NICOSIA — Cyprus is anxious to have tourists to offset losses brought by COVID-19 but those from one of its most important markets – Greece – may be tested for the virus on arrival after cases started rising again in Greece.

Cyprus' Health Ministry said visitors from Greece would be required to show a negative test result that was taken within 72 hours of travel to Cyprus while . Cypriots and permanent residents of Cyprus could opt for a test at airports upon their arrival, the news agency Reuters said.

All passengers arriving from Greece, will have to present a negative coronavirus test certificate and could be picked for some random testing.

Cyprus was among the first countries to require the tests on Greeks, after Greece had one of the world's best records in holding down the number of cases and deaths before the economy was reopened to tourists, seeing cases jump again.

Cyprus has a three-tier risk system in grouping countries where travel is either unrestricted, allowed with a satisfactory test result and compulsory 14 day quarantine. Greece has now moved to the 'B' category from the 'A' category. The list is regularly updated.