Cyprus Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Nicosia (Greek: Lefkosia; Turkish: Lefkoşa).

Geography:

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean and lies to the east at a point where European, Asian and Middle Eastern cultures merge. To the east of the island is Syria and Lebanon, while to the southeast is Israel and to the west is Greece and its Dodecanese group of islands. North of Cyprus is Turkey, South of Cyprus is Egypt.

The island’s landscape varies between rugged coastlines with dramatic gorges, bays and sandy beaches, rocky hills, flat plains, river valleys and forest-covered mountains. The Troodos Mountains dominate the interior of the island. Its highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952m (6,400ft) above sea level. North of Nicosia and following a course towards the barren Karpasia Peninsula runs the mountain range of Pentadaktylos, meaning “five fingers” after its shape. Between the two is the fertile Mesaoria plain where much of the island’s produce is grown.

To the west of the island is the Akamas peninsula, a thickly wooded area that runs from Agios Georgios around the headland to Latsi near Polis. It is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, many species of which are endemic to Cyprus. In north Cyprus the Morphou basin runs around the coast of Morphou Bay.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Cyprus is served by international airlines that fly direct to Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport from around the world. Numerous airlines fly from the UK to Cyprus including Aegean (www.aegeanair.com), Cobalt Air (cobalt.aero), Blue Air (www.blueairweb.com), British Airways (www.ba.com), easyJet (www.easyjet.com), Norwegian (www.norwegian.com) and Ryanair (www.ryanair.com).

All flights to the north arrive at Ercan International Airport in north Nicosia via Turkey. Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) is the Turkish national carrier, with Pegasus Airlines (www.flypgs.com) and Atlasglobal (www.atlasglb.com) among the companies offering flights to North Cyprus. 

While Cyprus is a year-round destination that can boast of attracting tourists who like to relax on the beach in the morning and ski on snow in the afternoon, at least during the month of February, many airlines offer limited flights during the winter. July and August are the most expensive months to fly, while bargains can be found in winter, early spring and late autumn.

Major airports are: Paphos International Airport and Larnaca International Airport.

Since 1974, the Cyprus government declared Ercan International Airport an illegal port of entry to Cyprus and there are no direct flights to the north other than from Turkey. However, tourists can now fly into the south and travel by car or taxi across the border in Nicosia to holiday in the north.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London: to Paphos 4 hours 30 minutes; to Larnaca 4 hours 40 minutes, to Ercan in North Nicosia, via Turkey - 6 hours 45 minutes (including stopover).

Getting There By Water

Cyprus has a growing number of marinas that welcome visiting yachtspeople. Limassol’s marina is the largest and newest, with 650 spaces for yachts. Meanwhile, Larnaka and St. Raphael Marina are other official ports of entry.

Getting Around

Bike

Cyprus encourages cycling and bikes are available for hire from most hotels.

Breakdown Services

Car hire companies offer a comprehensive breakdown service as part of their agreement.

Car Hire

Cyprus has car hire companies with offices in airports and towns, including major names like Hertz and Europcar. Cars should be reserved well in advance during the summer season.

You should be sure to check your agreement if you are planning to take a hired car across the Green Line as not all hire companies in the south permit taking their vehicles to north Cyprus. Cars hired in the north of Cyprus also cannot be taken across the border to the South. Insurance purchased on one side of the border is not valid on the other side.

The minimum driving age is 18. For hiring a car drivers need to have held a valid licence for three years, meaning individuals under 21 are unlikely to be eligible.

Coach

Private coach companies operate in all the main cities and offer day excursions.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit or national driving licence is required for driving in Cyprus.

Regulations

The maximum speed limit is 100kph (62mph) on highways, 80kph (50mph) on most other roads and 30-50kph (19-31mph) in built-up areas. There are strict repercussions for anyone not wearing a seat belt or crash helmet, using a mobile phone or being under the influence of alcohol whilst driving. Children under the age of five must not sit in the front passenger seat, and must be strapped into a child seat fitted to the rear. Children five to ten years old may sit in the front seat with a seatbelt.

Getting Around By Road

Exploring the island by car is the best way to get around. Cyprus’s road infrastructure is excellent. The result is a traffic jam-free motorway drive that takes you from Paphos in the east straight into Limassol (A6) and on to the centre of Nicosia (A1), plus a branch heading off to Larnaca, Agia Napa and Protaras. Driving in the Troodos Mountains is good, albeit with roads that zig-zag around ravines. Off-road driving should only be done with a suitable vehicle.

