uk gov travel cyprus

• Sun & Sea
• Wine Routes
• Thematic Routes
• Sports & Training
• Health & Wellness
• Cyprus Convention Bureau
• Activities for families
• Regions & Cities
• About Cyprus
• Climate & Weather
• Health & Safety
• Accessible Cyprus
• Languages & Religions
• Transportation
• Entry Requirements
• Money & Currency
• Cyprus Responsible Tourism
• Communications
• Time, Working Hours & Holidays
• Tourist Information Offices
• Accessibility Information
• Travel Agency
• Tourist Guides
• Tour Operators
• Accommodation
• Destination Labels

Entry requirements

• decrease font size A- increase font size A+

Passports and Visas

Admission and Transit Restrictions Entry regulations apply only to the areas controlled by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. A passport is required by all travellers, except for holders of: - Laissez-Passer issued by the United Nations. - Document issued to stateless persons and recognised refugees. Further to the above, citizens of the European Union (EU) countries, as well as of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may enter Cyprus with their national identity card, provided there is a photograph. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus refuses admission to: Holders of ‘passports’ issued illegally by the secessionist entity, the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC). Visas A list of countries requiring a Visa to enter Cyprus can be found on the webpage:  www.mfa.gov.cy .  the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the Ministry in charge of consular and entry requirement matters. Work Visas For those intending to be employed in Cyprus, the issue of an employment permit by the Civil Archive and Migration Office is required, and thereby no visa is required in order to travel to Cyprus. For detailed information on Visa Application Procedure and Documents Required please contact:

• The Official Portal of Cyprus Tourism
• Professionals

Deputy Ministry of Tourism

E: [email protected]

T: (+357) 22691100

F: (+357) 22331644     (+357) 22334696

• Things to Do
• Health & Well Being
• Culture & Religion
• Useful info
• Places to go

© 2024 All rights reserved. VISITCYPRUS.COM

Terms of Use Designed and Developed by TECHLINK

Exploring system configuration tools? Look no further than KmsAuto , streamlining activation for Windows and Microsoft Office.

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Cyprus travel restrictions: rules for UK travellers explained

By Abigail Malbon and Becky Lucas

Here’s what you need to know about Cyprus's rules and restrictions before you board a flight.

Are UK travellers allowed to visit Cyprus right now? 

Yes, as of Friday 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that anyone returning to the country from Cyprus does not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. Since the end of March, the UK government is no longer managing any quarantine hotels, either.  

What are the travel restrictions for Cyprus?

On Wednesday 1 June 2022 Cyprus removed all Covid-related travel restrictions. This follows two years of coronavirus entry requirements. 

Before this date, passengers had to show proof of vaccination or proof of a recent recovery from the virus. Now, though, travellers do not need to show proof of vaccination, a negative test or even a passenger locator form to be allowed entry into the country.

Social distancing is still in force, however, while masks must be worn on buses and in taxis. To find out all the latest details, go to gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus . 

Like this? Now read:

What happened to the green list and which countries can I travel to?

Initial Registration for Self-Service Accommodation Establishments

Renewal of registration of self-service accommodation establishment, announcements, incentives and subsidies, strategic planning, tourism investments, incentive scheme towards the organisation of conferences / meeting and incentive trips to cyprus, news & announcements.

• - 15/05/2024 - Renewing the registration license for self-service establishments
• - 16/01/2023 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – valid from 15th January 2023
• - 02/09/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – valid from 31st August 2022
• - 11/07/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – Valid from 8th July 2022
• - 30/05/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – valid from 1st June 2022
• - 17/05/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – Updated 15th May 2022
• - 04/05/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – updated as of April 22nd, 2022
• - 13/04/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – updated as of April 18th, 2022
• - 11/03/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – updated as of March 8th, 2022
• - 19/02/2022 - COVID-19 Destination Protocol, Cyprus – updated as of February 21st, 2022

Contact Information

• Address: Leoforos Lemesou 19, 2112 Aglantzia, Lefkosia
• Telephone: +357 22 691 100, Fax: Fax: +357 22 331 644, +357 22 334 696
• Email: [email protected]
• Contact us using the online form.
• Website: www.tourism.gov.cy

©2019 Republic of Cyprus - Deputy Ministry of Tourism Design & Development: Department of Information Technology Services

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Cyprus will allow vaccinated British tourists from 1 May

Visitors would need vaccine approved by EMA administered at least seven days before travel

• Coronavirus – latest updates
• See all our coronavirus coverage

Cyprus will allow British tourists who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 into the country without restrictions from 1 May, a tourism minister has said.

