Cyprus is set to relax its travel rules for Brits heading on holidays this month, which includes scrapping its pre-travel 'flight pass', and removing on-arrival Covid tests for unvaccinated travellers.
Under the current entry rules, all travellers are required to complete a Cyprus Flight Pass within 48 hours before arrival, regardless of vaccination status. However, from April 18 this Flight Pass will be axed for all travellers.
Meanwhile unvaccinated or partially vaccinated holidaymakers will no longer need to take an on-arrival Covid test at the airport, although they will still need to have proof of a negative Covid test pre-travel.
This can be either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel, or a rapid antigen test within 24 hours, with the rules applying to anyone aged 12 or over. Fully vaccinated travellers don't need a Covid test provided they can show proof of full Covid vaccination.
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SchengenVisaInfo reports that the country will also be easing its rules on its SafePass, essentially a Covid vaccine pass, meaning you won't need them for venues such as shopping centres and museums, although you'll still need them for the likes of restaurants.
Meanwhile, face mask rules have been eased for outdoor spaces. However, the UK Foreign Office warns: "The use of a face mask is compulsory in all indoor public spaces for everyone aged 6 and above. Failure to comply with restrictions may result in a €300 fine."
Cyprus isn't the only destination to be easing its rules for holidaymakers. For a start, 14 countries have axed Covid rules entirely, while others such as France, Greece and Spain have been relaxing travel restrictions including Covid tests and face masks.
Then there's the bonus that the UK's own travel rules having ended, meaning no passenger locator forms or other entry requirements on your return home!
It's not just Covid admin to keep in mind though. This week, the Home Office has warned Brits to check their passports now ahead of summer, as passport applications - including renewals- are taking up to 10 weeks because of delays following Covid.
To make matters a little more confusing, countries have their own requirements when it comes to passport validity, as do airlines - so we've put together a guide to passport rules including easyJet, TUI, Jet2, British Airways and Ryanair to give you a helping hand.
- Travel restrictions can change quickly due to the nature of the pandemic. Always check the Foreign Office's latest advice for your destination before booking and going on a trip abroad.
Do you feel more confident in booking holidays abroad this year, or will you be sticking to staycations? Let us know in the comments below.