Drivers wishing to reach the north of Cyprus need to cross the border, known as the Green Line, at one of five designated checkpoints (there are a further two checkpoints in Nicosia for pedestrians only). The Green Line is controlled by UN forces. The five crossings are Limnitis at Kato Pygros, Astromeritis near Morphou, Agios Dometios in Nicosia, Pergamos at Pyla and Strovilia near Agios Nikolaos. In Nicosia pedestrians can cross on foot at the Ledra Palace checkpoint and Ledra Street in the centre of the city.

Road Classification

Motorways: A; main roads: B; minor roads: E and F

Road Quality

Motorways and main roads are of a high standard. Inner city and smaller town roads are generally good, but infrastructure upgrades have resulted in uneven surfaces. Roads in villages are often poor. All roads are toll free.

Side Of Road

l

Taxi

There are three types of taxi services in south Cyprus: urban, trans-urban (interurban), which are shared and can be booked, and rural. Taxis are safe and relatively inexpensive. In north Cyprus, taxis are available in the main towns only.

The government regulates fares and all taxis have meters. Shared taxis operate every 30 minutes between major cities. Rural taxis can only be hired from the base station and do not have a meter.

Uber does not operate in south or north Cyprus.

Urban Travel

Buses are modern, reliable and inexpensive. Bus fares start at just €1.50 per ride during the day, with special rates per day, week, or month.

There are four types of service: urban buses that run around town, intercity buses that link major towns, rural buses to service the villages and a shuttle between the airports at Larnaca and Paphos.

In north Cyprus, buses run between Nicosia and the main towns. The website for Public Transport Service for Cyprus busses is http://motionbuscard.org.cy/.

Taxis are more expensive. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters. A 15% surcharge is in operation from 2300-0600. Tipping is expected.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Cyprus's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cyprus set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cyprus High Commission in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cyprus, your passport must have:

• a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave
• at least one blank page for stamping

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to Cyprus for up to 90 days. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

At Cyprus border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay

The requirements for working in Cyprus are different.

Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area, so:

• visits to Cyprus do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area
• visits to other EU or Schengen countries do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in Cyprus

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left Cyprus (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Cyprus.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, check with the Cyprus High Commission.

Do not overstay your permitted time. You could be:

• questioned by immigration at the airport on exit
• put on a 'stop list' and refused entry for up to 5 years

Entry requirements for the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus authorities will count time in the north of Cyprus towards the 90-day visa-free total. You can use any crossing point to move between the north and south of the island.

See a list of the crossing points from the Cyprus Ministry of Finance.

Only pedestrians can use the crossing points at Ledra Palace and Ledra and Lokmaci Street.

If you enter the Republic of Cyprus through the north (such as through Ercan Airport), authorities will consider you to have entered illegally. You could be:

• fined for illegal entry
• refused entry to or exit from the Republic of Cyprus
• prevented from crossing back into the north of Cyprus

For more information about the north of Cyprus, see Regional risks.

UK residents of Cyprus or other EU countries

Residents should carry residency documents issued by the Republic of Cyprus when entering and exiting Cyprus.

If you have a Withdrawal Agreement residency document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Cyprus.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Cyprus guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Cyprus. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Cyprus

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Customs rules between the north and south of Cyprus

There are controls on quantities and types of goods that can be bought in the north of Cyprus and taken across the 'Green Line' to the south of the island. This includes goods from the bicommunal village of Pyla in the buffer zone.

For example, the Republic of Cyprus enforces a 40-cigarette per person limit. The authorities can confiscate goods at the checkpoint and you could be fined.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cyprus.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism.

Terrorism in Cyprus

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Israel is directing all its Cyprus-bound flights to Larnaca Airport for security reasons. UK flights are not currently affected by this change.

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

Political situation

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the 'Green Line'. The British government does not recognise the self-declared 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'.

Crime

Crime against tourists is not common but take sensible precautions. Keep passports, money and other valuables safe.

Drink spiking

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen. Drug-assisted rape is a risk, including with drugs like GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Avoid splitting up from your friends.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, which includes laughing gas. If you are caught with drugs, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Republic of Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in the UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Dual nationals and military service

If you are of Cypriot descent, even if you do not have a nationality card, authorities may consider you eligible for military service. If this happens, you could have difficulties when exiting Cyprus, and you might have to prove that you live outside Cyprus.

