Cyprus to ease travel restrictions - plus latest updates for UAE

emirates7 - Cyprus is to remove travel restrictions after the Easter break as it becomes the latest tourist destination to re-evaluate strict entry requirements. As the holiday season takes off with a surge of sunseekers keen to make a getaway, many overseas countries are relaxing the rules to help reignite their economies after the pandemic, birminghammail reported.

At present, the UK is on the Cyprus red list, where it has been sitting since July 2021. Being on the red list means unvaccinated travellers planning to fly to Cyprus must take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and provide proof of a negative result. They must then undergo another PCR test upon arrival in Cyprus and stay in isolation until the result comes back – which is usually within three hours. Children under 12 are exempt from testing requirements.

But that will change from April 18, according to Schengen Visa Info. It says the country's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works is abolishing the red, green and grey lists used to categorise other nations, and travellers will also no longer be required to hold a CyprusFlightPass, according to birminghammail.

Currently, all inbound passengers must apply for a CyprusFlightPasswithin 48 hours before the start of travel to the Republic of Cyprus (either by direct flight or via intermediate countries).

Starting from April 18, anyone who is fully vaccinated will be permitted to enter the country without being obliged to undergo Covid-19 testing. At the same time, unvaccinated travellers will only be required to present a negative result of the Covid-19 rapid antigen test, not older than 24 hours, or PCR test result, not older than 72 hours. Children under the age of 12 will be exempt from all checks.

In addition, from April 11 there will be no requirement to wear a face mask outdoors. And people will not need to a SafePass (Covid vaccination passport) or CyprusFlightPass when going into shopping malls, museums, public service premises, open-air markets and festivals. However, this will still be needed for entering restaurants.

Many people may be wanting to head overseas for the Eid holiday at the end of Ramadan, with Dubai a popular destination. Although Eid ul Fitr is not a holiday in the UK, it is in Islamic nations and many British Muslims will be booking to travel there as part of the Eid festivities.

Fully vaccinated people do not need to take a pre-departure test before travelling to Dubai. People with a recovery certificate dated within 30 days of departure, under-12s and those with severe disabilities can also enter Dubai without testing beforehand.