Popular Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. File photoATHENA, Jun 1Cyprus lifts coronavirus sanitary restrictions for tourists from June 1 — travelers arriving on the island will not have to present a vaccination certificate or a negative test result for coronavirus. These restrictions were provided for by the Action Plan to ensure the smooth operation of flights and the operation of airports and ports of Cyprus, which entered into force from February 22, 2022. Its goal was to organize air traffic during the pandemic, and it, in particular, provided for the categorization of countries based on epidemiological risk, the procedure for testing air passengers for coronavirus. The plan concerned the operation of Larnaca and Paphos airports, as well as the country's seaports. The Council of Ministers took into account the improvement in the epidemiological picture both in Cyprus and around the world, and approved the lifting of restrictions. Travelers arriving in Cyprus, regardless of their country of origin, will not be required show a valid certificate of vaccination against coronavirus or recovery, or a negative result of PCR or rapid antigen test. countryWith this decision, the country is returning to a normal life with regard to travel, said Minister of Transport Yiannis Karousos, commenting on the decision.Cyprus authorities have previously lifted the requirement for tourists to fill out the mandatory CyprusFlightPass flight card from April 18th. Regarding the congestion of flights, the minister said that it is on very high level. In May, passenger traffic is expected to reach 77% of the corresponding pre-pandemic 2019 period, with an average of about 30,000 passengers per day. The Cypriot Ministry of Health announced that from June 1, 2022, the mandatory use of a protective mask in premises is suspended. The use of a mask is recommended in crowded places and for persons belonging to vulnerable groups.
