In general, and as a member of the European Union, Cyprus follows European norms and standards. English is widely spoken, as are other European languages, especially in the resort areas.
Check out various facts and figures, such as entry requirements, currency, electricity voltage and time zone, to help you get organised and keep red tape to a minimum. Find out what the average temperatures for all the months of the year are, to get an idea of when to come and what clothes to bring. Discover how easy is to get around in our compact world using the efficient road network and the variety of transportation options available. Don’t get caught out by local holidays or shop closing times. You’ll find all the information you need at your fingertips.
Travelling to Cyprus is very easy. The documentation required varies, depending on your nationality. A valid passport is required for a stay of up to 90 days for all bonafide tourists except citizens of European Union countries, Switzerland , Iceland , Liechtenstein and Norway who may enter Cyprus with their national identity card provided it bears a photo. Some non-EU third country nationals require a visa. Further detailed information can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaka (Larnaca) and Pafos (Paphos) and the ports of Larnaka (Larnaca), Lemesos (Limassol), Latsi and Pafos (Paphos), which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (Turkish occupied areas) is illegal.
Detailed information concerning Cyprus's Embassies and High Commissions abroad can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
If you are coming from an EU Member State , you are allowed to bring your pets to Cyprus provided they possess either a passport or an Animal Health Certificate. But, if you are coming from a non-EU country, you will also need a Vaccination Certificate (especially showing vaccination against rabies).
Please also note the following:
The date, time of arrival and flight number of the aircraft or the name of the vessel with which the animal is due to arrive in Cyprus must be communicated to the District Veterinary Officer at the point of entry, 48 hours prior to arrival.
The following breeds of dogsare not allowed into the Republic of Cyprus regardless of their country of origin.
Further information can be obtained from the Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.
Every person entering Cyprus is entitled to import the following duty free articles (not intended for commercial purposes), provided they are carried in the passengers' hand luggage or accompanying baggage:
800 cigarettes
400 cigarillos
200 cigars
1kg of tobacco
10 litres of spirits
20 litres fortified wine, (such as port or sherry)
90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)
110 litres of beer
It is prohibited to import agricultural products or propagating stock such as fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, dry nuts, seeds, bulbs, bulb-wood sticks, cuttings, etc., without the approval of the competent authorities. The import, possession and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are strictly prohibited. The import of fire arms, ammunition, explosives, flick knives, daggers, swords, obscene books, photographs, films and articles as well as goods bearing a forged trademark or false trade description is prohibited or restricted. Also prohibited or restricted are pirated or counter feit goods, animals, birds, uncooked meat and fish and products there of, milk and dairy products.
Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities respectively. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well spoken within the tourist industry.
Cyprus enjoys an exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. While the majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek-Orthodox Christians, other denominations are represented on the island, including Armenians, Maronites and Roman Catholics.The Turkish-Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim.