The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works reminds that, following a decision of the Council of Ministers dated 2nd July 2021, as of 1st August 2021 new criteria come into force regarding the conduct of PCR laboratory tests at the airports of Larnaka and Pafos.
Specifically, as of 1st August 2021, the option of undergoing laboratory tests upon arrival at the airports of Larnaka and Pafos will continue to be offered only to the following categories of Cypriot citizens and legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus:
i. Those who have received at least the first dose of the two-dose vaccines, which are accepted by the
Republic of Cyprus
ii. Underage passengers aged 12–15
iii. Passengers who cannot be vaccinated for proven medical reasons
It is emphasized that if the above passengers travel from a country that falls into the red category and choose to undergo the laboratory test upon arrival in Cyprus, they are obligated to self-isolate for 72 hours after their arrival. In addition, they will have to undergo a new laboratory test for COVID-19 at their own cost. If the result of the test is negative, their self-isolation is terminated in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.
Cypriot citizens and legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus who do not meet the above criteria, as of 1st August 2021, must follow the health protocol that is in force based on the categorization of the countries from which they are travelling to Cyprus. For example, if they choose to travel to Cyprus using a PCR laboratory test, from a country in the Orange, Red or Grey category, they will have to provide a laboratory test valid for 72 hours on their departure.
It is recalled that passengers who are fully vaccinated with the vaccines accepted by the Republic of Cyprus, as well as passengers who hold a certificate of recovery after 14 days have elapsed since the testing date of the positive PCR result, valid for 6 months in the form of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), are exempt from any restrictions (no laboratory test and/or self-isolation is required).