My Repatriation Journey Back to Cyprus

Hi everyone! Before we jump into the blog post I just wanted to point out that this isnʼt the usual Travel blog that youʼll be reading. I have recently been transferred back to Cyprus from the UK, due to COVID-19. I felt like it might be a good idea to write a blog post about my whole experience as there still are many people out there who are waiting to be brought back to their homes, and might have a few questions on how this all works, like I had, since we donʼt get much information beforehand. So, this is more like an information blog post, and Iʼm hoping this helps people with any questions they might have, and please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions, Iʼll be more than happy to answer them. At the moment Iʼm currently on my 7th day of quarantine.

I know that plenty of you are either waiting for your loved ones to come back home or, you reading this post might be looking for more information because youʼre the one waiting for “the call”. I hope by writing this blog I can ease your mind on the things you can expect during your repatriation back to Cyprus.

First of all I would like to start by saying a massive well done to the Cypriot government for the actions they have taken in response to Covid-19. After spending some time in the UK while all of this was happening I noticed a dramatic difference between both governments. In the UK it was not taken seriously from the start and some people were still being oblivious. Whereas, Cyprus stepped up to the challenge and protected its citizens both in and out the country. They have provided students with food and supplies and prioritised people with health conditions to be brought back on the first repatriation flights.

I applied for a flight on the 10th of April and I got a phone call, from the airline, a couple weeks later informing me that I would be flying in the next 48hours from London Heathrow airport. I was over the moon and me being me, I had already packed and prepared for this weeks in advanced (see below a list of all the things you might need whilst in quarantine). After paying €358.05 for the flight (which was ridiculous baring in mind that the people who left during the first few weeks didnʼt pay!). I was just glad to be one step closer to getting home.

I was fortunate enough to get a lift to the airport, but donʼt worry if you canʼt as there are trains still running to and from the airport. Check-in and security check was the quickest Iʼd ever experienced. Once I got to the waiting area, the airport was completely quiet. There were only two shops open (that being WHSmith and Boots). I would recommend you bring a sandwich from home if you can because WHSmith was sold out and Boots didnʼt have much choice left, bear in mind that there will be no catering service on board. I patiently waited in a secluded area of the airport until my gate was called.

Once the gate was open everyone kept their distance whilst scanning their boarding passes and boarding the plane. As soon as we got on the plane the air stewardesses where dressed in full protection gear and started handing out a mask, gloves, a bottle of water and antiseptic wipes to every passenger as they walked on board. We were not allowed to use the front bathrooms as they were reserved for staff and we had to wear our mask and gloves throughout the whole duration of the flight. There were people sitting only at the window and aisle seats so that thereʼd be a space between the passengers.

During the flight we were handed two forms to fill out which we then had to hand over to the medics at the airport (make sure you fill this out on the plane as you wont have time when you get off).

Once we landed we had to wait for the airport marshal to give us instructions before we could exit the plane. We were told to evacuate 6 rows at a time starting from the front. Once off the plane, we got in a bus that took us to another gate where we were tested for the virus. (This is where you'll need those papers you've filled out). Side note, I felt like I was in a scene of Chernobyl as everyone was dressed up with gear from head to toe, was a little bit frightening not going to lie. The test was pretty simple, they would sit you down and ask you to tilt your head back, then they would insert a cotton bud in your nose take a sample and remove it. The whole procedure lasted about 10 seconds so donʼt worry. Expect your eyes to water a little but thatʼs about it. Once that was over we were put back on a bus which had a maximum of 25 people on board and were transported to arrivals where we went through security check and baggage claim. Once you had all your luggage, they took 16 people at a time and guided them into the final bus that took you to your hotel.

I was unfortunate enough to not know where this bus was taking us because no one had informed us and the driver wouldnʼt speak to us. In addition, the first 6 rows of the bus where closed off so you couldnʼt even go near the driver to ask. This only added to my stress as I wanted to go near my home for obvious reason. After spending the whole duration of the trip like a detective looking out the window for road signs we ended up in Paphos at the Aloe hotel.

After I gave my name to the receptionist I was told the way to my room where I would be spending the next 14 days. All the room doors where open for us to enter and in the room the only information we had was a set menu with every meal for everyday as well as a room service list.

We weren't given any information about what time we should expect the food, if they would knock, or what to do with our rubbish as well as what the checkout procedure is. I'm very happy with the cleanness of my room and I love the fact that they have equipped the room with water, juices, tea, coffee, rubbish bags, spare sets of sheets and towels as well as a hot meal. The hotel will also, very kindly, assist you with any dietary requirements or allergies.

At this point, I am just glad to be once step closer to getting home. Please remember that this isnʼt supposed to be a holiday. These are measures the government has to take for everyones safety, so donʼt be expecting amazing service and a five star hotel. You might be lucky enough to get that, but keep in mind that theyʼre doing their best to keep us all safe. Good luck to everyone who is waiting for a flight and I hope this has helped you and prepares you for what lies ahead.

Items you might need during your time in isolation:

• Knife and fork (as they only give you plastic ones which are not sufficient for some meals)

• Teaspoon (as there aren't any)

• Shampoo, conditioner and shower gel

• Toothpaste

• Pen (to fill out the forms on the plane)

• Mug (as they only provide paper cups)

• Snacks that you might want in between meals

• Additional coffee and tea

• Plate (as food is in delivery boxes)

• Insect repellent

• Extension cable (plugs are far away from seated areas)

• Plenty of things to keep you entertained (there is WIFI but its very poor so bring things that you can do without it, like a book)

If you want to know what 14 days in quarantine looks like then stay tuned for another blog on that, as well as what happens during check out.

Thank you!