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UK Customer Services0330 880 3600
Open Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4pm and closed Sundays.
(Calls may be monitored or recorded)
Contact details can be found in your policy documentation
Available 24 hours a day, every day
Region: Europe
Full Name: Republic of Cyprus
Capital City: Nicosia (Lefkosia)
Language Spoken: Greek, Turkish, English
Get travel insurance to Cyprus from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Cyprus and most of the world.
35 00 N, 33 00 E
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m
total: NA; note - boundary with Dhekelia is being resurveyed border countries: Akrotiri 47.4 km, Dhekelia NA
moderate earthquake activity; droughts
copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment
arable land: 10.81% permanent crops: 4.32% other: 84.87% (2005)
water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, sea water intrusion to island's largest aquifer, increased salination in the north); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization
Warm Mediterranean climate. Hot, dry summers with mild winters during which rainfall is most likely. Required clothing Lightweight cottons and linens during summer months; warmer mediumweights and rainwear during the winter.
time difference: UTC+2 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
784,301 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 20.4% (male 81,776/female 78,272) 15-64 years: 68% (male 270,254/female 263,354) 65 years and over: 11.6% (male 39,536/female 51,109) (2006 est.)
total: 34.9 years male: 33.9 years female: 35.9 years (2006 est.)
0.53% (2006 est.)
12.56 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
7.68 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
0.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 77.82 years male: 75.44 years female: 80.31 years (2006 est.)
1.82 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business customs in Cyprus are not very different from those in Europe and North America. Despite the long and hot summer, the conventional business dress code usually calls for a suit and tie for men and conservative attire for women. More casual wear is usually worn when entertaining business guests, depending on the venue. All offices are closed half-day Wednesday, otherwise 0800-1300 and 1600-1900 Monday to Friday (summer); 0800-1300 and 1500-1800 Monday to Friday (winter).
Cyprus is still a very safe country to visit or live in. Criminal activity is minimal and not specifically directed at foreign visitors or residents. There are some petty crimes committed in the tourist beach areas but these are very limited in number and generally involve foreign pickpockets. The only real exception is bars (discos) late at night where gangs of young Cypriots have been known to attack foreigners, particularly young male foreigners with a military appearance. This is attributed to consumption of alcohol coupled with a resentment of the continued presence of British troops at the sovereign base areas on Cyprus. It is best to avoid the discos after midnight. While crime and civil disorder is uncommon in Cyprus, demonstrations sometimes occur, and there have been occasional violent incidents along the "green line" dividing the Turkish and Greek sides of the island. Terrorist groups from the Middle East have occasionally used Cyprus as a site for carrying out acts of terrorism against third-country targets
There are over 500 European standard hotels and hotel apartments scattered throughout the island.
The island's telecommunications system is quite advanced and efficient. The country code is 357 and the outgoing international code: 00. More than 190 countries can be reached on a fully automatic direct dialing. Installation services are offered within a few days notice. Fax service is available, as is the Internet. Telecard or coin operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in towns and villages. Post office hours are 0730-1330 Monday to Friday; 1500-1800 Thursday (not in July and August).
is at 240 volts AC, 50Hz. There are two types of plug in use, 5-amp round 3-pin and 13-amp square 3-pin (UK-type). Electricity 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.
G,F
Major resorts have bars and restaurants of every category. At larger hotels, the indigenous cuisine tends to have an 'international flavor' although authentic local dishes may also be available. All over the island there are restaurants offering genuine Cypriot food. One of the best ways of enjoying Cypriot food is by ordering mezze (snacks), a large selection of a number of different local dishes. However, the cuisine varies according to whether the visitor eats in the North or the Republic of Cyprus. Waiter service is normal and counter service is common in bars. There are no licensing hours and the highlight of the wine year is the annual wine festival in Limassol, usually held in September, when free wine flows and local food is on offer.
National specialties:
? Tava (a tasty stew of meat, herbs and onions).
? Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice).
? Kebabs (pieces of lamb or other meat skewered and roasted over a charcoal fire).
? Stifado (a stew of beef or hare cooked with wine, vinegar, onion and spices).
? Fresh seafood: Tsipoura (seabream), Lavraki (seabass) and Garides (prawns).
? Loukoumades, Cyprus doughnuts with honey syrup. National drinks:
? Coffee is Greek-style (short, strong and unfiltered)
? Cyprus produces excellent wines, spirits and beer which can only be bought in the south. Tipping : A service charge is added to all bills, but tipping is still acceptable and remains at the discretion of the individual.
Resricted Entry (a) Holders of Former Yugoslav Republic passports bearing the stamp 'Macedonia'. (b) Holders of passports issued illegally by the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'. Other nationalities having stamps or visas of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' in their passports are only allowed to enter Cyprus after the visas/stamps are cancelled by the Immigration Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a)1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their onward journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport, except nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Turkey, who require an Airport Transit visa.
