The Agriculture Ministry has ordered round-the-clock spraying of all vehicles entering government-controlled areas from northern Cyprus after veterinary authorities confirmed multiple cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the occupied territories. The directive, issued on 29 December and fully implemented by 5 January, expands previous daytime operations to a 24-hour schedule at every authorised crossing point ([in-cyprus.philenews.com](https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/cyprus-24-hour-disinfection-crossing-points-foot-and-mouth-outbreak/?utm_source=openai)).
Mixed teams from the Veterinary Services, Cyprus Police, National Guard and British Sovereign Base Areas now man disinfectant mats and high-pressure sprayers, ensuring cars, buses and freight trailers receive a virucidal wash. Truckers must also present proof of prior cleansing of cargo holds. The measures will remain in force "until further notice" and follow EU animal-health protocols.
If you’re planning cross-border travel related to Cyprus—whether for business, tourism, or transporting goods—VisaHQ can help ensure paperwork isn’t another hurdle. Their Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time visa requirements, electronic application tools and courier support, streamlining documentation so trips aren’t further delayed by administrative snags.
![24-Hour Vehicle Disinfection at Green-Line Crossings Tightens Bio-Security After FMD Outbreak]()
Although primarily a veterinary emergency, the new regime has mobility implications: average crossing times at Ayios Dometios and Ledra Palace have doubled to 20-25 minutes, and commercial drivers report queues of up to 1 km during morning peaks. Companies with shuttle services for employees who reside in the north should advise staff to budget extra travel time and carry disposable shoe covers, which are now mandatory for pedestrians.
The Health Ministry emphasised that FMD poses no risk to humans but can devastate livestock, threatening Cyprus’ €220 million dairy-export sector. Customs brokers warn that prolonged disinfection could disrupt just-in-time supply chains that move fresh produce across the island.
Authorities are evaluating an RFID ticketing system that would pre-register vehicle plates and speed up processing; tenders are expected later this quarter. Until then, mobility managers should monitor waiting-time dashboards published by the Civil Defence Force and stagger shift patterns accordingly.
Mixed teams from the Veterinary Services, Cyprus Police, National Guard and British Sovereign Base Areas now man disinfectant mats and high-pressure sprayers, ensuring cars, buses and freight trailers receive a virucidal wash. Truckers must also present proof of prior cleansing of cargo holds. The measures will remain in force "until further notice" and follow EU animal-health protocols.
If you’re planning cross-border travel related to Cyprus—whether for business, tourism, or transporting goods—VisaHQ can help ensure paperwork isn’t another hurdle. Their Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) provides real-time visa requirements, electronic application tools and courier support, streamlining documentation so trips aren’t further delayed by administrative snags.
Although primarily a veterinary emergency, the new regime has mobility implications: average crossing times at Ayios Dometios and Ledra Palace have doubled to 20-25 minutes, and commercial drivers report queues of up to 1 km during morning peaks. Companies with shuttle services for employees who reside in the north should advise staff to budget extra travel time and carry disposable shoe covers, which are now mandatory for pedestrians.
The Health Ministry emphasised that FMD poses no risk to humans but can devastate livestock, threatening Cyprus’ €220 million dairy-export sector. Customs brokers warn that prolonged disinfection could disrupt just-in-time supply chains that move fresh produce across the island.
Authorities are evaluating an RFID ticketing system that would pre-register vehicle plates and speed up processing; tenders are expected later this quarter. Until then, mobility managers should monitor waiting-time dashboards published by the Civil Defence Force and stagger shift patterns accordingly.
