Cyprus travel guide

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. 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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 the 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.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Cyprus.

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.

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 Twitter, 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

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Cyprus and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission in Nicosia.

FCDO in London

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

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Cyprus on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.