UK Government Announcement on PCR tests in North

[Butterflyaway]

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advic ... mmediately

The British High Commission is aware of issues that some passengers have had with airlines not accepting pre-departure COVID PCR test certificates from the north of Cyprus and is seeking clarification from the Republic of Cyprus. We advise all travellers with questions or concerns about pre-departure testing to seek advice directly from their airline well ahead of travel.

Note: Just seen same message posted similar time on the other topic relating to PCR tests.

[Asia111]

I emailed Jet2 for clarification. Have not received a reply - yet!

[caulkhead]

I emailed the HC consular office and they said it was up to the airlines. I then emailed BA and they said they followed Government advice. I asked what that was and they said they couldn’t tell me for fear of giving me incorrect advice.

[jameslevel7]

I emailed the HC consular office and they said it was up to the airlines. I then emailed BA and they said they followed Government advice. I asked what that was and they said they couldn’t tell me for fear of giving me incorrect advice.

Sounds like BA.
But can you tell me how you were able to email BA let alone get an answer. I can only find telephone enquiry numbers on their site for all enquiries?

[Butterflyaway]

I emailed the HC consular office and they said it was up to the airlines. I then emailed BA and they said they followed Government advice. I asked what that was and they said they couldn’t tell me for fear of giving me incorrect advice.

Sounds like BA.
But can you tell me how you were able to email BA let alone get an answer. I can only find telephone enquiry numbers on their site for all enquiries?

Open www.ba.com

At the bottom on right, click “Customer Committment”

Click “find out more” in the box “Listening to your feedback”

Click “Contact our Customer Relations Team”

Complete all 5 areas, only then will they email you your feedback.

Long winded, but BA do not publish an email address.

[caulkhead]

My original message was via their website but the exchange was with webformuk@email.ba.com but not sure if it will work without an incident number.

[PoshinDevon]

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advic ... mmediately

The British High Commission is aware of issues that some passengers have had with airlines not accepting pre-departure COVID PCR test certificates from the north of Cyprus and is seeking clarification from the Republic of Cyprus. We advise all travellers with questions or concerns about pre-departure testing to seek advice directly from their airline well ahead of travel.

Note: Just seen same message posted similar time on the other topic relating to PCR tests.

Finally the BHC are slowly grinding into action. The important part of there statement is that they are “seeking clarification from the ROC”.

In political terms I take that to mean that the U.K. government has detailed the testing criteria for entry into the U.K. so will the ROC government please explain why certain airlines are refusing to accept TRNC PCR tests whilst others are accepting the same test.

It’s taken a few days and for many has caused frustration, confusion and anger.

[jameslevel7]

I emailed the HC consular office and they said it was up to the airlines. I then emailed BA and they said they followed Government advice. I asked what that was and they said they couldn’t tell me for fear of giving me incorrect advice.

Sounds like BA.
But can you tell me how you were able to email BA let alone get an answer. I can only find telephone enquiry numbers on their site for all enquiries?

Open www.ba.com

At the bottom on right, click “Customer Committment”

Click “find out more” in the box “Listening to your feedback”

Click “Contact our Customer Relations Team”

Complete all 5 areas, only then will they email you your feedback.

Long winded, but BA do not publish an email address.

Many thanks Butterflyaway.This is most useful,
The only consistency with BA is obfuscation.

[jameslevel7]

My original message was via their website but the exchange was with webformuk@email.ba.com but not sure if it will work without an incident number.

Thank you caulkhead. that is most helpful.
BA insulate themselves from customer service very effectively.
Sales, you are swamped with contacts.
Then you pay your money.
Then if you have questions or complaints " Here is a brick wall against which to bang your head". Now Fox Trot Oscar and leave us to be the "Worlds
Favourite Airline".

[Deniz1]

BHC finally found time then. Maybe they were too busy quaffing drinks with their Greek friends.

[oldham]

I have emailed Wizzair for clarification, that was on Thursday, still awaiting their response!

[Wireless01]

In case I can help - we are flying back with BA and I emailed their customer service as a complaint - they said

Thank you for having written to us enquiring about the PCR Covid-19 test.

