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Cyprus A fusion of experiences

WELCOME TO THE CYPRUS TOURISM PORTAL

Discover an island rich in history and culture, and full of wonderful experiences just waiting to be enjoyed. If you are heading to Cyprus, everything you need to plan your perfect trip is here on the Deputy Ministry of Tourism website, from information and facts to interesting ideas and downloadable brochures.

UNIQUE
EXPERIENCES

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunity to experience something new, interesting and exciting,including activities, events, customs and places that are unique and special to the island.

 

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunities to experience something new

 
 

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunities to experience something new

 
 

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunities to experience something new

 
 

Whatever the season, Cyprus provides ample opportunities to experience something new

 

Watch a selection of videos that capture
highlights of the island, its attractions, natural
beauty, activities and events.

FOR MORE 360 CLICK HERE

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

With so much happening around the island, there is always an event that will interest you. Discover the current and forthcoming local, cultural, musical, sporting and social events taking place, and view event information, photos and videos.

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20/04/2024


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CYPRUS
MAP

Explore the Regions and Cities of Cyprus and find cycling routes, beaches, harbors, museums, cultural routes, wine routes, monuments and many more.

NEWSLETTER

*to view our privacy policy and terms of use click here

The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has local Information Offices in all main tourist areas. Our experienced colleagues will be happy to assist you and provide you with information and suggestions to make your stay a pleasurable and rewarding experience. For personal and telephone inquiries please visit or contact our Offices:

Opening Hours: 08.30-16.00 Monday-Friday

Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Aristokyprou 11, Laiki Geitonia (east of Eleftheria’s Square), 1011 Lefkosia.
Tel: + 357 22674264

Lemesos (Limassol)
Plateia Michalis Kakogiannis, Old port, Building THK1 3047 Lemesos.
Tel: + 357 25362756

Platres
4820 Platres.
Tel : + 357 25421316

Larnaka
Plateia Vasileos Pavlou, 6023 Larnaka
Tel: + 357 24654322

Pafos
Agoras 8, 8010 Pafos.
Tel: + 357 26932841

Polis
Vasileos Stasioikou A’ 2, 8020 Polis Crysochous.
Tel: + 357 26322468

Agia Napa
Leoforos Kryou Nerou 12, 5330 Agia Napa.
Tel: + 357 23721796

Protaras - Paralimni
Protara 14, 5296 Protaras – Paralimni.
Tel : + 357 23832865

Telecommunications Providers
Since the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2003, both national and international fixed / mobile voice services, Internet access and data services (both narrowband and broadband) in Cyprus are offered by a number of providers.
Visitors are invited to check the specific services offered by the licensed operators on the island, who are listed in the Directory of Licensed Operators, which can be found on the webpage of the Office of the Regulator for: https://ocecpr.ee.cy/

Phone Calls
Making Calls

In order to make a phone call to Cyprus from abroad, dial 00357, and then the eight-digit phone number.
Calling within Cyprus simply requires dialing the eight-digit telephone number.
If you wish to make a phone call abroad while in Cyprus, dial 00, followed by the country code and the telephone number. International calls can be made from public telephones available at various central locations in all cities and villages, as well as at international airports, harbours and elsewhere.

International Dialling Codes
- Australia: 0061
- Austria: 0043
- Bahrain: 00973
- Belgium: 0032
- Brazil: 0055
- Canada: 001
- Croatia: 00385
- Cyprus: 00357
- Denmark: 0045
- Finland: 00358
- France: 0033
- Germany: 0049
- Greece: 0030
- Hong Kong: 00852
- Hungary: 0036
- Ireland: 00353
- Israel: 00972
- Italy: 0039
- Japan: 0081
- Luxembourg: 00352
- Malta: 00356

Directory Enquiries
A 24-hour service for directory inquiries in Cyprus is available by dialling: 11892 or 11800/
Information for foreign customers, country codes and area codes can be obtained by dialling: 11894.

Payphones
There is only one type of public payphones: card-phones, which are usually found in public telephone booths, or at easily accessible private locations.
Public payphones can be used for both national and international calls. Telecards can be purchased at post offices, kiosks and other retail shops. Dialling instructions, as well as rates, are displayed in all payphones.

Internet Connection
Various establishments, including phone centres, Internet cafes and hotels, offer Internet connection services of various speeds and types. Depending on the establishment, the service offered is wired or wireless and is usually charged by the hour.
WiFi (wireless) Internet access can be found in many places across the island – in public areas and private establishments. Some establishments (like hotels) may charge a fee based on usage through an Internet card, whilst others offer the service for free to their customers. At some venues, a password is required, which is given to customers, whilst in others - as well as in public wireless ‘hotspots’ - a direct connection is possible without the use of a password.

