Coronavirus: Restriction free entry for vaccinated Brits from May 1

Starting on May 1 British nationals vaccinated against the coronavirus will be allowed entry into Cyprus without any restrictions, deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios said on Thursday.

“We have informed the British government that as of May 1 we shall facilitate the arrival in Cyprus of those British nationals who have been inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, so that they can come here without needing a negative [Covid] test and without needing to quarantine,” Perdios told the Cyprus News Agency.

It follows a similar arrangement reached with Israel on February 14.

The minister clarified that this will only apply to British nationals who have received both doses of the vaccine, the second vaccine being administered at least seven days prior to the date of travel.

He also qualified that whether British people do travel here is contingent on the UK government’s policies.

Authorities in Cyprus reserve the right to take random samples at the airports, including among those having been vaccinated.

Those immunised must still observe all protocols on arrival – masks and distancing.

Earlier, the government decided that British tourists would be allowed into Cyprus as of April 1, provided that Britain is categorised as a ‘green’ country.

That means that as of April 1 British nationals without a vaccine will be allowed to travel to Cyprus if they have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

The new country category system kicked in on March 1 for EU countries, and on April 1 for non-EU countries.

Perdios said the new arrangement concerning British nationals was extremely important for the island’s tourism industry, which has taken a massive hit due to coronavirus-related restrictions.

“We feel it’s another step in the right direction, to create the necessary stability and a sense of safety among travellers so they can start planning their holidays this summer.