We've got a partnership with 'Sherpa' for Covid-19 requirements advice - on the following ba.com page please click the "Check requirements" link within the "Check entry requirements" box:

https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-res ... equirement

For any further clarification, please contact the embassy for the country you have the travel query about.

Please feel free to let us know if you have any more questions.

--------------------------------
The bottom line is they go by the advice on this site - the link asks where you are flying to and from and provides guidance on PCR tests as follows

Travelers must have a valid negative COVID-19 (NAAT: PCR or LAMP, or antigen) test result in English, French, or Spanish. The test must be taken a maximum of 3 days before departure of the last direct flight to the United Kingdom.

This requirement applies to all travelers including United Kingdom citizens, residents, and all transit passengers.

-----------------------------

I intend to take printouts of the Sherpa guidance and the BA email - just in case

Good luck to all

[Geoff1131]

Has anyone thought of getting the UK gutter press involved?? they are usually full of themselves when any problems arise. Maybe someone could let them know what the situation is and what are the UK government doing about it? Thats normally how their lines go.

[£eagle]

In message 12 what does the word "valid" ...test cover? Is a TRNC test valid?

[Wireless01]

Valid according to UK government web site is that it was taken within 72 hours of your flight.

[wanderer]

Government website gave specific labs for Croatia a couple of weeks ago so uk government does specify there were a couple of labs for split

[Wireless01]

Can I ask anyone that reads this to like or re tweet this tweet I sent to the UK Consulate in North Cyprus? Just follow them on twitter and you'll see this tweet from me - I am @OzBat99 on twitter - thanks

@UKinCyprus
Can you please clarify why some check in staff at Larnaca (EasyJet, Whizz Air and Jet2) refuse boarding to those with PCR tests taken in North Cyprus that comply with UK guidelines? A directive from you would be useful.

[waz-24-7]

I doubt very much that any airline will take the lead upon validity of TRNC covid tests.

[Wireless01]

I agree that nothing will happen Unless we or as many British citizens as possible complain in the strongest terms.

[Bert]

Has anyone with TRnc test been refused entry by BA ???

[PoshinDevon]

I doubt very much that any airline will take the lead upon validity of TRNC covid tests.

Incorrect.

A quick search on social media sites, especially those linked to North Cyprus will show this is not the case. There are examples of passengers contacting BA and Jet2 and receiving replies confirming that providing the PCR test meets the guidelines as detailed on the U.K. government website then they will be accepted.

I have just read a Jet2 Customer Service response to this query on a FB site. In summary it’s states:-

“Thanks for getting in touch.

I have checked with our managers at Larnaca airport who have advised that any test which meets with the U.K. government guidelines will be accepted for travel. It should not make any difference if the test was taken in Northern Cyprus. The test is for entry into the U.K. and not departure from Cyprus.”

Jet2 Passengers are printing this response in case it is required at check in.

It does appear that some airlines are taking the lead and providing a good service to their customers.

Many emails of complaint have been sent to those airlines whose check in staff are refusing to accept TRNC PCR tests. In addition the BHC are aware of the issues but unfortunately have been slow to respond.

If I was looking to fly from the ROC to the U.K. I know which airlines I would be using.

[Maisiemoo]

I have seen no reports of passengers having problems with BA, which suggests they have clearly communicated the situation to their check-in staff. Jet2 have now taken a stand so it will be interesting to see if the other airlines follow suit, in particular Easyjet.

[Asia111]

Does anyone have the telephone no of United Nations?

Whilst pcr test is ultimately the airlines decision, there are probably other Influencers playing a game!

Additionally, I hear there is a imminent threat for those crossing from North to South from Sept (having entered via Ercan). Some folk may feel bullied, intimidated or at worst arrested if they decide to cross the border to exit via Larnaca from Sept.

A suggestion that you are going to phone UN for advice on ‘humanitarian grounds’ if challenged at the border or airport may just help move things along to your advantage.

Let’s hope things settle down so we can all get on with our lives in peace and harmony!

[PoshinDevon]

Does anyone have the telephone no of United Nations?

Whilst pcr test is ultimately the airlines decision, there are probably other Influencers playing a game!