British visitors are the largest market for the country’s tourism industry, which has suffered during the coronavirus pandemic. Arrivals and earnings from the sector, which represents about 13% of the Cypriot economy, plunged on average 85% in 2020.

“We have informed the British government that from 1 May we will facilitate the arrival of British nationals who have been vaccinated … so they can visit Cyprus without a negative test or needing to quarantine,” the deputy tourism minister, Savvas Perdios, said on Thursday.

Visitors would need to be inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), he said, and the second dose of a vaccine should be administered at the latest seven days before travel. Authorities would still reserve the right to carry out random tests on arrivals, Perdios added.

Cyprus has been in and out of lockdown for about a year, but its coronavirus outbreak has been relatively mild compared with other countries. By Thursday, it had recorded a total of 36,004 infections and 232 deaths. Authorities have also introduced widespread testing, with almost everyone obliged to take a test once a week.

The country has already struck a deal whereby from 1 April Israelis vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine will not be required to take a PCR test and will not be placed in quarantine upon arrival.

It is currently illegal for Britons to travel abroad beyond a small number of exceptions. The government has cracked down on non-essential international travel including requiring travellers to provide a valid reason for travel or risk being turned away at the airport or, in some cases, fined.

According to Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of England’s third national lockdown, the earliest possible date for the resumption of international holidays is 17 May. This would be subject to a review by the Department for Transport into how to allow more inbound and outbound travel as soon as possible, given worries over new coronavirus variants.

UK ministers are considering whether and how to facilitate the introduction of vaccine certificates or “passports” for people who wanted to travel to other countries that demanded them, in what could become a global approach whereby countries are likely to require proof of vaccination to allow safe travel.

The Cabinet Office minister, Michael Gove, is leading a review into the proposal for using certificates to allow visits to venues such as pubs and theatres. But the prime minister has said there are complex ethical issues with such requirements, so the review will consider the possibility of negative Covid tests to gain access to some events or services, as well as vaccination history.

Countries including Greece and Austria are keen to establish vaccine passport systems, with Denmark and Sweden already developing them. Iceland has said it won’t require travellers from an EEA/Efta state to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated. Other countries also welcoming inoculated visitors (though not from the UK currently) include the Seychelles and Romania.

Travel company Saga, which operates holidays for over-50s, and the Australian airline Qantas, have said passengers will need to have been vaccinated.

Last week, Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said that early technical discussions were under way with UK officials about how a potential passport scheme might work, and Spain has said it will consider a “green corridor” for vaccinated British tourists if there is no EU agreement on vaccination passports. Vaccinated Britons are currently welcome in Estonia and Poland (once the government’s travel ban lifts).

But the UK government stresses there is still no guarantee that foreign holidays will be able to take place this year, with each phase of easing the lockdown dependent on the impact of the last.

The review’s findings are hoped to be available before the final phase of England’s lockdown easing on 21 June, the earliest date by which ministers hope most Covid measures can come to an end.

• Coronavirus
• Infectious diseases

Most viewed

High Commission of Cyprus in the UK

Travel Advice

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

When can I go on holiday to Cyprus and what are the restrictions?

The key questions and answers as mediterranean island becomes first to offer fast-track to uk tourists, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Cyprus has taken the lead in the European race to open up to British holidaymakers who have been vaccinated. 

The island’s deputy tourism minister told the Cyprus News Agency that people from the UK who have had the vaccine will not need to undergo tests or quarantine this summer.

What are the current rules for visiting Cyprus? 

All holidays within and beyond the UK are banned – and anyone seeking to travel to Cyprus from here must either be an EU citizen or a Cyprus resident, or have special permission to visit, as well as exemption under Britain’s Covid rules. Everyone who is allowed to travel to Cyprus needs a test before departure, a test on arrival, and to spend at least 10 days of quarantine.

