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Before you travel

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

• 蝉别别听general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• 蝉别别听general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about聽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.听Find out more about FCDO travel advice.听

Get travel advice updates

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

贵辞濒濒辞飞听FCDO:鈥�

This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of Cyprus鈥檚 current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cyprus set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .

Passport validity requirements

To enter Cyprus, your passport must have:

• a 鈥榙ate of issue鈥� less than 10 years before the date you arrive 鈥� if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� 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.听

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聽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聽passport stamping if you live in Cyprus.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, .

Do not overstay your permitted time. You could be:

• questioned by immigration at the airport on exit
• put on a 鈥榮top list鈥� 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 .

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 .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Cyprus

You cannot take . 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 that can be bought in the north of Cyprus and taken across the 鈥楪reen Line鈥� 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聽regions of Cyprus.

Terrorism

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

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

Terrorism in Cyprus

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

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including聽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.听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聽EU聽member, but the country is divided by the 鈥楪reen Line鈥�. The British government does not recognise the self-declared 鈥楾urkish Republic of Northern Cyprus鈥�.

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聽GHB聽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.

尝骋叠罢+听迟谤补惫别濒濒别谤蝉

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聽UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted.听

Read more advice for聽尝骋叠罢+听迟谤补惫别濒濒别谤蝉.

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聽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聽UK聽laws before making any arrangements
• 谤别补诲听FCDO聽and Home Office聽guidance on surrogacy overseas聽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聽UK, you must聽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聽UK聽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 from the Royal Life Saving Society.听

Adventure sports, including quad biking

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

• get the right travel insurance 鈥� 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 鈦� 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聽and check the . 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聽UK聽photocard driving licence to drive in Cyprus. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to聽update it to a photocard licence聽or get the聽correct version of the international driving permit (IDP)聽as well.

You must display a聽UK聽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聽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聽, 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.

奥颈濒诲蹿颈谤别蝉听听

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聽.

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.听聽

You should also read FCDO鈥檚 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 鈥楪reen Line鈥�. The British government does not recognise the self-declared 鈥楾urkish Republic of Northern Cyprus鈥�.

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 , and . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Read FCDO advice if you鈥檙e 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鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See , 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 .

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).听

The NHS鈥檚 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鈥檙e living in Cyprus.

Travel and mental health

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

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 and
• finding English-speaking and
• finding English-speaking and
• dealing with a death in Cyprus
• being arrested in Cyprus
• getting help if you鈥檙e a victim of crime
• what to do if you鈥檙e in hospital
• if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See 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.

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