Additionally, I hear there is a imminent threat for those crossing from North to South from Sept (having entered via Ercan). Some folk may feel bullied, intimidated or at worst arrested if they decide to cross the border to exit via Larnaca from Sept.

A suggestion that you are going to phone UN for advice on ‘humanitarian grounds’ if challenged at the border or airport may just help move things along to your advantage.

Let’s hope things settle down so we can all get on with our lives in peace and harmony!

Good suggestion.

However it is not the airlines decision on PCR tests. The type of PCR test required for entry into the U.K. is set out on the U.K. government website. Providing the test meets the criteria as advised then it is acceptable.

Airlines should be checking to see the test meets the U.K. government requirements for entry. The U.K. government have not said tests carried out in the TRNC are illegal. BA and Jet 2 confirm this.

The check in staff cannot say a TRNC PCR test is illegal if it meets the U.K. regulations. Nor can they say you must have a test carried out in the ROC.

Whilst EasyJet and WizzAir seem to be the airlines giving passengers difficulties, hopefully things will improve over the next few days.

[Asia111]

Found the following UN contacts on search engine

[£eagle]

The standard the UK requires for acceptable tests is:

"Type of test
The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a PCR test
a LAMP test
an antigen test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) test
You must check with your test provider that the test meets the standards. You may not be able to travel if it does not."

[PoshinDevon]

A TRNC Hotel contacted EasyJet and received a reply. Taken from a FB site for information.

Posted below. The reply from EasyJet is first and below is the original complaint. At last it looks as if sanity will return and the unfair bias by EasyJet check in staff should now stop.


Dear T Ozdemir,
Thank you for your email to Johan, he has asked me to reply on his behalf.
I tried to contact you on +907956194621 but it only rang once and was cut off. I am sorry to hear you are not satisfied with our previous PCR requirements. We have escalated our customers concerns and we have confirmed: “Following further clarity provided on the local requirements for Covid-19 test and vaccination results when travelling from Paphos and Larnaca [to the UK], negative test results or vaccinations taken anywhere in Cyrus can now be accepted as long as they continue to meet the UK government requirements for arrival in the UK [or destination country]. “
I hope the above statement will impact our mutual customers decision when coming to choosing which airline to travel with.
We appreciate your continuous patronage.
Kind regards,
Kanyisa
easyJet Executive Support
follow us: www.twitter.com/easyJet
friend us: www.facebook.com/easyJet
follow us: www.instagram.com/easyjet
book us: www.easyJet.com


Dear Mr. Johan Lundgren- CEO Easy Jet
We have been using EASY JET flights for our customers and ourselves for years for the TOURISM purposes in the UK and Cyprus.
We are UK based company and deal with flights to LARNACA & PAPHOS from the UK.
We wish to bring it your attention that the recent incidents at the Cyprus airports regarding the PCR tests acceptance obtained from a proper Hospitals/Clinics based in the North CYPRUS.
Under the present difficult circumstances for our industry is outrages and only loosing business for us and for you.We understand most of the problems are being caused by Airport ground staff which they are rude and unhelpful (not the Easy Jet personel).
Everybody now wishes to CANCEL their existing flights and try book with alternative airlines (BA and JET2) which they have no issues and let people board without any problem.All the enquiries now do not want to use Easy Jet flights.
We look forward to hearing your comments.(please note the UK government and all the other airlines accept these tests as official documents . They are also accepted by ROC to cross from NORTH/SOUTH CYPRUS).
Yours faithfully,
Mr.T.Taner Ozdemir , The SIp Inn Hotel, Kyrenia

[Geoff1131]

Hit them in the pocket and all the problems go away. Maybe the North should now impose a charge on Greek cars filling up in the north with petrol? Just a thought.

[waz-24-7]

I doubt very much that any airline will take the lead upon validity of TRNC covid tests.

Incorrect.

A quick search on social media sites, especially those linked to North Cyprus will show this is not the case. There are examples of passengers contacting BA and Jet2 and receiving replies confirming that providing the PCR test meets the guidelines as detailed on the U.K. government website then they will be accepted.

I have just read a Jet2 Customer Service response to this query on a FB site. In summary it’s states:-

“Thanks for getting in touch.