Under international law, the British High Commission cannot intervene with Cypriot authorities on behalf of those considered to be dual Cypriot-British nationals. If you might be eligible for any local obligations or duties that apply to dual nationals, such as military service, contact the Cypriot authorities or a local lawyer before you travel.

The British High Commission has lists of English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus and in the north of Cyprus. See Getting help.

Surrogacy

If you are visiting Cyprus to arrange an international surrogacy, consider the risks and challenges involved. Surrogacy is a complex and lengthy process. You should:

• make sure you are fully aware of the facts and well-prepared before starting the process
• seek specialist legal advice on Cyprus and UK laws before making any arrangements
• read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas including issues you might have to deal with
• research clinics and hospitals thoroughly to ensure they are safe and reputable

The British High Commission cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements or recommend hospitals or clinics.

Commissioning a surrogacy will not automatically mean that the child holds British citizenship. If you want to bring your child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport. You will need a Cypriot birth certificate to apply. The maximum period of visa-free stay allowed by the Cypriot authorities is 90 days within a 180-day period.

International parental child abduction

The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not act on British court orders. They will not share information with the British High Commission on children subject to UK court orders. This means the British High Commission cannot ensure that these children are properly safeguarded.

Using cameras in secure areas

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive areas, such as military buildings. If you do, the authorities could arrest you.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Bathing is generally safe, but there can be strong waves and currents. Always follow warning signs and only swim on approved beaches.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Adventure sports, including quad biking

If you do any extreme or adventure sports, water sports or diving, you should:

• get the right travel insurance – the sport should be included by name on your policy
• always check the details of your insurance cover before you travel, including the exclusions
• only use properly licensed and insured operators and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• never hand over your passport as a guarantee against the return of equipment

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Cyprus, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Cyprus guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You could be heavily fined if you:

• drive or are a passenger without wearing a seat belt
• ride a motorbike without a crash helmet
• use a mobile while driving
• are found to be drink-driving

Licences and permits

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cyprus. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

You must display a UK sticker to drive a UK-based car in Cyprus.

Driving standards

Driving standards are poor and there is an increased risk of road deaths compared to the UK.

Car and motorbike hire

Cars hired in the Republic of Cyprus often have no insurance cover in the north of the island. Check with your insurance company as you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents. At some crossing points it is possible to buy car insurance for the north of Cyprus. This includes the Agios Dometios.

Hire companies renting mopeds and quad bikes usually only provide third-party insurance, so you will have to pay for any damage to the vehicle. If you do not pay, you could be arrested.

If you hire a vehicle, check:

• it is in good condition and roadworthy
• it has appropriate safety equipment

Rental companies often ask for your passport as a deposit, which is illegal. Never hand over your passport in this way.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The Department of Meteorology of Cyprus issues warnings for severe weather, especially during summer. Weather can sometimes cause travel disruption. Monitor local and international updates and severe weather warnings from the Cyprus Department of Meteorology, and check with your travel provider if necessary. Always follow the advice of local authorities.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires  

Wildfires often occur during the summer months due to dry and hot weather.

Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas. Put out cigarette ends properly, and do not light barbecues outside of designated areas. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112 or 1407.

Get more information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.

Earthquakes

Cyprus experiences earthquakes and tremors. Make sure you know safety procedures and follow advice given by the local authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Cyprus. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO's overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Travel to the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the 'Green Line'. The British government does not recognise the self-declared 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'.

Consular assistance in the north of Cyprus

FCDO can only provide limited consular support if you are visiting areas in the north that are not under control of the Republic of Cyprus. The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not share information with the British High Commission regarding the location, wellbeing or treatment of British nationals. This means you may be more vulnerable and at greater risk.

Recognition of documents from the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise residence permits issued in the north of Cyprus.

Regional escalation

Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. On 26 October, Israel carried out military action against Iran.

Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on X, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you're affected by a crisis abroad.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cyprus
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Cyprus, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Cyprus

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Cyprus where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Cyprus, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Cyprus.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Cyprus

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus and lawyers in the north of Cyprus
• finding English-speaking funeral directors in Cyprus and funeral directors in the north of Cyprus
• finding English-speaking translators and interpreters in Cyprus and translators and interpreters in the north of Cyprus
• dealing with a death in Cyprus
• being arrested in Cyprus
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Typhoid	No
Yellow Fever	No
Diphtheria	No
Hepatitis A	Yes*
Malaria	Yes
Rabies	Yes
Tetanus	Yes*

Overview:

Reduced cost emergency treatment (sometimes free) is available to all foreign nationals in possession of a European Health Insurance Card. This is only in conjunction with cooperating state-provided healthcare, so if you are asked to pay up front, it’s likely you are not being treated under one of these schemes.

