Filenews 25 May 2021 - by Marlena Panagi
Cypriots travelling to Greece and other countries are required to undergo a molecular examination, even if they have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, as the vaccination card granted to them by the Republic of Cyprus is not accepted by the competent authorities of the other European countries.
Cause, the fact that on vaccination cards issued to citizens at the time of administration of the vaccine, their name is indicated in Greek and not in Latin characters, so that this certificate is not accepted, not even by the competent authorities of Greece which strictly follow the rules set by the European Union.
As the president of the Cyprus Association of Travel Agents, Vassilis Stamataris, said in a statement, "the problem is already real and we have identified it since last week" and explained that "people who have been vaccinated with both doses of the vaccine and have even passed 14 days from the day they received the second dose, are asked to carry out a molecular examination and pay for it out of their own pocket, when travelling to Greece or other European countries'.
This, he said, is because this particular card (vaccination card) lists the passenger's name in Greek and is not even accepted at the entrance gates of Greece" and noted that "the two countries, Cyprus and Greece had to ensure that the Greek language was also accepted at the entrance gates of European countries, as is the case with other languages, such as German. , English, French, Italian and Spanish'.
On the subject, added Mr. Stamataris, "we have already contacted the relevant ministers in Cyprus but also with the competent authorities in Greece, since the two countries have not taken care to include the Greek language in those accepted at the entrance gates of European countries" and stressed that "at least the competent authorities in Cyprus and Greece could come to an agreement between them so that the vaccination card granted to Cyprus with the indication of the name in the Greek language to be accepted at the Greek entrance gates".
Mr Stamataris also expressed concern, saying that 'what is happening now may also have an impact on bookings since the European certificate for the crown will come into force on 1 July', suggesting that by then there will be the same problem as those travelling in possession of the vaccination card, which is currently being given to Cypriot citizens.
