Announcement concerning the issuance of Travel Advice for a number of countries in the southern part of the African continent following the identification of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (B.1.1.529 or Omicron)
In light of the latest developments regarding the identification of a new variant (Omicron) of the SARS-COV-2 coronavitus in a number of countries in the southern part of the African continent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued today new Travel Advice, according to which Cypriots are advised to avoid, until further notice, all non-essential travel to the following countries: Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Cypriot citizens who are located in the aforementioned countries for temporary stay, are encouraged to make arrangements for their departure as soon as possible using international commercial flights that continue to operate. It should be noted that some international airlines have temporarily suspended their flights to/from the above countries due to the situation, whilst it is likely that other airlines will follow suit in the coming days.
Cypriot citizens who choose to extend their stay in these countries are encouraged to:
- register, or if they have already registered to update their details, on the online platform of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs connect2cy,
- contact the Cyprus High Commission in Pretoria (South Africa) and report on their presence there, and
- monitor the local and international media for the latest developments regarding the current situation in relation to the pandemic, follow the relevant instructions of the local authorities and take individual protection measures.
Entry to the Republic of any person who during the last 14 days before their arrival at the point of entry either resided or transited through the territory of these countries is governed by the conditions laid out in the relevant Announcement of the Ministry of Health, dated 26 November 2021.
In case of emergency, directly affected Cypriot citizens can call the following telephone numbers:
High Commission of Cyprus in Pretoria (South Africa)
+27 123463298 (working hours)
+27 817395411, +27 832830433 (outside working hours)
Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+35 7 22651113 (working hours)
Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
+35 7 22801000 (working hours)