It should be noted that a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the Turkish part of Cyprus. It is also advisable to check the working of any private medical insurance policy you purchase to ensure it is valid in North Cyprus.

All visitors are advised to purchase additional medical insurance for the duration of their stay, and should have access to funds to cover the cost of treatments. Receipts are issued to reclaim costs back from your insurance company. The island has private medical centres where health and cosmetic treatments are offered. They can be found in all the main towns. Dental services are not free and visitors should have medical insurance that covers emergency treatment.

Vaccinations Note:

No vaccinations are required to visit Cyprus; Hepatitis A* and Tetanus* are advisable only. Rabies vaccines are advisable to travelers that may come into direct contact with Cypriot bats.

Malaria: Three cases of Malaria tertiana (Plasmodium vivax) occurred in the North of Cyprus (Esentepe, Kyrenia) at the end of August 2017. Travellers are advised to apply insect repellent.

A CDC level 2 (enhanced precautions) alert for malaria in Cyprus has been removed. Areas with risk for malaria are Agios Amvirosios and Kyrena, where travelers should use preventative methods against mosquito bites.

Food Drink:

Milk is pasteurised and tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available from supermarkets and kiosks. As with all destinations, it is advisable to eat well-cooked fish and meat, especially chicken and pork which are staples on all hotel and restaurant menus. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit washed in fresh water or peeled.

Other Risks:

Cyprus temperatures can be high and the sun’s rays strong, especially in the summer months. It is advisable to stay out of the sun around midday and wear a hat, sunglasses and a good, high factor sunscreen at all times to protect your skin against sunburn. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Currency Information:

The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. The currency used in north Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TL; symbol ₺ ) = 100 kuruş. Notes are in denominations of ₺200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of ₺1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 kuruş. Euros, Pound Sterling and US dollars are generally accepted in the north.

Credit Cards:

All major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express, are accepted at larger restaurants and shops, and in hotels. Smaller shops, such as those in villages, and rural tavernas are unlikely to accept credit cards. Entry to museums and tourist attractions are payable in cash. 

ATMs:

There are reliable ATMs in main towns and tourist areas. As of early 2013, withdrawals from Cypriot banks are limited due to the ongoing capital controls imposed on banks throughout the country. Carrying cash, rather than relying on cards, is recommended.

Travellers Cheques:

Cheques may be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros.

Banking Hours:

South Cyprus: Mon-Fri 0800-1430. North Cyprus generally operates during the same hours. Banks are closed on public holidays.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared at customs, regardless of whether you’re travelling to or from a country inside or outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Non-Cypriot currency can be bought and sold at banks in Nicosia and other large towns in both the south and north.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

The majority of Cypriots (approximately 80%) speak Greek and approximately 11% speak Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect is different from mainland Greek. Turkish is spoken by Turkish Cypriots. English, German and French are also spoken in tourist centres.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2025-01-01 00:00:00	0
Epiphany	2025-01-06 00:00:00	0
Clean Monday	2025-03-03 00:00:00	0
Greek Independence Day	2025-03-25 00:00:00	0
Greek Cypriot National Day	2025-04-01 00:00:00	0
Greek Orthodox Good Friday	2025-04-18 00:00:00	0
Greek Orthodox Easter Monday	2025-04-21 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2025-05-01 00:00:00	0
Kataklysmos (Pentecost)	2025-06-08 00:00:00	0
Assumption	2025-08-15 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2025-10-01 00:00:00	0
Greek National Day (Ochi Day)	2025-10-28 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2025-12-25 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Cyprus is within the European Union. If you are over 17 years old and travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Cyprus’ duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine of which a maximum of 60L can be sparkling wine.
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Cyprus’ duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer, plus either 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• Goods in addition to the above up to the value of €430 for air travellers (reduced to €175 for travellers under 15 years of age).
.

Banned Imports:

Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other controlled pharmaceuticals, obscene materials, flick knives and daggers, toxic materials, counterfeit and pirated goods, goods used for illegal hunting of game, cannabis derivatives and firearms and ammunition without a certificate.