I have checked with our managers at Larnaca airport who have advised that any test which meets with the U.K. government guidelines will be accepted for travel. It should not make any difference if the test was taken in Northern Cyprus. The test is for entry into the U.K. and not departure from Cyprus.”

Jet2 Passengers are printing this response in case it is required at check in.

It does appear that some airlines are taking the lead and providing a good service to their customers.

Many emails of complaint have been sent to those airlines whose check in staff are refusing to accept TRNC PCR tests. In addition the BHC are aware of the issues but unfortunately have been slow to respond.

If I was looking to fly from the ROC to the U.K. I know which airlines I would be using.

I think you'll find that the caveat will be "as detailed on the UK government website" Or as directed by the UK government Or other similar lines.
The UK government make the rules upon entry. The ROC make the rules upon entry and visas within the ROC. The TRNC in this matter has litte clout.
Airlines and their staff are not law makers and have no jurisdiction upon covid policy that effects entry to or from the UK
Certainly pressure upon airlines; based on revenue rewards could only benefit the cause to secure acknowledgment by the Uk government of the difficulties.

[PoshinDevon]

Waz…. See below

The U.K. set the requirements for entry into the U.K. as detailed on the government website. After a week of confusion, frustration and anger it now appears that EasyJet has finally accepted that providing passengers follow the U.K. regulations regarding PCR tests, then they will be accepted. Passengers travelling last week with tests which met the U.K. regulations were being refused boarding for no reason other than they were done in the TRNC. EasyJet handling staff will not be able to now arbitrarily refuse boarding. There inconsistency in applying the regulations fairly and without bias should no longer happen. BA did take the lead on this by accepting the tests carried out in the TRNC with passengers reporting no problems, Jet2 followed as did TUI. Now the main offender; EasyJet has done the same.

Two emails below taken from another social media site. The second email is a complaint to EasyJet, the first is the reply. Complaining has helped plus the threat of passengers not booking has had a positive affect.

FROM EASYJET
Dear T Ozdemir,
Thank you for your email to Johan, he has asked me to reply on his behalf.
I tried to contact you on +907956194621 but it only rang once and was cut off. I am sorry to hear you are not satisfied with our previous PCR requirements. We have escalated our customers concerns and we have confirmed: “Following further clarity provided on the local requirements for Covid-19 test and vaccination results when travelling from Paphos and Larnaca [to the UK], negative test results or vaccinations taken anywhere in Cyrus can now be accepted as long as they continue to meet the UK government requirements for arrival in the UK [or destination country]. “
I hope the above statement will impact our mutual customers decision when coming to choosing which airline to travel with.
We appreciate your continuous patronage.
Kind regards,
Kanyisa
easyJet Executive Support


COMPLAINT TO EASYJET

Dear Mr. Johan Lundgren- CEO Easy Jet
We have been using EASY JET flights for our customers and ourselves for years for the TOURISM purposes in the UK and Cyprus.
We are UK based company and deal with flights to LARNACA & PAPHOS from the UK.
We wish to bring it your attention that the recent incidents at the Cyprus airports regarding the PCR tests acceptance obtained from a proper Hospitals/Clinics based in the North CYPRUS.
Under the present difficult circumstances for our industry is outrages and only loosing business for us and for you.We understand most of the problems are being caused by Airport ground staff which they are rude and unhelpful (not the Easy Jet personel).
Everybody now wishes to CANCEL their existing flights and try book with alternative airlines (BA and JET2) which they have no issues and let people board without any problem.All the enquiries now do not want to use Easy Jet flights.
We look forward to hearing your comments.(please note the UK government and all the other airlines accept these tests as official documents . They are also accepted by ROC to cross from NORTH/SOUTH CYPRUS).
Yours faithfully,
Mr.T.Taner Ozdemir , The SIp Inn Hotel, Kyrenia

[waz-24-7]

Waz…. See below

The U.K. set the requirements for entry into the U.K. as detailed on the government website. After a week of confusion, frustration and anger it now appears that EasyJet has finally accepted that providing passengers follow the U.K. regulations regarding PCR tests, then they will be accepted. Passengers travelling last week with tests which met the U.K. regulations were being refused boarding for no reason other than they were done in the TRNC. EasyJet handling staff will not be able to now arbitrarily refuse boarding. There inconsistency in applying the regulations fairly and without bias should no longer happen. BA did take the lead on this by accepting the tests carried out in the TRNC with passengers reporting no problems, Jet2 followed as did TUI. Now the main offender; EasyJet has done the same.

