The early and prompt action that the governments of North and South Cyprus took to control COVID – 19 has given them a unique competitive advantage in the rush to salvage whatever is left of the 2020 summer holiday season.
North Cyprus had 108 cases with a death toll of 4 people and their Southern counterparts had 950 cases with a death toll of 17 people. The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus has been hailed as a success story in the fight against COVID – 19. They are set to allow travel without quarantine as of July 1, 2020. The border crossings between the North and South will also open on the same day.
The Republic of Cyprus, on the other hand, has pledged to cover the healthcare costs of anyone who tests positive while on holiday there.
A hospital and quarantine hotels for any dependants are ready to cater to any tourist who contracts the virus while vacationing in Cyprus. This pledge mentions the health protocols ( social distancing and hygiene rules ) that the island will adopt when the southern region reopens to air travel on June 9, 2020. This will definitely boost confidence amongst travelers especially Muslim travelers.
Prior to opening up, the government conducted extensive staff training on the health, safety, and hygiene protocols that have been developed for all hospitality establishments.
Any violations of these protocols involve heavy fines. One of the halal-friendly hotels featured on HalalTravels.com is Kemerli Konak Boutique Hotel and you will immediately notice their safety pledge on their website.
Not anyone can visit Cyprus yet. The gradual easing of restrictions by the Republic of Cyprus involves reopening the Larnaca and Paphos Airports. The airports will be opened in two phases.
PHASE 1: Beginning June 9, 2020
PHASE 2: Beginning June 20, 2020
Flights are permitted to arrive from 19 countries which have, in turn, been separated into two categories. The list of countries is continuously being updated based on the latest data available. ( Please make sure to check with your Halal Travel Experts to get the latest information.)
Category A: Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Lithuania.
Category B: Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia, and the Czech Republic.
Under Phase 1, which starts on June 9, 2020, all travelers to the Republic of Cyprus from Category A and B countries must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours before boarding a flight. If you are traveling from a Category A or B country where testing is not available, testing is required upon arrival at Cyprus airports.
Under Phase 2, which starts on 20 June, only passengers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus from a Category B country will require proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours before boarding a flight.
Once restrictions are eased, Muslim travelers have to discover the gem that is hidden in North Cyprus.
You have so much choice when it comes to the clean beaches. To mention a few, there are Acapulco, Camelot, Denizkizi ( Mermaid ), Karpaz, Glapsides, and Silver beaches. Kyrenia, Famagusta, and Bafra are areas that are highly frequented by Muslim travelers seeking halal-friendly vacations.
The island features many small and sandy coves which fulfill the halal-friendly and family-friendly criteria.
Most hotels along the coast have their own private sandy beaches as well. However, halal holiday seekers who seek ultimate privacy will naturally opt to stay in private villas and there is a wide array of villas to choose from. Our Halal Travel Experts are on hand to provide you with all the villa options. You can soak up the sun or enjoy the sea with your family enjoying your privacy and not worrying about any glaring eyes whenever your children are having absolute fun. For the adventurous ones, parasailing, scuba diving, and jet skis are some exciting activities to engage in.
North Cyprus is a Muslim friendly destination that can trace back its Islamic roots to 649 AD. A lot of history can be discovered upon visiting this fascinating cultural and historical Island.
Halal-friendly accommodations like Aphrodite Hills Golf & Spa Resort residences and halal food is plentiful. The Mediterranean diet is of course amongst the healthiest ones so this is a unique opportunity to be on vacation and still enjoy healthy, halal cuisine.
It is time for me to learn some Turkish and Greek words but you go ahead and reach out to us at Halaltravels.com for your free itinerary or email us at info@halaltravels.com and you may also get a free issue of our e-magazine, Battuta.
Sources: The Guardian, CyprusMail, Anadolu agency, US Embassy in Cyprus
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