Antigua to welcome first post-lockdown UK flight – and it's full
• Portugal reopens nightclubs yet country remains on quarantine list
• Luxembourg added to list of countries requiring 14-day quarantine
• Tui and Jet2 cancel more holidays to Spain and its islands

Read More

PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO CYPRUS FROM THE UK

Passengers travelling to Cyprus from the UK

Following the announcement that the UK will be classified as Category B as of August 1st, travellers wishing to fly to the Republic of Cyprus from the UK are required to obtain a CyprusFlightPass from the online platform

https://cyprusflightpass.gov.cy

Applications may be submitted as from 20:00 (UK time), on 31st of July 2020.

In order to do so, passengers are required to upload the Covid-19 results with negative RT-PCR, clearly indicating the date and time the test was conducted (within the last 72 hours before departure time).

If passengers hold an “NHS Covid-19 notification” then it is required to upload, in a single document (pdf, jpeg), the following:

a)    “NHS Covid-19 notification” with negative result

b)    “Test Site Pass” (Appointment Confirmation email) clearly indicating the date and time of the test appointment. The 72 hours timeframe counts from the scheduled time of the appointment.

In addition to obtaining the CyprusFlightPass, passengers are required to carry with them, in hard copy or electronically, both documents (a and b above).

 

(ΑΤ)

Read More

TRAVEL ADVICE OF THE MIN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS RE COVID-19 - GROUPS A & B

Travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Coronavirus COVID-19 - Group of countries Α and Β (From 01/08/2020, 00:00 Cyprus time, GMT+3)

Concerned countries:

Countries in Categories A (Austria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland, and B (Andorra, Australia, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Holy See, Italy, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Rwanda, San Marino, Spain, Thailand, 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

Travel advice validity period:

From 01/08/2020, 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 https://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/

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.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa50_en/mfa50_en?OpenDocument

• 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