Due to the fact that Thalassaemia is highly prevalent in the population of Cyprus, a screening policy was put to use in the 70′s to lower the risks of children being born with Thalassaemia.

In order to start the process of acquiring a marriage license, you will first need to book an appointment at the hospital to go for a blood test in order to see if you are a carrier of the gene. In Nicosia, appointments can be made over the phone but in Limassol a different policy has been implemented whereby you have to go to the hospital in person with your ID cards (and a copy of your wedding invitation as proof of your wedding date if you’ve left the test very late in the wedding preparations) in order to get an appointment. Appointments are sometimes assigned months in advance so don’t be surprised to find that all the dates are booked for the next six months to follow and make sure you note the date and time of your appointment so you don’t miss it!

After you give your blood samples you will have to go back to the hospital after about two weeks to collect the certificate that shows that you have undergone the test. The certificate doesn’t actually state whether or not you are a carrier of the gene. It merely states that you and your partner have undergone the test and you have been advised accordingly. In other words, if the test shows that you are a carrier a counselor will meet with you and your partner to discuss the consequences and the options that you have when you decide to have children.