NICOSIA – Like a second home already for many Russians – especially the rich who like hiding their money there – Cyprus is a magnet for visitors from that country because they won’t face mandatory COVID-19 quarantines, such as is the case at some other destinations.

They can also go to Egypt and Cuba without that restriction but favor Cyprus because of its proximity and the island’s reputation of welcoming them with open arms, and liking their spending there.

In a report, SchengenVisaInfo.com said as COVID-19 is jumping again in Russia that Cyprus is an escape hatch for vacations as well as a top spot to buy vacation homes.

Curiously, Cyprus has struggled to hold down the pandemic despite 81.5 percent of the population being fully vaccinated, above the 70 percent benchmark health authorities said was the goal to beat it back.

“Don’t quarantine, but a holiday on the beach!” travel company Orange Sun Tour pointed out on its website osttour.ru, which offers services in Cyprus, Egypt, Cuba as well as other destinations as reported by Reuters.