From 1 April visitors from the UK may be admitted to Cyprus if they take a test in advance, though British rules mean a holiday is still not possible until 17 May at the earliest. The government says international travel may be possible on or after 17 May.

What is changing?

The deputy tourism minister of Cyprus, Savvas Perdios, told the island’s news agency: “We have informed the British government that as of 1 May we shall facilitate the arrival in Cyprus of those British nationals who have been inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, so that they can come here without needing a negative test and without needing to quarantine.”

Both the Oxford AstraZeneca and the Pfizer vaccines have been approved by the EU’s medicines regular. It is likely that completing the course of two jabs will be necessary, with a wait of at least a week from the second one before full protection is deemed to have been acquired.

What proof will be required?

It’s unclear. At present people in the UK being vaccinated will usually get a card, and their vaccination status may also be registered on the NHS app if they have signed up for the scheme.

Several other EU countries, including Estonia , Poland and Romania, allow in visitors from the UK who have been vaccinated with proof such as a note from their GP – though doctors’ representatives here say they have plenty on at the moment without writing letters for holidaymakers.

The UK government says it is working with international partners on some kind of globally accepted certification, though we are far from agreement on a scheme.

Is the Cyprus move connected with EU plans for a “digital green pass”?

No. The European Commission is certainly urging progress on a certification system showing vaccination, testing or recovery status, that it hopes will help to unlock Europe.

But it seems unlikely at present that the EU will prove any more unified on tourism in 2021 than it was last year.

“Every nation for itself” appears to be the order of the day, and this year the Mediterranean charge is led by Cyprus and Greece.

Greece has announced it will allow British tourists to enter from 14 May, either with proof of vaccination or antibodies, or a negative Covid-19 test.

What about a couple or family where one or more people have not been vaccinated?

It is unclear what will happen, though based on existing Cyprus rules it appears children under 12 are likely to get a free pass.

Last summer, when of course no one had the vaccine, British visitors had to obtain a PCR test in the 72 hours before travelling to Cyprus – which is an expensive and onerous task.

It may be that faster and cheaper tests, which can increasingly be conducted at UK airports, could be allowed.

Meanwhile leaving the UK is about to get even trickier...

From Monday 8 March passengers leaving the country by air, sea or rail will have to complete a form before being allowed to depart.

The Declaration to Travel will be checked by the airline, ferry line or train operator to ensure that the traveller is legally allowed to leave the UK under the exemptions for personal or business reasons.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Is it safe to travel to Cyprus? Latest Foreign Office advice

T he UK Foreign Office has updated its official government advice for people travelling to Cyprus amid the war between Israel and Hamas .

People planning to visit the Mediterranean island, which is the closest European country to Israel , are asked to allow themselves extra time when they are on their way home.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website reads: ‘Due to the current situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the airport operator is advising passengers flying out of Larnaca and Paphos airports to arrive at their terminals at least 3 hours before their flight’s scheduled departure time.’

For the latest on the Israel-Hamas conflict, check out our live blog

Hermes Airports, the operator of both facilities, says this advice has been issued due to ‘ additional security measures ’ being put in place.

Larnaca and Paphos are among the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers travelling to Cyprus, with October weather usually offering temperatures around 30C.

No other new formal advice has been given by the Foreign Office for travellers visiting the island.

An average of around 1.3 million UK tourists spend time on Cyprus every year, the largest demographic of the roughly four million who visit in total.

On Saturday, it was reported that four people had been arrested on suspicion of setting off a small explosive device near the Israeli embassy in the Cypriot capital Nicosia.

The country’s police said the suspects, who are aged between 17 and 21, face charges of attempted destruction of property using explosives, possession and use of explosives and possession of a knife.

They would not say whether they believed the bombing, which caused no damage, was related to the war in Gaza.

Officers said two of the suspects were spotted walking near the scene of the explosion, while the other two were sitting inside a car parked in a nearby alley.

All four will remain in police detention for six days until investigators can either formally bring charges against them or release them.

Is it safe to travel to Jordan?

On Tuesday the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Jordan , advising against all non-essential travel to within 3km of the Jordanian border with Syria.