Two emails below taken from another social media site. The second email is a complaint to EasyJet, the first is the reply. Complaining has helped plus the threat of passengers not booking has had a positive affect.

FROM EASYJET
Dear T Ozdemir,
Thank you for your email to Johan, he has asked me to reply on his behalf.
I tried to contact you on +907956194621 but it only rang once and was cut off. I am sorry to hear you are not satisfied with our previous PCR requirements. We have escalated our customers concerns and we have confirmed: “Following further clarity provided on the local requirements for Covid-19 test and vaccination results when travelling from Paphos and Larnaca [to the UK], negative test results or vaccinations taken anywhere in Cyrus can now be accepted as long as they continue to meet the UK government requirements for arrival in the UK [or destination country]. “
I hope the above statement will impact our mutual customers decision when coming to choosing which airline to travel with.
We appreciate your continuous patronage.
Kind regards,
Kanyisa
easyJet Executive Support

Yes indeed,
UK regulations and protocols are set by the UK government and the airlines in general very understandably follow the guidance and or legislation.
The airlines do not make the rules , or laws. They may possibly interpret them differently but will not go against the government.
The TRNC and matters of entry and exit are of little importance. The majority of holiday traffic to Cyprus is destined for ROC resorts. UK visitors to TRNC will likely decline in the next few years as access becomes more restricted. Consequently I see even less UK government time allocated to issues within the TRNC. Who knows how long Covid testing will be required. It is, right now, just another opportunity for hindering UK travellers wishing to visit TRNC via the ROC.


COMPLAINT TO EASYJET

Dear Mr. Johan Lundgren- CEO Easy Jet
We have been using EASY JET flights for our customers and ourselves for years for the TOURISM purposes in the UK and Cyprus.
We are UK based company and deal with flights to LARNACA & PAPHOS from the UK.
We wish to bring it your attention that the recent incidents at the Cyprus airports regarding the PCR tests acceptance obtained from a proper Hospitals/Clinics based in the North CYPRUS.
Under the present difficult circumstances for our industry is outrages and only loosing business for us and for you.We understand most of the problems are being caused by Airport ground staff which they are rude and unhelpful (not the Easy Jet personel).
Everybody now wishes to CANCEL their existing flights and try book with alternative airlines (BA and JET2) which they have no issues and let people board without any problem.All the enquiries now do not want to use Easy Jet flights.
We look forward to hearing your comments.(please note the UK government and all the other airlines accept these tests as official documents . They are also accepted by ROC to cross from NORTH/SOUTH CYPRUS).
Yours faithfully,
Mr.T.Taner Ozdemir , The SIp Inn Hotel, Kyrenia

Yes indeed,
UK regulations and protocols are set by the UK government and the airlines in general very understandably follow the guidance and or legislation.
The airlines do not make the rules , or laws. They may possibly interpret them differently but will not go against the government.
The TRNC and matters of entry and exit are of little importance. The majority of holiday traffic to Cyprus is destined for ROC resorts. UK visitors to TRNC will likely decline in the next few years as access becomes more restricted. Consequently I see even less UK government time allocated to issues within the TRNC. Who knows how long Covid testing will be required. It is, right now, just another opportunity for hindering UK travellers wishing to visit TRNC via the ROC.

[PoshinDevon]

Waz

My posts specifically refer to travellers wishing to fly from Larnaca who have experienced difficulties in the last week. Many reported issues of TRNC PCR tests meeting U.K. government guidelines being refused. The reason given by some airline check in staff no was they were not valid. Passengers questioned this and asked for evidence, documentation etc which was not forthcoming. After a worrying few days of confusion and frustration if now appears that most airlibes, BA, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet have confirmed that TRNC PCR tests are accepted.