Restricted goods requiring authorisation include plants, animals and animal products, meat, fish, cheese, honey, precious metals, hunting guns and cartridges, sporting pistols and telecommunications equipment.

You cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Cyprus.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Telecard or coin-operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in towns and villages. International calls can be made from public phones with the appropriate country code. Call Direct (cheaper than ordinary collect calls) is available to most EU countries, as well as Australia, USA and Canada.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet:

Wifi can be found in many places across the island. Sometimes this requires a password which establishments can give customers. Internet cafes are also located in the main towns and resorts.

Post

There are daily airmail services to all developed countries. Service within Europe takes three to four days, and four to five days to the US.

Post Office Hours:

(District) Sep-Jun: Mon-Fri 0730-1330, Wed 1500-1730 and Sat 0900-1100; Jul-Aug: Mon-Fri 0730-1300 and Sat 0900-1030. Other post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1330, Thurs 1500-1800 at other times.

Media:

The Cypriot media reflects the island's political divide with the south and the Turkish-controlled north operating their own press and broadcasters. The media on both sides of the divide are frequently critical of the authorities. Newspapers published in English include the Cyprus Mail, In-Cyprus (online), and Cyprus Today (Turkish Cypriot). Most English newspapers are available.

State-run services compete with private TV and radio stations. The public Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) operates TV channels RIK 1, RIK 2, and RIK HD and Radio 1 (in Greek), Radio 2 (in English, Turkish and Armenian), Radio 3 (in Greek), and Radio Classic (in English) in the south. In northern Cyprus, Bayrak Radio-TV operates channels BRT 1 and BRT 2, and Bayrak Radio 1 (in Turkish), Bayrak International (in English), and Bayrak Radio News.

Find silence and sand on the Karpaz Peninsula

The most untouched quarter of North Cyprus, the scenic Karpaz peninsula juts east towards Turkey, fringed by some of the most unspoiled beaches on the island, most of which see more nesting sea turtles than tourists. Beyond, at the very tip of the peninsula is the splendidly isolated Orthodox monastery of Apostolos Andreas.

Gaze at Gazimağusa (Famagusta)

The magnificent walled city of Famagusta, in North Cyprus, was a wonder of the ancient world, with towering Frankish churches dotted around its sandstone streets. This was the real-life home of the governor who influenced Shakespeare’s title character in Othello, and operated as Cyprus’s most important port before the 1975 war. Today, the churches are picturesque ruins and the city snoozes quietly within its mighty Venetian city walls.

Stroll around Salamis

Just as the south has Kourion, so too does the north have Salamis, the ruins of a sprawling Greco-Roman city that spill out onto a gorgeous sandy beach just north of Famagusta. The site has been somewhat neglected since the island was divided, but the setting is magical, and there’s an impressively restored amphitheatre ringed by the ruins of temples, houses and civic buildings.

Get lost in Turkish Lefkoşa (Nicosia)

The northern half of the Cypriot capital feels even more lost in time than the Greek half. Its focal point is the grand Selimiye Mosque, formerly the Ayia Sofia Cathedral, which is visible from the southern half of the city. Easing relations between the two governments mean that jaunts across the border are easy today.

Kick back in Girne

Once an important Roman and Venetian port, Girne, formerly known as Kyrenia, is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. Set around a postcard perfect harbour guarded by a vast Venetian fortress, this picturesque town has played witness to most of the significant events in Cypriot history, from Hellenisation to the arrival of the Crusaders. It’s probably best known for its castles, one of which houses the remains of a merchant ship dating back to the fourth century.

Ski in the Troodos Mountains

Surprisingly for an island squeezed between Greece, Turkey and Egypt, Cyprus has a busy ski season from January to mid March, when the villages of the Troodos Mountains briefly transform into winter resorts. Both Platres and Kakopetria are handy for the ski slopes on Mount Olympus, but Troodos is actually the nearest resort to the skiing area.

Amble along the promenade in Larnaca

Stretching for 600m along the seafront, from the marina to Larnaca’s Crusader fort, Finikoudes Beach is one of the island’s favourite promenades. Visitors stroll beneath the palm trees, pausing at local seafood restaurants or sunbathing on the sand. Inland are fascinating museums, including the impressive Pierides Museum, the nation’s oldest private cultural museum.

