SafePass: What applies in Cyprus

In which places is the SafePass presentation necessary and in which not?

At which places is it necessary to present evidence?

Persons aged 12 and over must have a SafePass and present it in case of a check by authorized Officers, in the following premises/businesses:

• Indoor spaces of catering establishments (Restaurants, cafes, bars, snack bars, etc.)
• Places of religious worship
• In-door theatres, cinemas and performing arts or spectacle halls
• Shopping centres and department stores
• Social events such as weddings, christenings and funerals
• Gyms, dance schools and other sports schools, in accordance with the guidelines by the Cyprus Sports Organisation
• Senior People’s homes, nursing homes, accommodation facilities for the chronically ill and other enclosed structures,
• Hotels and tourist accommodations
• Conferences, trade fairs
• Casinos

At which places is it not necessary to present evidence?

The presentation of evidence is not mandatory in the following places:

• Outdoor spaces of catering establishments
• Hair dressing salons, beauty parlours
• Banks
• Departments of the private, public and wider public sector where the public is served      
• Gambling and betting businesses
• Farmers’ markets, supermarkets, bakeries, butcheries, fishmongers, fruit markets, minimarkets, kiosks, pharmacies
• Beaches  
• Out-door picnic areas, dams and zoos.

Which certificates are accepted as a SafePass?

The SafePass for a negative result of a coronavirus test (PCR or rapid test) is presented in print form, as given at the private clinical laboratories or at the mobile testing units, in its original form, or in the form of a text message that is sent at the phone number of the individuals. In cases of proof of vaccination, the Vaccination Card issued by the Vaccination Centres is presented. In cases of people who have been ill with COVID-19 during the last 6 months, the text message for release sent to the citizens is presented.

Who bares the responsibility for checking for the possession of a SafePass?

The responsibility for checking for the possession of a SafePass lies only with the Officers of the Police or of the competent Ministries/Departments depending on the businesses that fall within the areas of their competence. The managers of the businesses/premises are not responsible for checking the SafePass and citizens are not obliged to present the SafePass in their possession to unauthorized persons.

Under what conditions is it allowed to hold lunches / dinners for social events, in restaurants, event halls and hotels / tourist accommodation?

As of 1 June, and until 9 June, holding lunches/dinners for weddings and baptisms is allowed in catering establishments or hotel facilities or event halls, by complying with the health protocol for social events, as follows:

• 150 persons in an indoor space for lunch or dinner, or
• 280 persons in an outdoor space for lunch or dinner
• Cocktail parties are allowed with a maximum number of 250 persons at any given time only in an outdoor space.

As of 10 June, and until 30 June, holding lunches/dinners for weddings and baptisms is allowed in catering establishments or hotel facilities or event halls, by complying with the health protocol, as follows:

• 200 persons in an indoor space for lunch or dinner, or
• 350 persons in an outdoor space for lunch or dinner
• Cocktail parties are allowed with a maximum number of 250 persons at any given time only in an outdoor space.

A prerequisite for the attendees is the presentation of evidence.

What is considered a social event?

Weddings, baptisms, graduation parties, etc., among others, are considered to be social events. For any form of social event, the framework and conditions (maximum number of people indoors and outdoors, reception, etc.) described in question 11 apply and the protocol for social events is followed.

A prerequisite for the attendees is the presentation of evidence.