Postal and Courier Services
Post Offices

You can send mail from post offices located throughout the island and at the airports, or using the yellow mailboxes on the street. Stamps may be purchased from all post offices, postal agencies, as well as from many hotels, newsstands, kiosks, etc.
All post offices across the island offer the following services:
- Airmail (letter, post items and parcels) with all countries.
- Money orders with most European countries.
- EPG parcels.
- Parcel24 service.
- EMS / DATAPOST - courier service with more than 123 countries.
- SAL (surface air lifted service) for letter, post items and parcels.
- Quick Post - premium courier
- Post Express - local courier
- Personalized stamps.
- Money Gram - money transfer.
- International Money Transfer.
- Mobile telephony.
- Packaging material.
Αll Post offices  are offering Poste Restante service (holding mail service).
Post offices operating hours are subject to changes, depending on the season. As a general rule, the district post offices for each major town, along with Eleftheria Square Post Office in Lefkosia are open during the whole of the day, all year round, Monday - Friday, whereas all other post offices across the island do not open daily in the afternoons. All post offices remain closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
For more details, visit the Cyprus Post website:  https://www.cypruspost.post/
The Cyprus Post Call Centre can be contacted by dialling: (+357) 80002000.

Courier Services
Courier Services are available by the relevant section of the Postal Services, and by private companies, in all towns.
Whilst airmail letters take approximately three to four days to Europe, courier services offer a speedier ‘next day or sooner’ delivery service.
 

Covid 19 Travel Safety tips 

For your safety and comfort during your trip to our beautiful island, Cyprus, click here to learn everything there is to know prior to your visit, according to the latest safety protocols issued by the Cypriot Government regarding the Covid-19 pandemic conditions and terms of entry to our Mediterranean country.


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:

Consular Department, Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
Presidential Palace Avenue
1447 Lefkosia
Cyprus
Tel: (+357) 22 651 000
Fax: (+357) 22 661 881
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (general information)

Traveller Advice Regarding the Turkish Occupied Areas of the Republic of Cyprus
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only recognised Government on the island; a member of the EU since May 01, 2004, as well as a member of the UN and other International Organisations.
As a result of the Turkish military presence and occupation, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is not in a position to exercise control over the occupied areas of the Republic. The so-called ‘TRNC’ has been condemned and declared as both illegal and invalid by the whole of the International Community through Security Council Resolutions 541/83 and 550/84. With the sole exception of Turkey, no state in the world or International Organisation recognises the secessionist entity.
Presently, it is possible for foreign tourists who visit the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, to cross to the occupied areas. It is prudent to note the following precautions:
- Staying in Greek Cypriot owned hotels in the occupied areas, which are being illegally exploited, would put you at great risk of possible legal action on the part of the owners.
- Any entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus is illegal, and travellers doing so may face legal consequences. Therefore you are urged to travel via the recognised ports of entry (Larnaka and Pafos International Airports / seaports of Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka (Larnaca), Pafos (Paphos) and Latsi).

Diplomatic Missions
- Detailed information concerning Cyprus Embassies and High Commissions abroad can be obtained by visiting the webpage: www.mfa.gov.cy
- Detailed information concerning Foreign Diplomatic Missions of other countries in Cyprus can be obtained by visiting the webpage: www.mfa.gov.cy

Travelling With a Pet
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.
For travellers with pets coming from a non-EU country, you will also need a Vaccination Certificate (especially showing vaccination against rabies).
The following breeds of dog are not allowed into the Republic of Cyprus regardless of their country of origin:
- American Pitbull Terrier; Pitbull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa; Tosa Inu
- Dogo Argentino; Argentinian Mastiff
- Fila Brasileiro; Brazilian Mastiff
Please also note the following:
- Animals should be transported in cages made in accordance to IATA specifications.
- Animals and their accompanying documents are inspected on arrival by the Veterinary Officer or by the duty Customs Officer acting on behalf of the Veterinary Services.
- Animals that fulfil the relevant veterinary provisions will be allowed to enter without being subject to quarantine.
- The Veterinary Officer in charge decides on the basis of the relevant veterinary provisions whether the animal will be quarantined or not.
- 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.
For more detailed information regarding traveling to Cyprus with a pet, visit the webpage: https://moa.gov.cy/?lang=en

Customs Formalities and Facilities
Within the European Union (EU)
There are no limits on what you can buy and take with you when you travel between EU countries, as long as it is for personal use and not for resale.
VAT and duty are included in the price you pay and, since these vary from country to country, you may want to take advantage of some attractive price differences.
Shops at airports and on ships may also provide some bargains, although duty-free shopping no longer exists when travelling within the EU.