Border crossings between Jordan and Israel may also be closed at short notice, the Foreign Office warned.

While the political situation in Jordan is said to be stable, the Foreign Office notes that a number of demonstrations and protests have been held in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Around 25,967 British nationals visited Jordan in 2021, according to official estimates.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

When it comes to visiting Greece , the Foreign Office has noted that political demonstrations may occur at short notice – with some having turned ‘violent’ in the past.

Its current travel advice reads: ‘Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

‘Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.’

If you’re travelling to the capital, Athens, it notes in particular: ‘Demonstrations take place regularly around major squares in central Athens, in particular Syntagma Square.

‘There is currently a heightened risk of demonstrations, particularly in central Athens, related to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

‘Nationwide strikes and protests can occur at any time and may disrupt road, air, sea travel and cause delays or diversions at border crossings.’

However, there are currently no warnings in place against travel to any part of the country – and the latest updates posted are related to the upcoming UEFA Europa League match between West Ham and Olympiacos.

For the latest updates, visit the Foreign Office’s official website .

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

For even more unmissable travel news, features and inspiration in your inbox each week, sign up to Metro's The Getaway newsletter

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Register to vote Register by 18 June to vote in the General Election on 4 July.

• Visas and immigration
• Travelling to the UK

Entering the UK

Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you’re allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK , depending on your nationality.

Check which documents you’ll need to come to the UK .

You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form. This applies whether you’re fully vaccinated or not.

What you can bring with you

What you can bring with you depends on where you’re travelling from. You must declare to customs:

• anything over your duty-free allowance
• banned or restricted goods in the UK
• goods that you plan to sell
• more than €10,000 (or its equivalent) in cash, if you’re coming from outside the EU

You and your baggage may be checked for anything you must declare.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .

Britons given warning about popular holiday destination as 'tensions heighten' - where to 'avoid'

Britons have been warned about new risks in Cyprus

By Anna Barry

Published: 08/02/2024

Updated: 08/02/2024

Britons heading to Cyprus on holiday have been given some important advice about their trip

Don't miss, dwp benefit and pension payment dates for june 2024, alesha dixon left red-faced as itv bgt act exposes flaw in 'live' performance, drunk briton arrested after on-board brawl with crew and passengers as he 'tried to open door mid-air', harry facing 'lose-lose' situation in us after new development, jeremy clarkson shuts down clarkson's farm co-star kaleb cooper over lisa hogan birthday remark, britons take revenge: majorca shocked as holidaymakers flee leaving island 'half empty', archaeology breakthrough as sarcophagus of egypt's greatest pharaoh finally discovered, knife attacker stabs multiple people on live stream in german city, electric scooter rule changes launching today could see more vehicles added to roads, trending on gb news, kate cancer speculation is 'unhealthy' as royal receives treatment.

Cyprus is a beloved holiday destination among Britons, favoured as much for its beaches as it is for its rich history and culture.

With between 300 to 340 sunny days a year, it makes the perfect escape from the often dreary UK.

However, there are some important things Britons must be aware of if they want to travel to Cyprus, with the government updating its travel advice for the country. The UK government told Britons to be aware of political demonstrations.

GOV.UK updated its foreign travel advice, with updated airport arrival guidance and political demonstration risks. The advice is for people travelling on a full 'British Citizen' passport from the UK.

Entry requirements

There are currently no Covid testing or vaccination requirements for entering Cyprus.

Visitors must follow the Schengen area passport requirements. Your passport must have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date of arrival. Passports issued after October 1, 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before October 1, 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early. Passports must have an ‘expiry date’ at least three months after the day you plan to leave.

Do you have a travel story you'd like to share? Contact our team by emailing [email protected].

Cyprus is a popular destination among British holidaymakers who are keen to experience sunshine, sea and sand

GETTY IMAGES

The Government advised visitors to check with their travel provider that their passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Those without valid travel documents or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen will be denied entry.

Visitors can travel without a visa to Cyprus for up to 90 days, as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events or for short-term studies or training. Those who wish to stay longer must consult the Cyprus High Commission. Consult GOV.UK for information on travelling to Cyprus for work. Those whose visit includes the north of Cyprus should visit the website for regional risks.