I have no idea why you are mentioning arrival into the ROC, declining tourists to the TRNC etc.

[waz-24-7]

Waz

My posts specifically refer to travellers wishing to fly from Larnaca who have experienced difficulties in the last week. Many reported issues of TRNC PCR tests meeting U.K. government guidelines being refused. The reason given by some airline check in staff no was they were not valid. Passengers questioned this and asked for evidence, documentation etc which was not forthcoming. After a worrying few days of confusion and frustration if now appears that most airlibes, BA, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet have confirmed that TRNC PCR tests are accepted.

I have no idea why you are mentioning arrival into the ROC, declining tourists to the TRNC etc.

Posh,
My point is that it is the UK government that will relay the COVID entry requirements to Citizens and persons and businesses involved in the movement of people. It would appear that some airlines have interpreted the advice/law differently. Airline acceptance should not be confused with UK border force acceptance.
This is because of the Unique situation found upon Cyprus. The ROC and TRNC will certainly not unilaterally agree on validity of Covid tests, visas , ports of entry and exit or indeed much at all.

This is not a favourable situation for me and you as we have clearly seen. I'm afraid that the new vulnerability of UK travellers visiting the EU and particularly Cyprus is once again illustrated.

I am not sure if the UK government have now categorically indicated acceptance of TRNC PCR tests. Perhaps you know. Rest assured the ROC will be none too pleased if they have.

[Soner]

Waz

My posts specifically refer to travellers wishing to fly from Larnaca who have experienced difficulties in the last week. Many reported issues of TRNC PCR tests meeting U.K. government guidelines being refused. The reason given by some airline check in staff no was they were not valid. Passengers questioned this and asked for evidence, documentation etc which was not forthcoming. After a worrying few days of confusion and frustration if now appears that most airlibes, BA, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet have confirmed that TRNC PCR tests are accepted.

I have no idea why you are mentioning arrival into the ROC, declining tourists to the TRNC etc.

Posh,
My point is that it is the UK government that will relay the COVID entry requirements to Citizens and persons and businesses involved in the movement of people. It would appear that some airlines have interpreted the advice/law differently. Airline acceptance should not be confused with UK border force acceptance.
This is because of the Unique situation found upon Cyprus. The ROC and TRNC will certainly not unilaterally agree on validity of Covid tests, visas , ports of entry and exit or indeed much at all.

This is not a favourable situation for me and you as we have clearly seen. I'm afraid that the new vulnerability of UK travellers visiting the EU and particularly Cyprus is once again illustrated.

I am not sure if the UK government have now categorically indicated acceptance of TRNC PCR tests. Perhaps you know. Rest assured the ROC will be none too pleased if they have.

Nonsense. The RoC accept TRNC PCR tests. I have crossed borders many times. They were simply playing their silly games for as long as they possibly could, to cause unnecessary hardship to visitors leaving the island. If TRNC PCR accepted in RoC and in UK, then no reason for it to be refused at RoC Airports. A pathetic rule of which some on that side must have found it to be amusing. Shame on those that implemented it.

[marlowe78]

Can someone advise if a PCR test is required to travel from north to south or is a lateral flow acceptable

[Soner]

Can someone advise if a PCR test is required to travel from north to south or is a lateral flow acceptable

A negative 72 hour lateral flow (Antigen) test is acceptable, if double jabbed then 7 days.

[PoshinDevon]

Waz

My posts specifically refer to travellers wishing to fly from Larnaca who have experienced difficulties in the last week. Many reported issues of TRNC PCR tests meeting U.K. government guidelines being refused. The reason given by some airline check in staff no was they were not valid. Passengers questioned this and asked for evidence, documentation etc which was not forthcoming. After a worrying few days of confusion and frustration if now appears that most airlibes, BA, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet have confirmed that TRNC PCR tests are accepted.

I have no idea why you are mentioning arrival into the ROC, declining tourists to the TRNC etc.

Posh,
My point is that it is the UK government that will relay the COVID entry requirements to Citizens and persons and businesses involved in the movement of people. It would appear that some airlines have interpreted the advice/law differently. Airline acceptance should not be confused with UK border force acceptance.
This is because of the Unique situation found upon Cyprus. The ROC and TRNC will certainly not unilaterally agree on validity of Covid tests, visas , ports of entry and exit or indeed much at all.