Tourist/Business: CUS$10 (free of charge to nationals of Egypt, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine, provided holding onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay). Multiple-entry visas are only issued to those who require it for business purposes and cost CUS$34 Transit: CUS$10 Airport Transit: CUS$10
Tourist/Business: Three months. Transit: Five days.
In person to the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission).
(a) Passport valid at least six months after returning from Cyprus. (b) One completed application form. (c) One passport-size photo. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay. (e) Provisional booking or itinery of travel arrangements and evidence of hotel reservation or letter of invitation from resident of Cyprus. (f) Fee (payable by cash or postal order only, subject to rate of exchange). (g) Application must be submitted in person; however, for those who reside more than 200miles (300km) from the Consulate may apply by post and send a registered self addressed special delivery envelope. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) Introductory letter from the applicant's company, giving details of salary. (i) Official letter of invitation from a company in Cyprus.
In most cases personal applications will be processed on the same day or within 24 hours after an interview, but it may take up to a minimum of 10 days if application needs to be referred to Cyprus (depending on nationality, eg Turkey).
Nationals of any country coming to Cyprus for employment or studies must secure an employment or student's permit through the Migration Officer, Nicosia prior to arrival. Applications should be submitted by the prospective employers or the directors of the schools.
Test required for anyone applying for a work or study permits
None
93 Park Street, London W1K 7ET, UK
Tel: (020) 7499 8272 or 7491 2955 or 7629 6288 (Cyprus Trade Center) or 5350 (consular section).
Website: www.cyprus.gov.cy
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1700; 0930-1300 (consular section).
2211 R Street NW, Washington DC 20008-4082, USA
Tel: (202) 462 5772 or 462 0873.
Website: www.cyprusembassy.net
13 East, 40th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
Tel: (212) 686 6016/7.
Most visits to Cyprus are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Cyprus Pound (CYP; symbol C?) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of C?20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
The import of local currency is unrestricted, subject to declaration; foreign currency for amounts over US$1000 (or the equivalent in other currency) must be declared. The export of local and foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Local currency withdrawn from Cypriot banks may be exported provided a holding certificate is obtained by the bank.
Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1230 in June, July and August; Mon-Fri 0815-1230 and Mon 1515-1645 rest of year. Certain central banks may also open Tues-Fri in the afternoon. Banks in Larnaca and at Pafos International Airport are open all day.
Visitors wishing to obtain non-Cypriot currency at Cypriot banks for business purposes are advised that this is only possible by prior arrangement. ATMs operate 24 hours in main towns and tourist areas.
All major credit cards are accepted at most places. Check with your credit or debit Card Company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
May be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Pounds Sterling or Cyprus Pounds.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| Lefkosia (Nicosia) | (0)392 | + 7 digit subscriber nr |
Average standards of care are available in Cyprus and generally dentists are not trained to international standards
Supplies of international medications are generally available throughout Cyprus
Blood supplies are considered safe and screened to international standards
Good medical facilities are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Take personal protective measures against insects. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne diseases: these do not generally pose widespread hazards to the traveler. Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs Tick-borne relapsing fever - occurs Typhus (including murine and tick-borne) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: poses a major hazard in most areas. Brucellosis - prevalent Cholera - occurs Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs Guinea-worm infection - occurs Hepatitis - common Taeniasis - occurs Typhoid fever - common Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although no cases have been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Trachoma may be a problem.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for all foreigners working or studying in Cyprus. Foreign test results are not accepted. Contact Cyprus' embassy for details.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Penelopis Delta Str. Nicosia | |