Shop for Lefkara lace

The charming village of Lefkara, between Limassol and Larnaca, is famous for silver filigree and lace. Legend has it the Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci visited Lefkara in the 15th century and purchased some of its lefkaritika lace for the cathedral in Milan, and in doing so secured its fame.

Escape to the Akamas Peninsula

With its rugged unspoiled landscape and sandy bays, the Akamas Peninsula is a wonderful place to escape and be at one with nature. Rough dirt roads run around the isthmus from the harbour at Agios Georgios, north of Paphos, to Chrysochou Bay near Polis. The peninsula is home to many species of birds and flowers and rare sea turtles nest here every summer.

Fall in love with Petra tou Romiou

Cyprus was the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, ancient Greek goddess of love, and this miraculous event has been mapped to Petra tou Romiou (Rock of Aphrodite), a dramatic marble outcrop rising from the turquoise ocean between Limassol and Paphos. Nearby are the imposing ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, marking the site of the ancient city of Palaipafos.

Enjoy sun, sea and sand in Agia Napa

Once the hedonistic party capital of Cyprus, Agia Napa (Ayia Napa) has 'grown up' in recent years, with a growing number of more sophisticated nightspots, restaurants and cultural venues, as well as the lively beach clubs that still attract hordes of young 20-somethings on tour. The resort also has some of the best beaches and diving opportunities on the island.

Admire the craftsmanship of Cyprus’s Painted Churches

The Byzantine churches and monasteries of the Troodos Mountains are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their extraordinary frescoes and mosaics. Perhaps the most spectacular are Agios Nikolaos tis Stegis at Kakopetria with frescos from the 11th century, and the Church of Archangelos Michael in Pedoulas, with its floor-to-ceiling frescoes of the Archangel Michael.

Tramp through the Troodos Mountains

Rising in a dramatic ridge along the middle line of the island, the Troodos Mountains are covered in dry pine forests and dotted with medieval winemaking villages and UNESCO-listed Byzantine monasteries. The peaks are criss-crossed by hiking and cycling trails and in winter, locals ski on the snow-covered slopes of Mount Olympus, the island's highest point at 1,952m (6,404ft).

Potter around in peaceful Paphos

The friendliest resort in the republic, pretty Paphos is set around a picturesque harbour, dominated by an imposing medieval fort. It's worth visiting during the summer festival when the sound of opera reverberates around the ancient walls. The city is also famous for the Greco-Roman, rock-carved Tombs of the Kings and the immaculate ancient mosaics in the House of Dionysos.

See a forgotten side to Cyprus at the Hala Sultan Tekke

Tucked away near Larnaca International Airport, the Hala Sultan Tekke was once one of the most sacred shrines in the Muslim world, housing the ancient tomb of the aunt of the Prophet Mohammed. Now quietly forgotten, it's a lovely 19th-century Islamic structure, set amidst date palms beside Larnaca's Salt Lake where migratory flamingos stay in winter.

Watch the sun go down from Kourion

Rising above the coastal plain on a rocky plateau, Kourin is perhaps the most spectacularly located ancient site in Cyprus. Spanning the ancient Greek and Roman eras, the ruins are centred on a magnificent amphitheatre, and there are numerous recognisable structures, including an agora (marketplace) and the House of Eustolios, with fine 5th century floor mosaics.

Walk in the footsteps of Aphrodite

Set in the gorgeous surroundings of the Akamas Peninsula, in the far west of the island near Polis Crysoschous, this isolated freshwater pool is where, according to legend, the Greek goddess of love bathed and enjoyed trysts with the god Adonis. Today, the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside is as much of an attraction as the grotto.

See Byzantine brilliance at Kykkos Monastery

The largest and most famous monastery in Cyprus, Kykkos was founded in AD1100 by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos. Set in gorgeous pine forests, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is home to one of the three surviving icons painted by the Apostle Luke. It is also renowned for its stunning museum of icons, woodcarvings and manuscripts.

Take in the wonders of the Cyprus Museum

Historic treasures have been spilling out of the ground in Cyprus for millennia and many of the finest pieces are proudly displayed in the Cyprus Museum, just outside Lefkosia's city walls. The vast collection includes astonishingly well-preserved Mycenaean pottery, prehistoric Chalcolithic figurines, Egyptian and Roman statues, and carvings from the Royal Tombs at Salamis.

