From 1 April Cyprus officially opens to the tourist markets of over 65 countries, and a new protocol regulating entries into the country comes into effect.

According to the new procedure, arrivals from these destinations will not have to self-isolate themselves after landing, but will have to present one or two negative PCR tests depending on the categorization of the countries.

As of today, Cyprus applies the European classification of countries in a "green", "orange" and "red" group, which is based on the coronavirus situation in each of them.

The new protocol gives the necessary stability in travel planning and will allow us to restore the tourism industry, said Cypriot Deputy Minister of Tourism Savvas Perdios.

In the new list, effective as of today, 15 third countries, including the three largest tourist markets for Cyprus - UK, Russia and Israel, were moved from the "grey" to the "red" group. Thus, for their citizens, severe restrictions are lifted and they can enter Cyprus presenting two negative PCR tests – one taken before the flight and the second upon arrival on the island.

Vaccinated citizens of Israel can travel to the island without tests from today, according to the bilateral agreement signed in February.

Cyprus will notify the Russian authorities that it is open to Russian tourists, Deputy Minister Perdios also announced.

Bulgaria is also in the "red" group.

A significant increase in flights to and from Cyprus is expected, from around 160 flights a week in April to over 500 in June.

As of today, restrictions are also eased for travelling Cypriots and foreigners living in the country. All who hold a valid coronavirus vaccination certificate issued by the Cypriotauthorities on arrival, regardless of which country they travel from, will be exempt from tests and self-isolation.