COVID-19: Travel and permit restrictions announced

IMPACT – HIGH

Cyprus recently announced travel and permit restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

• Until April 4, all passenger flights into Cyprus are prohibited.
• The travel suspension does not apply to cargo flights, non-passenger flights to Cyprus, flights of a humanitarian nature or flights for emergency circumstances.
• Residence permit applications and renewals are not being accepted for the time being, except in the event of great urgency. A suspension is also in effect on the granting of all entry permits.
• Alien employment approvals will occur automatically and will be active for one year, so it is not necessary to send applications. The approvals will be sent to employers as well. An extension of current foreign employment contracts will be granted until the approval that will be sent has expired.

Additional information: Within Cyprus, a wide range of containment measures have been implemented, such as closing parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and spaces for open markets. Non-essential movement has been halted until April 13.

Analysis & Comments: The new travel and permit restrictions will impact the movement of people into Cyprus for the time being. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.

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