Travel is different.

As much as I don’t like it - whether it’s the added paperwork, document checks or bureaucratic time - it’s a necessary part of the travel process to ensure that countries health systems are protected and their health systems not overwhelmed. Cyprus is exactly the same, read ahead to find out a bit more on what it takes to get into the Mediterranean’s third largest island.

Who can enter?

Firstly, and this seems obvious but, you need to check you can legally enter the island territory. Specifically, this includes checking if you require a visa from your local embassy. If your from the US, European Union or UK, this will be unlikely - but from other countries you will need to check with the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy. Without this, you will not even be considered to go to the island.

Next, check what “traffic light” your country is under. This will change week to week, but check here (external - Cyprus Government) to see what countries are allowed entry based on the epidemiological situation there. Note that the country category definitions are different to other nations. The Cyprus “red list” means that a PCR test is required upon entry if unvaccinated, but you are free to enter the island if you have received a full course of an approved Covid-19 vaccination.

Which vaccinations are acceptable?

For UK, EU and US travellers, you will be able to enter Cyprus on the Covid Vaccines approved in your country. These are:

• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

• AstraZeneca Vaccine (Vaxzevria, COVISHIELD, SKBio)

• Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine

• Moderna Vaccine

It should be noted that Cyprus have unilaterally accepted the version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that are produced by the Serum Institute of India and South Korea’s SKBio.

Interestingly, compared to the UK, Cyprus also accept the following non-European Medicines Agency approved vaccine:

• Sinopharm Vaccine

• Sinovac CoronVac Vaccine

• Sputnik Vaccine

The first two should be less of a surprise, since they are on the WHO’s approved list, the final vaccine Sputnik from Russia is not. The unilateral acceptance of Sputnik is likely due to Russia being one of Cyprus’ most important sources for tourists.

Proving you’ve had the vaccine should be either in the form of:

• Digital Certification like the EUDCC or NHS Covid Pass

• Formal paper certificate issued by the public health body in your issuing country.

What’s the Cyprus Flight Pass?

Think of the Flight Pass as your permit to fly. This digital application submitted at cyprusflightpass.gov.cy needs you to provide:

• Your personal details

• Flight number & seat number

• Personal travel movements in the last 14 days

• Submission of Covid Certificate

This ensures that all the correct information is with the Cypriot authorities ahead of entering their territory. Even if you have a EU Digital Covid Certificate, you still need to submit a Cyprus Flight Pass to enter legally. I assume the Cypriot Government can get away with this as they are not part of the Schengen Zone.

What is the Cyprus Flight Pass used for?

The key element is allowing you to enter Cyprus and for the document check to be made when you get to the border. Keep it handy, though, as you need to use the Flight Pass to gain admittance to restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues. Enforcement of this is lax though and your mileage of it’s implementation when in the country may vary.