Covid-19: Inbound Travelers to Cyprus Must Have Negative PCR Test Result

Photo source: @Cyprus Aeropolis – Larnaka and Pafos Airports Official

Inbound travelers to Cyprus as of January 4 must show a negative PCR result from a test taken no more than 48 hours before departure, according to an announcement by the Cyprus Deputy Tourism Ministry on December 30.

The announcement is the government’s response to the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

Travelers to Cyprus will need to follow the regular protocol in addition to the new measures that will be in place until January 15 and include:

– the obligation for all arriving travelers to possess a PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure, and
– the obligation to take a PCR test at the airport of arrival, paid by them, even if they are fully vaccinated, recently recovered, or are already in possession of a negative test. The cost is 15 euros at Larnaca Airport and 19 euros at Paphos airport. Results of the test will be available within 3 hours on the digital platform www.covid-testcyprus.com.

Moreover, all arriving travelers should also undergo a rapid antigen test after 72 hours from the date of arrival. The rapid antigen test will be provided free of charge through the sampling points of the Ministry of Health, by showing the boarding pass and proof of identification (identity, passport).

It is noted that individuals who have received the 3rd dose of a two-dose vaccine and the 2nd dose of a single-dose vaccine, are exempted from taking a second test.

Other measures

The government of Cyprus has also announced other measures aiming to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Photo: Shutterstock

Visitors to Cyprus should be aware that entry to nightclubs, clubs, event halls, weddings and baptisms is allowed to vaccinated individuals only if they have a negative rapid test taken no more than 24 hours before. People who have received a booster shot (3rd vaccine dose) are excluded from the rule. Unvaccinated individuals are not allowed entry in the aforementioned venues.

In addition, the use of a face mask in all areas, indoors and outdoors, is mandatory. Authorities recommend for people to wear either two surgical masks or one increased protection mask (KN95/FFP2).