This is not a favourable situation for me and you as we have clearly seen. I'm afraid that the new vulnerability of UK travellers visiting the EU and particularly Cyprus is once again illustrated.

I am not sure if the UK government have now categorically indicated acceptance of TRNC PCR tests. Perhaps you know. Rest assured the ROC will be none too pleased if they have.

Nonsense. The RoC accept TRNC PCR tests. I have crossed borders many times. They were simply playing their silly games for as long as they possibly could, to cause unnecessary hardship to visitors leaving the island. If TRNC PCR accepted in RoC and in UK, then no reason for it to be refused at RoC Airports. A pathetic rule of which some on that side must have found it to be amusing. Shame on those that implemented it.

Exactly Soner.

It was a “game” being played by certain airline check in staff at Larnaca airport. It was done purely to cause stress, anger and frustration to those coming from the TRNC and travelling to the U.K.

It took lots of emails of complaint to the airlines concerned before the issue was resolved.

Despite the efforts of Waz to try and drag the EU/Brexit into the topic, this was all about the actions of check in staff who were deliberately making things difficult for TRNC travellers.

[waz-24-7]

Waz

My posts specifically refer to travellers wishing to fly from Larnaca who have experienced difficulties in the last week. Many reported issues of TRNC PCR tests meeting U.K. government guidelines being refused. The reason given by some airline check in staff no was they were not valid. Passengers questioned this and asked for evidence, documentation etc which was not forthcoming. After a worrying few days of confusion and frustration if now appears that most airlibes, BA, Jet2, TUI and EasyJet have confirmed that TRNC PCR tests are accepted.

I have no idea why you are mentioning arrival into the ROC, declining tourists to the TRNC etc.

Posh,
My point is that it is the UK government that will relay the COVID entry requirements to Citizens and persons and businesses involved in the movement of people. It would appear that some airlines have interpreted the advice/law differently. Airline acceptance should not be confused with UK border force acceptance.
This is because of the Unique situation found upon Cyprus. The ROC and TRNC will certainly not unilaterally agree on validity of Covid tests, visas , ports of entry and exit or indeed much at all.

This is not a favourable situation for me and you as we have clearly seen. I'm afraid that the new vulnerability of UK travellers visiting the EU and particularly Cyprus is once again illustrated.

I am not sure if the UK government have now categorically indicated acceptance of TRNC PCR tests. Perhaps you know. Rest assured the ROC will be none too pleased if they have.

Nonsense. The RoC accept TRNC PCR tests. I have crossed borders many times. They were simply playing their silly games for as long as they possibly could, to cause unnecessary hardship to visitors leaving the island. If TRNC PCR accepted in RoC and in UK, then no reason for it to be refused at RoC Airports. A pathetic rule of which some on that side must have found it to be amusing. Shame on those that implemented it.

Yes the situation upon Cyprus is quite unique and "silly" games prevail. Agreed.
The discussion however concerns the position held by the "UK Government" who generally are far more rational and pragmatic.
My point is and remains is that the UK will make the rules of UK entry and it is for airlines to interpret and offer up their secondary rules according to UK available advice and legislation. I'm afraid that is not nonsense but fact.
It follows that I ,as a visitor upon visa to the ROC, am more exposed to hassle and intimidation of the sort being referenced by several forum contributors than other Europeans or Cypriots.

[waz-24-7]

Posh,
My point is that it is the UK government that will relay the COVID entry requirements to Citizens and persons and businesses involved in the movement of people. It would appear that some airlines have interpreted the advice/law differently. Airline acceptance should not be confused with UK border force acceptance.
This is because of the Unique situation found upon Cyprus. The ROC and TRNC will certainly not unilaterally agree on validity of Covid tests, visas , ports of entry and exit or indeed much at all.

This is not a favourable situation for me and you as we have clearly seen. I'm afraid that the new vulnerability of UK travellers visiting the EU and particularly Cyprus is once again illustrated.

