Paphos People

I was due to come back before corona virus hit and the world went into lock down, now things are starting to get better I have tried to get a flight to come and view some villas, now there is another issue.

Because Cyprus classifies the UK as class B country we need to have a certificate within 72 hours of flying to say that we are Virus free, Okay I thought no problem I will get one done, but I cannot because under Government guidelines I do not have Covid symptoms and I am not eligible to have one a point that Matt Hancock and the PM stressed today.

I can get one done privately, but that will cost me £129 Stirling and as there are two of us you are talking about £258 before the flight costs, so is there anyone who knows a way round it or is it a matter of either pay it or not pay and stay in the UK.

Advice please.

I know of two different families travelling here from the UK in the next few days. One is paying £175 each for tests and the other has been quoted £200, so, on that basis, £129 sounds like a deal.

Alternatively you can develop a cough!

1. STAY AT HOME unless you deem your travel to be ‘essential’
2. You say that “now things are starting to get better” I have to disagree with that since the figures in England are rapidly on the increase again and restrictions are being reinstated to many areas. I can personally see the UK getting dropped to Cat C if the numbers keep rising.
3. The UK Government stopped people getting ’holiday / travel tests’ since people who genuinely need a test because they are showing symptoms, can’t get it or have to travel great distances to get one
4. If you want to come to Cyprus with a view to moving back here you have to either pay the costs or stay away. Trying to find a way round or circumventing the rules of the host country is not a good idea.

The rules are quite specific
As of 1 August 2020, the UK is in Cyprus’ Category B: this means that tourists are permitted to travel to Cyprus, but they need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival, obtained within 72 hours before travel. On 31 July 2020, The Republic of Cyprus government announced that test results can be in the form of an email or SMS, but the result itself and/or appointment letter must include the date and time when the test was taken. Children under 12 years old do not require to be tested in order to travel to Cyprus
All travellers to Cyprus must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before travelling, available on the Cyprus Flight Pass website. You will be responsible for ensuring your PCR test result is uploaded to Cyprus Flight Pass within 24 hours of your departure. If you need to provide your appointment letter you can upload both documents in a single photo. In addition to obtaining the Cyprus Flight Pass, passengers are required to carry with them, in hard copy or electronically, copies of these documents. You will be asked to present your flight pass prior to boarding and on arrival at immigration.
Legal residents of Cyprus and Cypriot ID holders, who are permitted to enter Cyprus on presentation of proof of residence or Cypriot nationality, may be tested on arrival in Cyprus – further details are available on the Cyprus Flight Pass website and from the Republic of Cyprus Information Office.

PLEASE NOTE:-
Any suggestions from members about ‘pretending’ to have symptoms in order to get a free NHS test are solely the suggestions / opinions of members and ARE NOT endorsed by Paphos People Forum

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Dave
Moira And Dave

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”

Reading on various Paphos groups

Although stressful ..because of 72 hour protocols ...and extra costs

Lots of people are now arriving using private testing companies

Best of luck

Good post Dave!
I have to say that it beggars belief that as migmogs says many people are paying a lot of money to obtain private tests to come on holiday but everyone is moaning that they are so hard up and the Government needs to help them more?!

Lots of people have worked throughout the pandemic and are exhausted

And are looking to recharge their batteries before winter

people still need holidays

and we are a holiday destination

It is sad that anyone needs to be tested ...and that the uk private companies ...test charges are so high
These private companies are profiteering from holiday makers
Tests are a lot cheaper here at 60 euros a test
But
Tests ARE needed to stop the spread of this Covid disease

Roll on the time when it is all behind us ...though that could be a few years away

The flights are so cheap just now you will save the cost of your test, we had our £400 flights cancelled and re=booked for £120 leaving £280 to pay for the tests.