Southern Cyprus Travel Advice
Southern Cyprus is a vibrant island nation located in the eastern Mediterranean and is a member of the European Union.
Southern Cyprus offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and stunning natural landscapes. As the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, it enjoys the benefits of EU membership, including free trade and open borders with other member states, which contribute to its robust economy and diverse tourism industry.
Due to the conflict between Turkey and Greece, there is a UN buffer zone that separates Southern Cyprus with Northern Cyprus and you should not attempt to enter this at any place other than the designated zones. There are mines in the area and it is highly militarised.
The conflict stems from historical tensions and competing claims over the island, which has been divided since 1974, with the northern part occupied by Turkish forces and the southern part governed by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, leading to ongoing disputes over sovereignty and territorial rights.
Note: It is important travel advice for Southern Cyprus is that visitors should not photograph any military areas in the country. Police strictly enforce no photography regulations.
Visiting Southern Cyprus FAQsHire a bodyguard in Southern Cyprus
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Southern Cyprus, please see our page for Bodyguard Services in Southern Cyprus.
Key Information for Southern Cyprus
Emergency Services
All emergency services: 112
Air/sea rescue: 1441
Note: Emergency services staff will speak English.
Country Overview
Capital City: Nicosia
Official State Language(s): Greek
Official State Religion(s): Christianity (Eastern Orthodox)
State Currency: Euro (Є)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Southern Cyprus?
Occasional isolated incidents stemming from political tensions occur, particularly due to the island's ongoing division between the north and south.
These events rarely impact daily life or the safety of visitors, as authorities maintain a robust security presence, and the risk of terrorism remains relatively low, making Cyprus one of the more secure and peaceful countries in the region.
However, both the UK and US maintain a military presence on the island, which could potentially make their assets or personnel targets in the event of broader geopolitical tensions.
Health Emergencies in Southern Cyprus
Southern Cyprus generally has a low risk for major disease outbreaks, and travelers face few significant health concerns. The country maintains high standards of public health, with comprehensive vaccination programs in place and regulations closely aligned with those of the European Union.
Mosquitoes are present but do not carry diseases like malaria or dengue, and there is no significant risk of tropical diseases.
Cyprus is considered rabies-free, meaning there have been no recent cases of rabies reported in animals or humans on the island.
Key Security Issues
Key security issues for southern Cyprus are primarily influenced by the longstanding geopolitical tensions between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey. This division has led to an ongoing dispute over territorial rights, especially regarding maritime boundaries and access to natural resources, significantly over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Both the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey claim overlapping areas for hydrocarbon exploration, which has led to increased tensions and occasional confrontations involving naval vessels. Southern Cyprus is supported by the European Union and has partnerships with other regional players like Greece, Egypt, and Israel, which complicates the dynamics further and sometimes escalates tensions
Crime in Southern Cyprus
Southern Cyprus has a relatively low crime rate, making it one of the safer destinations in the Mediterranean. In recent years, petty crimes like pickpocketing and minor theft have been reported, particularly in tourist areas, but they remain infrequent.
According to recent police reports, overall crime rates have been stable, with around 5,000 reported cases annually, of which only a small percentage involve violent crime. Authorities maintain a strong police presence, especially in urban centers and tourist zones, contributing to a general sense of safety for both residents and visitors.
Global Travel AdvisoriesFAQs for visiting Southern Cyprus
You can find the following embassies in Southern Cyprus for the UK and US:
British High Commission Nicosia
Alexander Pallis Street,
PO Box 21978,
Nicosia,
1587,
Cyprus
Telephone: +357 22 861100 (Urgent assistance)
Email: [email protected]
United States Embassy Nicosia
Metochiou and Ploutarchou Street,
2407, Engomi,
Nicosia,
Cyprus
Telephone: +357 22 39 39 39
Email: [email protected]
For southern Cyprus, UK, EU, and US citizens can indeed enter without a visa for short stays. Specifically, UK and US nationals can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while EU citizens can enter and stay freely due to EU free movement rights.
Travelers are advised to enter and exit the island through recognized ports in southern Cyprus, such as Larnaca and Paphos airports, or the seaports in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals have a separate 90-day visa-free allowance for Cyprus that does not count towards the Schengen Area limit, as Cyprus is not in the Schengen Zone. This allows for independent travel to Cyprus without impacting time spent in Schengen countries.
