Frequently
Asked Questions by UK Nationals in the Republic of Cyprus on the coronavirus
crisis
Flights
·
Are there currently any flights in
and out of the Republic of Cyprus?
There is a
near complete ban on flights to and from Cyprus from 21 March until 17 April.
Although some commercial flights are still able to leave Cyprus, only
humanitarian and cargo flights may arrive.
·
I am a British resident in Cyprus
and need to travel back to the UK. What can I do?
Please
follow our Travel Advice and social media channels (UKinCyprus on Facebook and
Twitter) for further updates on flight options.
There are
currently extremely limited commercial options available to return to the UK
from Cyprus due to the local restrictions in force.
We know this
is concerning for British people trying to leave Cyprus. The UK government is
working closely with airlines, the Cypriot authorities and other governments to
make sure options are available for you to return to the UK as soon as
possible.
·
I am a British resident of Cyprus,
currently in the UK, and want to return to Cyprus. What should I do?
The Foreign
and Commonwealth Office currently advises against all but essential travel
overseas. Airports in Cyprus are currently closed to incoming passenger
flights. You are advised to remain where you are and make alternative
arrangements.
Lockdown
regulations
·
Is Cyprus implementing lockdown
measures?
A series of
measures has been introduced limiting movement for the island’s inhabitants.
Only essential stores and services remain open. You should request permission
to leave your home through the dedicated SMS facility
or written forms (for individuals over 65) to
justify your movements.
·
What movements outside the home are
permitted under the current lockdown?
You can find
the latest list of restrictions here. Apart from
movements to/from pharmacies, doctors, blood donation centres and to help
people in need of supplies, you are entitled to make one movement outside the
home per day.
·
Can I send an SMS to 8998 from a UK
number?
No. The SMS
option is not available from a UK mobile phone. You can purchase a local
pay-as-you-go SIM card from any kiosk. You may need to speak to your UK network
provider to allow you to use another SIM card.
·
Are there alternate ways to request
permission to go outdoors?
Official
Cypriot government advice is for all those under 65 years old to use the SMS
service. A printed form (see above) exists for the over 65s to request
permission to go outdoors. In extremis, you should use this form.
·
What’s the penalty for violating the
lockdown regulations?
Anyone
violating the lockdown regulations will be fined with €300.
The Ministry
of Interior & Civil Defence have set up four helpline numbers for anyone
wishing to clarify details of movement restrictions. These are: 22421600,
22495666, 22495671 & 22421745.
·
How can I travel to work during the
lockdown period?
UK nationals
employed in Cyprus need to fill out this form
and have their employer sign it off in order to be able to go to their place of
work and back.
UK
residents requiring welfare assistance
·
I’m stuck in Cyprus and don’t have
money for accommodation. What can I do?
You should
seek support from friends or family who will be able to send financial support
either by bank transfer or money transfer services such as Western Union or
MoneyGram.
·
Are UK nationals who are resident in
Cyprus able to access any state financial support from the Cyprus government?
The Labour
Ministry has announced that parents, private sector employees and the
self-employed can submit applications for financial assistance via a special
portal. British nationals who are legally resident in Cyprus should be entitled
to access these benefits on the same basis as Cypriots and other EU nationals.
Five
different schemes have been launched by the Cypriot government:
·
Parents taking special leave to care for their children (aged
until 15) or for children with disabilities should complete this application form.
·
Individuals seeking special sick leave (for confirmed carriers
of Covid-19 and persons in self-isolation) should complete this form.
·
Self-employed persons seeking financial support should complete this form.
·
Owners/directors of businesses that have completely suspended
operations should complete this form.
·
And representatives of businesses that have partially suspended
operations should complete this form.
In addition,
all persons working in the private sector must fill out form EEA6 with their
bank account details, available here.
·
Where can I seek help to complete
these forms?
A hotline
number is in operation from 08:00 am to 18:00 Monday to Friday to answer
questions on all labour and welfare issues relating to the COVID pandemic. You
should call 1433, valid from a Cypriot mobile number only.
Healthcare
·
What do I do if I have coronavirus
symptoms?
If you
display any symptoms of Covid-19 you should call 1420 (dialable from any
device).
·
How can UK nationals resident in
Cyprus access healthcare on island?
UK nationals
permanently residing in Cyprus can find all the necessary information on
healthcare in our Living in Cyprus Guide on gov.uk.
·
I am a British tourist in Cyprus.
Can I access healthcare in Cyprus?
Yes. You can
access public health services in Cyprus if you are here temporarily, including
for prescription medication. You should visit a doctor at a public hospital or
health centre who will prescribe your required medication or the closest
equivalent. The prescription will be fulfilled by a public sector pharmacy
(within the public hospitals). You should present your EHIC or replacement
document when requested.
Alternatively,
you can visit a private doctor or hospital for which you will have to pay, and
then reclaim the cost from your travel insurance.
·
How can I arrange a hospital visit?
You can find
a list of hospitals which British tourists in Cyprus are eligible to use Here.
Please note that Famagusta hospital is currently not dealing with walk in
appointments as it is being used for Coronavirus cases.
You should
call in advance for advice on visiting hospitals safely during this period, and
to check whether they are still accepting non-residents.
·
Can I still use local health
services if I don’t have an EHIC card?
Yes. If you
don’t hold a European Health Insurance Card/Provisional Replacement
Certificate, you can use your Travel insurance or any other insurance to see a
private sector doctor. You can replace your current EHIC card here.
Residency
and Citizens’ Rights issues
·
I am in the middle of applying for
permanent residency but haven’t yet received settled status in Cyprus. I am
worried about the delay coronavirus will cause to this process. What should I
do?
The Cypriot
government is currently only operating essential services. This does not
include many of the services linked to processing residency applications for
MEU1 or MEU3 documents, or exchanging driving licences
The Cypriot
government has assured us that UK nationals will be able to continue to apply
for their residency documents when full government services are resumed. The
current pause in the processing of applications will not impact your residency
status. All UK nationals who are resident in Cyprus and fall within the scope
of the Withdrawal Agreement will retain their residency rights irrespective of
the fact that their residency applications will be submitted at a later date.
·
My passport is expiring and I have
renewed online. How can I receive it?
There are
currently no international flights coming into Cyprus and therefore no postal
service for renewed passports to come to Cyprus from the UK.
UK nationals
in Cyprus who have applied for a renewed passport should await the lifting of
these measures in order to obtain their UK passport. Passport applications are
completed online here.
