Cyprus travel advice

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human case of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Cyprus including a small number of British nationals. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through World Health Organisation (WHO) website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu section on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine.flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Around 1.3 million British nationals visit Cyprus every year (Source: Cyprus Tourist Organisation). Most visits are trouble-free. 529 British nationals required consular assistance in Cyprus in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March -2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (149 cases); hospitalisations (86 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (205 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (283 cases). If you need to contact the emergency services in Cyprus call 112. Most of the consular cases occur in the coastal resorts of Ayia Napa, Paphos and Limassol.
  
  
• Cyprus is experiencing water shortages. The Government cut the supply of water to water boards by 30% with effect from 28 March 2008. State hospitals are not affected. The Government has stated that hotels will receive water “when needed”. See the general section (Water Shortage) for more details.
  
  
• Cyprus has a strict policy of zero tolerance towards drugs. See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Driving standards are poor. You should drive with care and caution. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Many British nationals have experienced serious problems associated with the purchase of property in Cyprus. Before purchasing property anywhere on the island, you are advised to seek independent qualified legal advice and read our property FAQs. You should also bear in mind that the possibility of a settlement of the Cyprus problem could have an impact on property issues. See the General (Purchasing Property) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We 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 note that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in northern Cyprus. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

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 continues to be high. You should be aware that room safes and hotel safety deposit boxes have been targeted, particularly in the Paphos area.

In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in Cyprus. For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.

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 and Ledra Street checkpoints 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 and Ledra Street, which are for pedestrians only. Many cars hired in the south are not insured for use in the north. You are advised to check this with the insurance company – you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents.

There are controls on the quantities and types of goods that can be purchased in the north and brought into the south, including from the bicommunal village of Pyla located in the buffer zone. Goods, including cigarettes, may be confiscated at the checkpoint and heavy fines imposed. 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. This has implications for anyone in possession of documents relating to the purchase of property in northern Cyprus when crossing the Green Line, who could face criminal proceedings under the 20 October 2006 amendment. Please see the property section below for more information about the criminal code amendment.

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.

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 2007 there were 89 road deaths in Cyprus (source: DfT). This equates to 11.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

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 general information see 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.

Local laws and customs

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 information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

Entry requirements

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. For more information, please see Travel Information for Foreign Visitors page of the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or contact the Republic of Cyprus High Commission in London.

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 High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in London.

Health

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. If you do not have private medical insurance, please make sure you are taken to a state hospital (where emergency treatment for European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) holders is free), and not taken to a private clinic.

The Form E111 is no longer valid. You should obtain an 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. The EHIC is not valid in northern Cyprus and we advise all travellers to this part of the island to take out private medical insurance. For more general information see EHIC.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Cyprus and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel, or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

There are confirmed human case of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Cyprus including a small number of British nationals. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through World Health Organisation (WHO) website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu section on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine.flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

One case of avian influenza in poultry was reported in northern Cyprus in January 2006. However, 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 Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed information.

Natural disasters

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

General

Insurance

We 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. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Water Shortage

The Republic of Cyprus has cut the supply of water to water boards by 30% since March 2008 because of water shortages on the island. State hospitals will not be affected and the Government has stated that hotels will receive water “when needed”. For information on specific areas please contact the relevant water board:

Nicosia (+357) 22 69 80 00
Limassol (+357) 25 83 00 00
Larnaca (+357) 24 82 24 00
Paphos (+357) 26 93 23 74
Famagusta (covering Ayia Napa and Paralimni) (+357) 23 82 13 23

For the towns in northern Cyprus below please call the following numbers:

Nicosia (Lefkosa/Lefkosia) (+90 392) 228 5221 x 137
Famagusta (Gazi Magusa/Ammochostos) (+90 392) 366 5332
Kyrenia (Girne/Keryneia) (+90 392) 815 2118
Tricomo (Yeni Iskele/Trikomo) (+90 392) 371 2299
Morphou (Guzelyurt/Morfou) (+90 392) 714 2018
Lapitos (Lapta/Lapitos) (+90 392) 821 8327
Pergamos (Beyarmudu/Pergamos) (+90 392) 379 9390
Lefka (Lefke/Lefka) (+90 392) 728 7347

Purchasing Property

You are advised to proceed with caution and to seek qualified legal advice from a source that is independent from anyone else involved in the transaction, particularly the seller, before purchasing property anywhere in Cyprus. You should also note that the Cyprus legal system is not the same as that in the UK and that the process of achieving legal redress in Cyprus can be very protracted compared to the UK. A list of English speaking lawyers is available on the High Commission's website.

There are risks involved with purchasing property on the island of Cyprus. Many British nationals, who have purchased property either in the north or south of Cyprus, face problems caused by; misleading advertising, the failure of developers to complete properties that have been purchased off plan, illegal construction or double selling. Most of these problems can be avoided by taking proper independent legal advice. In addition, both Cypriot and foreign owners of around 100,000 properties have not been able to obtain their title deeds. Some people have been trying to obtain them for over 30 years. There are many cases of people without title deeds finding it difficult to sell their property, or whose developer has imposed a sales fee, high property taxes or service charges. As developers are able to take out mortgages on property for which they hold the title deeds, there is also a risk that a developer could go bankrupt with an outstanding mortgage on the property, rendering it liable to repossession by the mortgage holder.

You should take at least the same steps to protect your interests as you would do at home, and instruct an experienced, reputable lawyer who is totally independent to act on your behalf and ensure that your interests are adequately safeguarded. For further information, please consult our property FAQs. Attempting to save money on professional fees by cutting corners, or by using the seller's lawyers, is a false economy that can result in severe problems later.

The ownership of many properties is disputed in northern Cyprus, with many thousands of claims to ownership of properties from people displaced during the events of 1974. Purchase of these properties could have serious financial and legal implications. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in a number of cases that owners of property in northern Cyprus prior to 1974 continue to be regarded as the legal owners of that property. Purchasers could face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as attempts to enforce judgements from these courts elsewhere in the EU, including the UK. Property owners and potential purchasers should also consider that a future settlement of the Cyprus problem could have serious consequences for property they purchase (including the possible restitution of the property to its original owners). In particular, prospective purchasers should consider the implications of any future settlement on land / property:

• in the north that was Greek Cypriot owned
• that was subsequently classified as exchange land / property by the Turkish Cypriot "authorities".

The leaders of both communities started settlement negotiations in September 2008. Property issues forma key part of these negotiations. Until those negotiations are concluded and a comprehensive settlement agreed, the issues and risks identified above will continue to apply.

If you have purchased a property and are encountering difficulties, you should seek qualified independent legal advice on your rights and methods of redress. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British High Commission do not offer legal advice nor become involved with property disputes between private individuals, although we may be able to direct British nationals to organisations who may be able to help.

The website of the British High Commission in Nicosia contains information about purchasing property in Cyprus, including frequently asked questions, and information for people who are experiencing difficulties with a property purchase. This can be accessed via the following link: http://ukincyprus.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-cyprus/buying-property.

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. Any enquiries about the full implications and scope of this legislation should be made to the Republic of Cyprus High Commission in London.

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.

Money

Cyprus adopted the Euro on 1 January 2008.

New legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU applies in all Member States. 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.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.