Cyprus Will Pay For Your Stay (and Much More) If You Get Coronavirus

Iceland’s offering COVID-19 tests, but Cyprus is going one step further in its bid to lure back tourists: It’s going to cover your expenses if you get coronavirus during your visit.

That amount, part of a just-released plan by the island nation, is intended for lodging, food, drink and medication. It does not cover altered flight plans. Both a dedicated COVID-19 hospital and 500-room hotel will be made available for those affected.

International air travel returns to Cyprus on June 9. Initially, travelers will have to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel, but that requirement will be lifted on June 20 for several countries (whereas visitors from other countries that don’t meet certain standards will have to be tested upon arrival).

As NPR notes, it’s part of a broader plan to lure back a large portion of the annual four million visitors to the island, which includes fairly extensive details on masks, social distancing, disinfecting and even the distance (12 feet) between beach umbrellas.

Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.

Meet your guide

Kirk Miller

Kirk Miller is InsideHook’s Senior Lifestyle Editor (and longest-serving resident). He writes a lot about whisk(e)y, cocktails, consumer goods and artificial intelligence.