I am not sure if the UK government have now categorically indicated acceptance of TRNC PCR tests. Perhaps you know. Rest assured the ROC will be none too pleased if they have.

Nonsense. The RoC accept TRNC PCR tests. I have crossed borders many times. They were simply playing their silly games for as long as they possibly could, to cause unnecessary hardship to visitors leaving the island. If TRNC PCR accepted in RoC and in UK, then no reason for it to be refused at RoC Airports. A pathetic rule of which some on that side must have found it to be amusing. Shame on those that implemented it.

Exactly Soner.

It was a “game” being played by certain airline check in staff at Larnaca airport. It was done purely to cause stress, anger and frustration to those coming from the TRNC and travelling to the U.K.

It took lots of emails of complaint to the airlines concerned before the issue was resolved.

Despite the efforts of Waz to try and drag the EU/Brexit into the topic, this was all about the actions of check in staff who were deliberately making things difficult for TRNC travellers.

Posh I think that the "games" you refer to are from border control personnel and not airline check in staff.
ROC border control personnel often have an axe to grind against supporters of the TRNC who transit through the South.
Over past years I have indeed seen such harassment of alien foreigners queuing up at the non EU gate of entry.
I am now also such an alien and expect some hassle too.

[Soner]

Nonsense. The RoC accept TRNC PCR tests. I have crossed borders many times. They were simply playing their silly games for as long as they possibly could, to cause unnecessary hardship to visitors leaving the island. If TRNC PCR accepted in RoC and in UK, then no reason for it to be refused at RoC Airports. A pathetic rule of which some on that side must have found it to be amusing. Shame on those that implemented it.

Exactly Soner.

It was a “game” being played by certain airline check in staff at Larnaca airport. It was done purely to cause stress, anger and frustration to those coming from the TRNC and travelling to the U.K.

It took lots of emails of complaint to the airlines concerned before the issue was resolved.

Despite the efforts of Waz to try and drag the EU/Brexit into the topic, this was all about the actions of check in staff who were deliberately making things difficult for TRNC travellers.

Posh I think that the "games" you refer to are from border control personnel and not airline check in staff.
ROC border control personnel often have an axe to grind against supporters of the TRNC who transit through the South.
Over past years I have indeed seen such harassment of alien foreigners queuing up at the non EU gate of entry.
I am now also such an alien and expect some hassle too.

It was actually check-in staff turning people away and not offering any help or guidance. Possible instructed by border control personnel or RoC gov officials. Either way, it was a silly game that they played and got away with for a short period of time, disrupting possibly hundreds of holiday makers trying to get home. The smallest of opportunities and they are in there doing their "thing", not the first time, nor the last, by any means.

[PoshinDevon]

Waz

It was not the border control staff.

Passengers were able to cross the border without issues. Only on arrival at Larnaca airport and checking in for a flight we’re they then informed TRNC PCR tests were not valid.

It was check in staff arbitrarily causing problems. To make matters worse they could produce no evidence to back their decision. It took a while and lots of emails of complaints to airlines that finally resolved this problem. Slowly each airline acknowledged that TRNC PCR tests complying with U.K. regulations were valid. In some instances check in staff were still refusing passengers, however once copies of emails from airlines were produced they backed down.

It has been widely highlighted not only on this forum but a number of other North Cyprus social media sites. I am surprised you have not picked up on this.

This has nothing to do with Brexit or the EU.

[Asia111]

I emailed Jet2 a week ago to ask for clarification re pcr test requirements at Larnaca and sent a screen shot from the above postings highlighting recent problems.
Jet2 representative did call back last night but call went to my voicemail. Checked voicemail this morning. No explanation given on voicemail re my query and no email response. I returned the call. Impossible to speak to a human. Just referred by auto messaging to their website faq’s.
Jet2 are clearly reluctant like others to put anything in writing that could be used to challenge check in staff at Larnaca so unfortunately there is still a risk pcr conducted in the north might not be accepted at Larnaca.

[Marc111]

My wife travel back to Uk with Jet2 from Larnaca last night with a TRNC PCR Test with no problem at all. Hope this puts your mind at rest.

[Asia111]

Thanks Marc111

[Marc111]

Your welcome