All visitors must have an "in date" passport, with an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave southern Cyprus.
On arrival in southern Cyprus, border officials have the right to ask for:
Your contact details
Your onward or return travel tickets
Proof of a hotel booking or other accommodation details
Cyprus has generally been considered a stable and safe country, with few incidents classified as terrorist attacks or bombings over the past decade.
However, some isolated incidents have occurred, mainly involving small-scale explosions related to criminal activities, personal disputes, or political tensions. These incidents are typically limited in scope and are often targeted at specific individuals or properties rather than causing widespread harm.
Here is a brief overview of some types of incidents that have occurred over the past decade:
Criminal Activity-Related Explosions: Some explosions have been linked to organized crime or personal disputes, often involving small bombs or explosive devices targeting vehicles, businesses, or specific properties. These events are usually not aimed at the general public.
Political or Sectarian Tensions: Occasionally, small explosions have occurred due to political tensions, though these are infrequent and generally not directed at causing mass casualties. Such incidents are more often intended to send a message rather than result in widespread harm.
Industrial and Accidental Explosions: On rare occasions, explosions related to industrial accidents or mishandling of materials have taken place. While these can cause damage and injuries, they are not related to terrorism or deliberate criminal acts.
Overall, bombings or large-scale attacks in Cyprus are rare, and when they do occur, they are often targeted, small-scale incidents that do not result in significant casualties or widespread disruption. For accurate and updated details, consulting government sources or local news reports can provide specific information on recent events.
It is advised that visitors to Southern Cyprus are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
European travellers with an EHIC will be entitled to the same emergency care as Cypriot nationals, however it does not cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. As such, you should ensure that you have extensive medical insurance that will cover you for such instances.
If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Southern Cyprus. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU including in Southern Cyprus (but not in Northern Cyprus). Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.
Public transport in southern Cyprus primarily consists of buses, which are affordable and provide coverage across cities and towns. In urban areas like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, buses run frequently, connecting key destinations and residential areas. Intercity buses link major cities, while regional buses serve more rural locations, although service can be less frequent outside of urban centers. There is no railway system, and ride-sharing services like Uber are not available, but taxis are widely accessible. Overall, while buses are the main mode of public transport, renting a car is often preferred for more flexibility, especially in remote areas.
Most visitors are able to use their driving licences to operate vehicles in Southern Cyprus, for a maximum of 90 days. Driving takes place on the left-hand side of the road. Many of the secondary roads in the country are small and winding and not as well maintained as many of the main roads. The driving standards in Southern Cyprus are relatively poor and road accidents are common. Travellers should exercise extreme caution when driving a vehicle.
British nationals generally do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in most EU countries, as the UK driver’s license is widely accepted. However, the requirement for a motor insurance green card was lifted, and British drivers no longer need one to drive a UK-registered car in the EU, as long as they have a valid UK insurance policy that covers EU countries.
It's always recommended to check the specific requirements for each country before traveling, as rules can change, and there may be exceptions in certain situations.
Road conditions in southern Cyprus are generally good, with well-maintained highways and roads connecting major cities and tourist destinations. The main highways, such as those linking Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, are modern and well-paved, making travel between cities smooth and efficient. Urban roads in cities like Nicosia and Limassol are also well-kept, though traffic can be heavier during peak hours.
In rural areas, particularly in mountainous regions like the Troodos Mountains, road conditions can vary. While many roads in Troodos are paved and accessible, they tend to be narrower, winding, and occasionally steep. During winter, some routes in Troodos may be affected by snow and ice, so it’s advisable to check local weather and road conditions and consider using a suitable vehicle, like a 4x4, for safer travel. Despite these challenges, roads are generally safe and provide good access to mountain villages and scenic areas.
If you are planning on entering Northern Cyprus, you should be aware that insurance purchased in Southern Cyprus is not valid. You can purchase insurance near the UN buffer zone check points. Many car hire companies will not allow travel to the north, you should check with your provider if you plan to visit the north. The main crossing point for South to North is Agios Dometio in Nicosia. If you would like to travel by foot, the Ledra Palace and Ledra Street checkpoints are located in central Nicosia.
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Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Southern Cyprus is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.