Get lost in Lefkosia (Nicosia)

The Cypriot capital is sliced in two by the Green Line, which divides the island between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. Both sides are studded with ancient mosques, churches and winding streets of stone houses. The historic old town is bound by towering Venetian city walls, and must-see sights include the spectacular Byzantine Art Museum, St John's Cathedral and the Cyprus Museum.

Overview

Cypriot purchases include handmade lace, woven curtains and tablecloths, silks, basketwork, pottery, silverware and leather goods. Lefkara lace, known aslefkaritika, is famous throughout the world as one of the products most closely associated with Cypriot workmanship. It is intricately patterned and used for tablecloths and tablemats. Women can be seen working in small workshops in the village of Lefkara after which the lace is named. The village is located on a hill just off the Nicosia-Limassol highway. The Troodos village of Omodos also has a thriving lace industry. Lefkara is also famous for its silverwork; traditionally the men of the village would work with silver while the women produced lace. Silver spoons and forks are a traditional symbol of Cypriot hospitality.

Jewellery is an art that has been practised on the island since the Mycenaean Greek period; craftspeople working in contemporary and traditional styles produce some very fine pieces. Filigree silver is a popular gift or souvenir. Local wines, including Commandaria, which is one of the oldest wines in the world and produced in the region north of Limassol, as well as Cyprus’s own brandy and its potent Zivania liqueur, also make good purchases. Imported goods sell at competitive prices, including cameras, perfume, porcelain and crystal. In north Cyprus, embroidered tablecloths and cushions with patterns traditional to Turkey are widely available.

Throughout the island, monasteries sell icons, which are often painted by the monks themselves. The Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa in the foothills of the Troodos is one of several that has its own icon studio.

Opening Hours

In summer (June to August) shops are open 0900-1400 and 1700-2100. In winter opening hours are 0800-1300 and 1430-1800 (until 1900 in spring and autumn). However many larger department stores and supermarkets, and shops in tourist areas, do not close for lunch. Shops are closed Wednesday after 1400 and Saturday after 1500 in the winter, 1700 in the summer, as well as all day Sunday.

Overview

Healthy and hearty, Cypriot cuisine draws its inspiration from both Greece and Turkey. In the south, the cuisine is pure Mediterranean, with an emphasis on fish and pork dishes such as the ubiquitous souvlaki kebab. Cooks make extensive use of the wild thyme and mint that grows across the island, as well as cinnamon, cumin and coriander, showing the influence of the Middle East. Perhaps the most famous Cypriot dish of all is grilled halloumi, a hand-made Cypriot cheese.

In North Cyprus, the cuisine is effectively Turkish, with lamb replacing pork in grills, stews and soups. Many of the inhabitants of the north are settlers from Anatolia and meaty kebab dishes dominate menus. North and south come together in the mezze, a rambling meal of dips, snacks and tasty small dishes – almost invariably featuring hummus and halloumi – served on both sides of the island.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

A 10% service charge is added to bills at some restaurants, otherwise tipping is discretionary.

Drinking Age

17.

Hotels

Cyprus has a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. It boasts some beautiful luxury five-star hotels and holiday resorts with facilities that include pools, playgrounds and even bowling alleys, to hotel apartments, villas, rural guesthouses and agro-tourism stone houses. 

Most of the top-end hotels - those with a four-star or five-star rating - can be found in Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos and include international restaurants, some of the best thalasso therapy spas in the Mediterranean region, infinity pools, bars and even golf courses. In Nicosia, the upmarket hotels are geared more towards business with conference and meeting facilities.

North Cyprus has a growing number of higher graded hotels with a range of facilities that often include a casino. In the Troodos Mountains, a handful of hotels provide a great base for hiking and cycling enthusiasts, as do the many converted village houses that have been turned into guesthouses or agro-tourism accommodation.

Most hotels and hotel apartments in seaside resorts offer discounts during the low season - generally November to March – while mountain resorts can represent excellent value for money with special rates in the winter months. There are often discounts for children occupying the same room as their parents, and some hotels may only charge 80% of the daily room rate for single occupancy of a double room.

Grading: Hotels in Cyprus are graded deluxe 5-star to 1-star, while hotel apartments and guesthouses are classified A, B or C.

Camping Caravaning

Cyprus has a very limited number of camp sites, and those that are available have few facilities. All are licensed by the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

Other

History

Cyprus has a long history that incorporates nearly 12,000 years of human activity. It was first inhabited by Neolithic man and subsequently settled by the Mycenaean Greeks, before being conquered in turn by the Assyrians, Egyptians and Persians then seized by Alexander the Great in the fourth century.

It was incorporated into the Classical Roman Empire then the Eastern Byzantine Empire and following a brief rule by Arab caliphates fell to the English King Richard I. A year later he sold it to the Knights Templar, who in turn sold it to the French Lusignans before the Venetians assumed control in the late 15th century. They held it until 1571 when an all-out assault brought it under the control of the Ottoman Empire where it remained for three centuries before being leased to Great Britain in 1878.

Being close to the Suez Canal, the main route to India, under British rule Cyprus was a key military base. After WWI, during which Cyprus had been formally annexed by Britain, the newly created Turkish republic renounced any claim over Cyprus and in 1925 it became a British colony.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots fought on the Allied side during WWII, with thousands of Cypriots serving the British Army, however after the war nationalists began to agitate for self-determination, either as a nation in its own right, or as part of Greece or Turkey. In the event, Cyprus gained independence in 1960 with the charismatic Archbishop Makarios III as its first president.

The island remained fraught with ethnic tension and independence fell apart in 1974 when Makarios was deposed by the Greek military junta. Within days, Turkish troops invaded, the Greeks failed to respond effectively and only after Turkey had taken control of the northern third of the island was a ceasefire arranged by the United Nations with a buffer zone now known as the “Green Line.”

Cyprus has remained partitioned ever since by a divide that runs through the heart of its capital Nicosia. In mid-2015 the president of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci met and resolved to work towards ending its partition. Anastasiades and Akinci released a joint statement in October of 2018 that crossing points at Lefka/Aplici and Deryneia/Derinya would open the following month, but general reunification talks are still stalled due to disagreements over shared power and security provisions. Watch this space.

Did you know?
• Legend has it that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, emerged into the world from the surf off what is today known as Aphrodite’s Beach.
• The Cypriot dessert wine, Commandaria, is the oldest named wine in the world.
• The writer Lawrence Durrell lived on Cyprus from 1952 until 1956.

Religion

Greek Orthodox is the main religion of Cyprus, with Islam the most prominent in the north.

Social Conventions

The family, which includes the extended family, is at the centre of Cypriot society. Particular respect is shown to elders. It is not uncommon to see great, great relatives cradling tiny babies, especially at family occasions and festivals. Religious beliefs are also at the core of society and all members of the family are expected to attend church regularly.

It is customary to shake hands when greeting, irrespective of whether you have just met or have known the person a long time. Normal courtesies should also be observed. It is viewed as impolite to refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink. For most occasions, casual attire is acceptable. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. More formal wear is required for business, and in more exclusive dining rooms and social functions.

Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations. A licence from the appropriate authorities is required to photograph museum artefacts - this can sometimes be purchased from the museum's ticket desk. No flash photography is allowed in churches with murals or icons. Authorization from authorities is required in advance to photograph archeological sites, military zones and the demarcation line, underwater and by air.

Best Time To Visit:

Cyprus has a Mediterranean climate with sunshine likely on most days of the year.

Spring (March to May) sees average high hovering between 19-24°C (66-75°F) and rainfall levels drop dramatically as the season progresses. The period between April to May tends to be quieter and is ideal for exploring the island and enjoying pursuits such as cycling and hiking.

Summer (June to August) is dry with plenty of sunshine and average highs reaching 30°C (86°F). This is the best time to visit Cyprus for those who like the heat, although the intense sun can make sightseeing a challenge. The heat is tempered by sea breezes in coastal areas. Drinking lots of water is essential to avoiding dehydration.

Autumn (September to November) starts off warm and dry, but by November, average high drops to 22°C (72°F) and rain-bearing winds start to hit the country.

Winter (December to February) is mild with often heavy, although sporadic, tropical-style rainstorms. Villages located on higher ground are sometimes subjected to freezing temperatures and frost, while heavy snowfall is experienced in the interior Troodos Mountains and usually stays for several weeks, providing decent ski conditions.

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Required Clothing

Pack lightweight, cotton clothing for the summer months, such as loose tops, shorts and linen trousers, along with a hat to protect against the sun. Warmer medium-weight clothing is ideal for spring, autumn and sunny winter days, together with cardigans or jackets for evenings, which can get very cold. Rainwear should be packed for winter visits.

Dialing Code:

+357

Area(sq km):

9251

Population:

1.207.359

Population Density(per sq km):

129

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

199