Filenews 30 November 2021
In light of the latest developments in relation to the detection of a new variant (Omicron) of the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus in a number of countries in the southern part of the African continent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a Travel Directive posted on the Ministry's website, which recommends that Cypriot citizens avoid, until further notice, all non-essential travel to the following countries: Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
A statement from the Ministry states that "Cypriot citizens with permanent residence in the Republic who are in these countries for the purposes of temporary stay, are encouraged to arrange their departure as soon as possible through the international commercial flights that continue to be operated".
It is noted that some international carriers have temporarily suspended their flight schedule from/to the above countries due to the situation, while there is a possibility that in the coming days other airlines will do the same.
Cypriot citizens who choose to extend their stay in these countries are encouraged to:
― register, or if they have already registered as they update their details, on the internet platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs connect2cy,
― contact the High Commission of Cyprus in Pretoria (South Africa) and inform about their presence there, and
― monitor the local and international media for the latest developments regarding the situation in relation to the pandemic, follow the relevant instructions of the local authorities and take individual protection measures.
It should be noted that the entry into the Republic of any person who, during the last 14 days prior to his/her arrival in the Republic, either resided or passed through the territory of the said countries, is subject to the conditions set out in the relevant Communiqué of the Ministry of Health, dated 26 November 2021.
In case of emergency, the directly affected Cypriot citizens can call the following telephone numbers:
High Commission of Cyprus in Pretoria (South Africa)
+27 123463298 (hours worked)
+27 817395411, +27 832830433 (excluding working hours)
Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+35 7 22651113 (hours worked)
Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+35 7 22801000 (hours worked)
CNA
