This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Local Travel section (village of Pyla). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

 

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  For further information read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas

 

Crime

 

Since 2004, there have been a number of bombings and torching of cars, mainly in the Limassol and Nicosia areas.  Although the perpetrators have rarely been identified, these activities are restricted for the most part to infighting among the criminal fraternity.

 

Crimes against tourists are uncommon.  You should, however, safeguard passports, money and other valuables.  The number of passports reported stolen to the British High Commission has increased recently.  You should be aware that room safes and hotel safety deposit boxes have been targeted, particularly in the Paphos area.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad

 

Political Situation

 

Cyprus Country Profile.

The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the EU. But the country remains divided by the “Green Line” which separates the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" from the rest of the island.  The “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” is not recognised by the British Government.

 

LOCAL TRAVEL

 

The partial lifting of restrictions on crossing the “Green Line” allows Cypriots and non-visa nationals to cross in both directions at designated crossing points.  It is possible to travel to the north of Cyprus from the south by crossing at several checkpoints, including the Ledra Palace checkpoint in central Nicosia.  Cyprus immigration authorities have confirmed that EU passport holders with a “TRNC” stamp in their passport will not experience difficulties when entering the Republic of Cyprus.  You may take a hired car through the checkpoints, except at Ledra Palace, which is for pedestrians only.  You are strongly advised, however, to check the insurance implications with your car hire company before doing so. It is possible to hire a car once you have crossed into the north and to purchase appropriate insurance.

 

There are controls on the quantities and types of goods that can be purchased in the north and brought into the south. Goods, including cigarettes, may be confiscated at the checkpoint and heavy fines imposed, including in the bicommunal village of Pyla located in the buffer zone. The Republic of Cyprus currently imposes a limit of 40 cigarettes per person on crossing the ‘Green Line’ from northern Cyprus.

 

On 20 October 2006 a criminal code amendment relating to property came into effect.  Under the amendment, buying, selling, renting, promoting or mortgaging a property without the permission of the owner (the person whose ownership is registered with the Republic of Cyprus Land Registry, including Greek Cypriots displaced from northern Cyprus in 1974), is a criminal offence.  This also applies to agreeing to sell, buy or rent a property without the owner’s permission.  The maximum prison sentence is seven years.  Furthermore, the amendment to the law states that any attempt to undertake such a transaction is a criminal offence and could result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years.  This law is not retrospective, so will not criminalise transactions that took place before 20 October 2006.  Documents relating to the purchase of property in northern Cyprus will be presumed by the Cypriot authorities to relate to the illegal transfer of Greek Cypriot property and may be subject to confiscation when crossing the Green Line.  Anyone in possession of these documents may be asked to make a statement to the Cypriot authorities and may face criminal proceedings under the 20 October 2006 amendment.  The full implications of this legislation are not yet clear.  Any enquiries about its scope should be made to the Cypriot representation in the UK.

 

British and other foreign nationals who have entered Cyprus through the north are considered by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered Cyprus through an illegal port of entry.  The Government of the Republic of Cyprus reserves the right to fine EU (including British) citizens for illegal entry if they cross into the south. In practice, their current policy is not to do so.

 

There are confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Dromolaxia area of Larnaca resulting in a ban on movement of all animals on the Island.  Please contact the Cyprus High Commission on +44 (0)207 499 8272 for more details.

 

Road Travel

 

Short-term visitors and tourists are permitted to drive on UK driving licences.  Cypriot driving regulations are similar to those of the UK and driving is on the left-hand side of the road.  However, driving standards are poor.  In 2005 there were 102 road deaths in Cyprus (source: DfT).  This equates to 13.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

 

You may be heavily fined if you drive without wearing a seat belt or ride a motorbike without wearing a crash helmet.  Heavy fines also apply if you use a mobile telephone or are under the influence of alcohol while driving.

 

When hiring a car, moped, boat, jet ski or other vehicle, you should check that it is road or sea worthy and that you have appropriate insurance cover and safety equipment.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad

 
Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Cyprus.  For more details about this please see:  Dft Airline Security.

 

Swimming

 

Bathing is generally safe.  But you should be aware of strong seas and undertows. You should always comply with warning signs and swim only from approved beaches.

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero tolerance policy towards drugs.  If you are caught in possession of any type of narcotic you will receive either a prison sentence or a hefty fine.

 

You should not make fraudulent claims on your insurance policy.  The police investigate such claims and if proven you will receive either a prison sentence or a heavy fine.

 

You should avoid taking photographs near potentially sensitive areas such as military establishments in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

 

Homosexuality is legal in Cyprus, although it is not generally as openly accepted as it is in the UK.

 

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Checklists

Visas

 

Cyprus is a full member of the European Union. Holders of full British passports do not, therefore, require visas. 

 

Passport Validity

 

British nationals may stay in Cyprus as a visitor for up to 90 days and you should ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your proposed stay.  For longer stays, you will need to apply for a residence permit by contacting the Civil Registration and Migration Department.

 

Travelling with Children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Cypriot representation in the UK

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK.  The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Cypriot nationals in public sector hospitals only.  Medical treatment received in private hospitals and clinics is not covered by the EHIC.  You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more information about how to obtain the EHIC please see:  Europe and the EHIC.

 

There are a good number of public and private sector hospitals and clinics throughout Cyprus.  In general, the care and facilities in private hospitals and clinics are better than public hospitals, where standards are sometimes lower than those found in the UK.  However, a brand new public hospital, boasting many of the most up to date facilities opened in Nicosia in October 2006, and this is where most seriously ill patients on the island are now treated.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you advice on vaccination requirements for Cyprus.

 

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Cyprus you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel

 

For more general health information see Travel Health

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

On 29 January 2006, the Cypriot authorities confirmed that samples taken from domestic poultry found on a farm close to the village of Makrasyka (Turkish name Incirli) in north Cyprus had tested positive for avian influenza.  There have been no further cases reported and no human infections.

 

The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with the FCO’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet which gives more detailed information.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS

 

Cyprus occasionally experiences earth tremors, but these are almost invariably very mild.

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  Please see Travel Insurance page on the FCO website.

 

If things go wrong when overseas, then this is What We Can Do To Help.

 

Purchasing Property

 

Before purchasing property anywhere in Cyprus you are strongly advised to seek qualified legal advice from a source that is independent from the seller.

 

Property issues are closely linked to the political situation.  There are a number of potential practical, financial and legal implications, particularly for those considering buying property in the north.  These relate to the non-recognition of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", the suspension of EU law in northern Cyprus, the possible consequences for property of a future settlement, and the many thousands of claims to ownership from people displaced in 1974.  There is also a risk that, as a result of the disputed ownership of many of the properties, purchasers could face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as attempts to enforce judgments from these courts elsewhere in the EU, including the UK.

 

Separately, potential purchasers should also ensure that they are fully aware of the specific rules imposed by the administration on foreigners purchasing property in the north including the requirement to obtain consent to the transfer of property.

 

Time share and property salespersons tout for business in Cyprus, especially in the Paphos area. You should read the fine print very carefully and seek legal advice before signing any kind of contract. Under Cyprus law, purchasers of time shares are entitled to a 15-day “cooling off” period during which they should receive a full refund of any money paid if they change their mind.

 

Our High Commission in Nicosia has some frequently asked questions and answers about property on their website.  This can be accessed via the link below:

 

Cyprus Property FAQs

 

Money

 

Cyprus adopted the Euro on 1 January 2008.  The Cyprus Pound will continue to be accepted for payment by businesses until 31 January 2008.

 

New legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU will apply in all Member States from 15 June 2007.  Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc.  This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.