Ukrainians will be allowed to travel to one of their most beloved tourist destinations, Cyprus, starting on April 1. The only requirement to enter the country is a negative COVID-19 test before and upon arrival.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Cyprus announced the news on March 29.
Ukraine has been added to the “red category” list, which means its citizens are welcome to enter Cyprus, as part of the country’s reopening plan to recover tourism. The list currently includes 31 European states.
Cypriot authorities revise the list weekly, meaning it may be changed depending on the epidemiological situation in the countries.
Cyprus has been a true tourism magnet welcoming nearly 4 million visitors in 2019, about 100,000 of which were Ukrainians. According to the island’s statistical service, Ukraine is one of the top sources of tourists to Cyprus.
Cyprus initially planned to open its border on March 1 to residents of 56 countries, including members of the European Union, the European Economic countries and several other countries such as Ukraine. Because of the surge of COVID-19 cases in many states, the island postponed the move.
Read more: Tourist magnet Cyprus attracts thousands of Ukrainians every year
Now it will finally open up to the residents of Ukraine under few requirements. The travelers will need to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before boarding a plane and have a result certificate issued in English.
Upon arrival, Ukrainians will have to take another PCR test that costs 30-32 euros and self-isolate until the result comes back, which usually takes no more than three hours. Children under the age of 12 will not need to be tested for COVID-19 after arrival.
In case a foreigner entering Cyprus tests positive, the island’s authorities will cover the costs of treatment, accommodation, food and water.
