Coronavirus: Tweaks to country categories for travel

The government announced changes in the country rankings for travellers on Monday, downgrading Slovakia to Red, and upgrading Luxembourg from Red to Orange.

In a statement, the health ministry said Lichtenstein, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have been placed into Green, from Orange, while Czechia and Australia went from Orange to Green.

Luxembourg went from Red to Orange, and Slovakia dropped from Orange to Red.

The changes will come into effect on Thursday.

The classification for the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) including Switzerland is based on that of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Passengers coming from Green countries need not present a test nor self-isolate, while those coming from Orange category countries are required to have a negative PCR laboratory test within 72 hours before departure.

Passengers coming from the Red countries require a test within 72 hours before departure and one upon arrival in the Republic, cost to be covered by them.

Countries not listed in the Green, Orange, and Red categories are considered to be in the grey category where special permission to enter Cyprus is needed.