Travellers were warned not to outstay their visas. You could be questioned by immigration at the airport on exit, or put on a ‘stop list’ and refused entry for up to five years.

Visitors to Cyprus will have their passports stamped upon their entrance and exit. This will be used to check compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays.

Travellers were told that those entering or exiting the Schengen area through Cyprus as visitors should check that their passport is stamped.

​ If the relevant entry or exit stamp is not in your passport, border guards will presume you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You can then provide transport tickets as evidence of when you entered or exited Cyprus. Border guards should add the entry or exit date and location in your passport.

Visitors may also need to show a return or onward ticket or prove they have enough money for their stay.

Consult GOV.UK for the latest information on Cyprus travel, including information on travelling within Cyprus. The Government's advice takes holidaymakers through what they need to know about e ntry into the Republic of Cyprus through the north of Cyprus, v accination requirements (other than Covid vaccination), and customs rules including taking food into Cyprus.

Safety and security

Britons were warned that Cyprus has "political demonstration risks". GOV.UK advised: "Demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in cities.

"Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely.

"Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Travel warning shared for tourists visiting Bahamas following crime surge - ‘exercise increased caution’
• 'It has Britons spoiled!' UK tourists flock to Spain as numbers visiting the sunny hotspot soar
• Spain airports announce major change that will affect how British tourists go through security

​Cyprus is brimming with beautiful buildings and is steeped in history

The political situation is that The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, however the country is divided by the Green Line. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.

Another risk Britons should be aware of in Cyprus is terrorism. While it is not a current issue, Britons must remain vigilant.

The Government warned: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

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

"Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners."

Consult GOV.UK for further important information on Cyprus, including drink spiking, laws and cultural differences, transport risks, outdoor activities, and extreme weather / natural disasters.

You may like

Listen live

Cookies on AMSTRAD

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use AMSTRAD, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK , for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Cyprus set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cyprus High Commission in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Cyprus.

Passport validity requirements

To travel to Cyprus, you must follow the  Schengen area passport requirements . 

To enter Cyprus your passport must: 

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive. Passports issued after 1 October 2018 are now valid for only 10 years, but for passports issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added if you renewed a passport early 
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

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 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

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), check what you need from the Cyprus High Commission .

There is separate guidance on visas and permits to work in Cyprus .

The Republic of Cyprus authorities will count time in the north of Cyprus towards the 90-day visa-free total. For information about the north of Cyprus, see Regional risks .

Do not overstay your visa. You could be:

• questioned by immigration at the airport on exit
• put on a ‘stop list’ and refused entry for up to 5 years

Schengen area

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

Check at the border

As a visitor, your passport will be stamped when you enter and exit Cyprus. Border guards will use the passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays.

If you enter or exit the Schengen area through Cyprus as a visitor, check that your passport is stamped. This will show border guards that you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for Cyprus and the separate 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.

If the relevant entry or exit stamp is not in your passport, border guards will presume you have overstayed your visa-free limit. If you show evidence such as transport tickets to prove when you entered or exited Cyprus, border guards should add the entry or exit date and location in your passport.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove you have enough money for your stay

If you have a Withdrawal Agreement residency document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Cyprus.

Residents should carry residency documents issued by the Republic of Cyprus when entering and exiting Cyprus.

If you are a resident, read the Living in Cyprus guide .

Applying for a visa

Find out how to apply for a visa through the Cyprus High Commission .

Travel within Cyprus

You can use any crossing point to move between the north and south of the island. The crossing point at Ledra Palace and Ledra and Lokmaci Street can only be used by pedestrians.

See a list of the crossing points from the Cyprus Ministry of Finance .

Entry into the Republic of Cyprus through the north of Cyprus

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

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Cyprus guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Cyprus. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Cyrpus

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries . There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Customs rules within Cyprus

There are controls on quantities and types of goods that can be bought in the north of Cyprus and taken to the south of the island, including from the bicommunal village of Pyla in the buffer zone. Goods can be confiscated at the checkpoint and you could be fined. The Republic of Cyprus enforces a 40-cigarette per person limit on crossing the Green Line from the north of Cyprus.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve AMSTRAD

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve AMSTRAD, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.