Cyprus introduces SafePass in all types of public transport

Positive cases must complete an e-form before receiving their quarantine release certificates

The Cypriot government has revised guidelines under the Quarantine Law regarding pandemic safety in public transport and self-isolation for people with a positive Covid-19 test. The measures are in response to the surge in new cases across the island.

SafePass for locals  

From 5 July, the so-called SafePass is required in all types of public transport. This applies to regular buses with a fare per passenger, buses with an E License, airport shuttle buses and taxis.

All staff and passengers, including children over the age of 12, must possess and present to authorised officials a document certifying "that a person is not a spreader of coronavirus infection". For permanent residents of the Republic of Cyprus, one of the following certificates will play the role of SafePass:

• Certificate of vaccination with at least one dose provided that three weeks have elapsed since the date of inoculation;
• Proof of recovery in the last six months;
• Negative result of a laboratory test or a rapid antigen test for Covid-19, with the testing performed within 72 hours.

Flight Pass and Disembarkation card for foreigners

From incoming visitors who are not permanent residents, the following documents will be accepted for inland travel on public transport: 

• Cyprus Flight Pass, in an electronic or handwritten form, for people arriving legally through the airports of Larnaka and Pafos;
• Proof provided by the Administrator of the Port in which a passenger ship docks;
• Disembarkation card provided for cruise ship passengers;
• EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).

Identity card or passport is needed as additional proof. The validity of documents (except EUDCC) expires seven days after the date of arrival. Afterwards, unvaccinated travellers must present a negative laboratory or rapid antigen test for Covid-19. Face masks are mandatory for employees and passengers in all means of public transport.  

E-registration needed for quarantine release certificates

As of 7 August, people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are self-isolating, need to fill out an electronic form if they want to get their release certificates when their quarantine period expires.

According to the revised health ministry guidelines, all confirmed cases will be receiving a link and access code via SMS to the mobile phone number they gave when doing the test. Then they will be required to complete the form with their personal information, contacts and name of their general practitioner. This can be done via smart phone, tablet or computer at https://phase.ucy.ac.cy/.

The access code will be valid 72 hours from the moment the SMS is received. “If this form is not completed correctly, then the cases will not receive the release certificates needed to prove their recovery,” the ministry emphasized in a statement.

On Friday, the health ministry announced 525 new Covid-19 cases, bringing confirmed infections to 104,994. Four more fatalities were reported which upped the death toll since the outbreak of the pandemic to 437. The average age of the deceased is 77.