In the context of the actions taken by the Government to reduce the outbreak of the pandemic and to prevent the Health System from increased hospitalization of COVID-19 patients, the Council of Ministers approved today a proposal of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Mr. Giannis Karousos (here in Greek) for mandatory PCR by all persons aged 12 and over on arrival in the Republic of Cyprus, by air or by sea, and regardless of the country of departure.
Presenting the proposal, the Minister of Transport pointed out the need for temporary measures at the legal gates of the Republic, given the detection of the new strain of “Omicron” virus, which has been recorded in African countries and European countries.
This measure applies to all passengers aged 12 and over, regardless of whether they hold a certificate of complete vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. The cost of PCR diagnostic is borne by the passenger himself/herself.
The decision will enter into force on Monday, December 6, 2021 and will last until January 10, 2022, when it will be re-evaluated based on the epidemiological data as they will be formed.
For the purpose of better surveillance and timely detection of imported cases, PCR testing has already begun and will continue until December 6, through random checks on passengers, regardless of the country of origin, entering the Republic of Cyprus through Larnaca and Larnaca Airports.