| Aggelis Polyclinic | Gonia Leoforos Makariou & Doiranis 1070 Nicosia |
| American Heart Institute | Lefkotheou 20 Ave Strovolos Nicosia |
| Anastasiades & Pantelides Clinic | Nicosia |
| Andreas Constantinou Medical Center | 1 Haidari Street PO Box 1963 Limassol 3509 |
| Apollonion Private Hospital | 20 Lefkotheou Avenue PO Box 2559 2054 Strovolos Nicosia 1660 |
| Asklipios Maternity Clinic | Limassol |
| Ayia Zoni Maternity Clinic | Limassol |
| Ayios Georgios Private Hospital | Eleftheriou Venizelou 29 8021 Paphos |
| Ayios Panteleimon Clinic | 18 Robert Kennedy Limassol |
| Ayios Raphael Polyclinic | 20-22 General Timayia Larnaca |
| Ayios Therissos Medical Diagnostic Center | 92 Troodous Nicosia |
| Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center | 32 Acropoleos Avenue 2006 Strovolos Nicosia |
| Blue Cross Medical Centre | 51 Demokratias Avenue P.O. Box 62213 Paphos 8062 |
| Cardiovascular Diagnostic Centre | 1 Thasou Nicosia |
| Chrysovalantou Surgery Clinic | 6 Ierou Lochou St Kapsalos 3082 Limassol |
| Dr Patroclos Patroclou Maternity Clinic | Limassol |
| Economou Polyclinic | Nafpliou 16 3025 Limassol |
| European S. D. Clinic | 26 Vyzantiou Strovolos Nicosia |
| Evaggelismos Hospital | Paphos |
| Evaggelistria Medical Center | 1 M. Georgalla Street 1095 Nicosia |
| Faneromeni Clinic | Larnaca |
| Galinos Medical Center | Limassol |
| Harilaos Kouriefs Clinic | Limassol |
| Hippocrateon Medical Center | Psaron 6-12 Engomi 2408 Nicosia |
| Hippocratic Clinic | Theodosiou Private Medical Services Ltd 6 Ellados Avenue Paphos |
| Ioannis Savvides Clinic | Laranaca |
| Larnaca General Hospital | United States of America Avenue Larnaca |
| Lemesos Medical Center | Limassol |
| Levkothea MRI Center | Levkotheou 4 2054 Strovolos Nicosia |
| Limassol Clinic | Dodekanisou 3 Limassol |
| Limassol General Hospital | Nikeas street Pano Polemidia Limassol |
| Lito Private Hospital | 8 Sotiras Avenue P.O. Box 33251 Paralimni 5312 |
| Lycavitos Clinic | Nicosia |
| Makario General Hospital | Nicosia |
| MRI Center Ayios Therissos | Leoforos Troodous 92 2033 Strovolos Nicosia |
| Napa Olympic Polyclinic | Nissi Avenue 26 Aya Napa |
| Nasos Vyrides Clinic | Nicosia |
| Nicosia General Hospital | Nechrou Avenue Nicosia 1450 |
| Nicosia Polyclinic | 22 Achaeon Street T.T163 1101 Nicosia |
| Pamborides Clinic | Nicosia |
| Papazacharia & Chatzitheocharous Clinic | Larnaca |
| Paphos General Hospital | Anavargos Street Anavargos Paphos |
| Paraskevaidon Surgical & Transplant Foundation | Charalambou Mouskou 4A PO Box 24307 1102 Nicosia |
| Patroclou Maternity Clinic | 14 Rubens Street Limassol |
| Phaneromeni Clinic | Nicos Demetriou Street 43 Larnaca |
| Phaneromeni Private Hospital | Artemidos Avenue P.O. Box 42638 Larnaca 6031 |
| Royal Artemis Clinic | Pavlou Krineou 2 8035 Paphos |
| Santa Marina Polyclinic | Taki Sophocleous 5 Derinia Paralimni |
| Savvas Nicolaides Clinic | Limassol |
| Simos Kyriakides Clinic | Larnaca |
| Simos Kyriakides Clinic | Leof. Grigori Afxentiou 40 Limassol |
| St George's Private Hospital | 29 Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue P.O. Box 62259 Paphos 8062 |
| St Mary's Clinic | At St Peter & St Paul's Polyclinic 25 Aglias Zonis Limassol |
| St. Afxentios Medical Centre | 204 1st April Avenue Paralimni PO Box 303 Famagusta 5313 |
| Tellos Papageorghiou Clinic | Larnaca |
| Timios Stavros Clinic | Larnaca |
| Ygia Polyclinic | 21 Nafpilou PO Box 567174 3305 Limassol |
The Cypriot media reflects the island's political divide, with the Turkish-controlled zone in the north operating its own press and broadcasters. State-run services compete with a large number of private TV and radio stations. Relays of Greek and Turkish stations are available across the island. Newspapers on both sides of the divide are frequently critical of the authorities.
Press: Newspapers published in English include the Cyprus Financial Mirror, Cyprus Mail (daily), Cyprus Today (Turkish Cypriot) and Cyprus Weekly. Simirini is in Greek, while Kibris Gazette is in Turkish. Most English papers are available.
TV: The public Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) operates channels RIK 1 and RIK 2. In northern Cyprus, Bayrak Radio-TV operates channels BRT 1 and BRT 2.
Radio: Radio 1 (in Greek), Radio 2 (in English, Turkish and Armenian), Radio 3 (in Greek) and Love Radio are operated by CyBC. Commercial stations include Radio Proto and Astra 92.8. Bayrak Radio-TV operates Bayrak Radio 1 (in Turkish), Bayrak International (in English), Bayrak FM and Bayrak Klasik. In addition, the CTO sponsors programs for tourists Mon-Sat on 603kHz (498m) and FM94.8. The times are as follows: German 0800; English 0830; French 0900; Swedish 0930; Arabic 1000.
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