Cyprus is set to open its borders to vaccinated tourists from the UK from May 1, but restrictions on travel will still be in place at that time.
The Cypriot government said British nationals who can prove they’ve had two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can enter Cyprus without the need for tests or quarantines.
However, the UK government has said holidays abroad will not be possible until at least 17 May. Nor has it indicated which countries we will be able to travel to, and what tests or quarantine periods will be required.
Should I book a holiday to Cyprus from May 1?
No. Definitely don’t book a holiday to Cyprus between 1 and 16 May. All holidays are currently banned and will not be permitted until 17 May at the earliest.
Should I book a holiday to Cyprus from 17 May?
We wouldn’t recommend it. This is the earliest the government has said holidays can take place, but it is dependent on a review of health data.
In the roadmap out of lockdown the government said it will assess the ‘global and domestic epidemiological picture, the prevalence and location of any Variants of Concern, the progress of vaccine rollouts here and abroad, and what more the Government has learned about the efficacy of vaccines on variants, and the impact on transmission, hospitalisation and deaths.’
It means if COVID-19 variants, or the efficacy of vaccine transmission are a concern at the time of the review, the date permitting international travel could be changed.
If you book a package holiday in late May to Cyprus and the date is pushed back, you should be entitled to a refund under the Package Travel Regulations, although some online travel agents have not adhered to this rule if the airline doesn’t cancel the flight.
Through lockdowns, quarantines and government advice for people not to travel several airlines have continued to fly and refused customers refunds, even if they can’t take the flight.
Additionally, if you’ve booked just a hotel in Cyprus and it’s non-refundable, you’ll lose this money too.
Vaccines and vaccine passports for Cyprus
You should also wait to book if you’re unsure when you’ll receive your COVID-19 jabs. To be permitted into Cyprus you will need to have had your second dose of the vaccine at least seven days before you travel. If you don’t end up having it in time for any reason, your holiday company would likely not refund you for this reason.
There are other issues too, such as proving you’ve had the jab. The UK government is considering using vaccine passports or certificates to show you’ve been inoculated, but this has not been decided. If you can’t prove it, you may not be allowed to travel to Cyprus at the end of May. Read more about whether COVID passports will re-start travel again.
The other problem you could face at the time of the holiday is Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice. It currently advises against all but essential travel. At the time of travel, Cyprus may let you in quarantine and test-free, but if the FCDO does not provide a ‘travel corridor’ to Cyprus, there’s a possibility you’ll have to pay to quarantine in a hotel when you return from the holiday. This will be £1750 and could make costs unmanageable.
Find out more about quarantine hotels and whether summer holidays will go ahead
If I want to book for 17 May or beyond, how can I protect myself financially?
If you do decide to risk it and book, choose a package holiday with a reputable company, such as Trailfinders, Jet2holidays or any other Which? Recommended Holiday Provider. If we are banned from travelling at the time of your holiday, they will refund you.
A good package holiday provider will also refund if the FCDO advises against travel at the time of your holiday. Avoid online travel agents, some won’t refund in this instance.
For more advice on how to book a holiday safely, read our dos and don’ts. And make sure you choose a trusted holiday provider with flexible policies.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/03/cyprus-will-let-vaccinated-uk-tourists-in-from-may-should-i-book-a-holiday/