Tobacco and alcohol
For guidance, goods are considered to be for your own use if you have no more than:
- 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
If you carry large quantities of tobacco or alcoholic products - and particularly where such quantities exceed the quantitative limits set as above - you may be asked to answer to questions regarding:
- Your commercial status and the reasons for holding such goods
- The place where the goods are located
- Any documents relating to these goods
- The nature and quantity of goods
- The frequency of your travel
Please note: Travellers under the age of 17 are not granted relief on tobacco products and alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

Outside the EU
If you are coming into the EU from a non-EU country, you can bring with you goods free of VAT import duties and excise duties for personal use within the limits set out below. The same applies if you come from the Canary Islands, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar or other territories where VAT and EU excise provisions do not apply.

Tobacco products
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco.

Alcoholic drinks
- 1 litre of spirits over 22% vol. or ethyl alcohol of 80% vol. and 2 litres of fortified wine or sparkling wine, 4 litres of still wine
- 16 litres of beer
The exemption may be applied to any combination of tobacco products, or to the types of alcoholic drinks provided that the total aggregate of percentages used up from the individual allowances does not exceed 100%.
Please note: For travellers under the age of 17, relief on Tobacco and Alcoholic Products is not granted.

Other goods
For goods of any other description, relief is granted to the total amount of €430. However for travellers under 15 years old, relief is €150.

Notifications to Travellers
Narcotics

According to Cypriot Law, the Importation, Possession and Use of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, is strictly prohibited.
Agricultural Restrictions
The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment wishes to inform all travellers that, in order to protect the agriculture of the country from the danger of the introduction of new pests and diseases, the importation of agricultural products or propagating stock - such as fruit, vegetables, cut-flowers, dry nuts, seeds, bulbs, bulb-wood sticks, cuttings, wood and other wood products, etc. - without the approval of the competent authorities, is prohibited.  According to the Diseases of Plants (Prevention) Law and the Importation of Produce (Control) Orders, the transportation of agricultural products or propagating stock from abroad is prohibited unless a relevant licence has been previously issued by the Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Upon their arrival in Cyprus, such products should be declared at the Customs Offices, whereupon they will be kept for phytosanitary inspection by Authorised Agricultural Officers.
Any person contravening the Law and the Orders made under it, is liable, in case he is found guilty, to a fine and / or imprisonment.
Import Restrictions
There is also a number of other articles of which the importation is prohibited or restricted for different reasons such as:
- Firearms and weapons other than firearms, such as military explosive devices and projectile launchers, automatic firearms, ammunition, long-barrel semi- automatic or repeating firearms, in accordance with the First Annex of the ‘Firearms and Weapons Other than Firearms Law’ no. 113(I) of 2004.
- Flick knives and daggers.
- Obscene books, photographs, films and articles.
- Pirated or counterfeit goods (e.g. computer programmes, films video and audio cassettes, CD, clothing, handbags, etc).
- Uncooked meat and fish and products thereof, milk and dairy products.
- Nuclear, chemical, toxic, biological weapons and similar substances - Goods used for illegal hunting of game.
- Counterfeit bank notes.
- Goods shipped or originating from countries under an embargo from the United Nations Security Council and the European Union, such as Iraq, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Sudan.
- Kimberley Process rough diamonds.
- Hazardous wastes (according to the Basel Convention).
All Prohibitions and Restrictions imposed upon the importation of goods from Third Countries are published in the Department of Cyprus Customs and Excise website.  
The relevant catalogue, which remains unaltered, is non-exhaustive. Additionally, as regards the restrictive measures/ sanctions (embargoes) against goods, individuals, entities and organizations by specific countries, you are informed that this provides traceability through the following (EC) website: http://eeas.europa.eu/cfsp/sanctions/docs/measures_en.pdf.
The relevant Decisions/Press Releases/Sanctions of the UN Security Council can be found on the following https://www.un.org/en

Export Restrictions
According to various Cypriot laws, the exportation of certain articles is prohibited or restricted such as all items of which the importation of is prohibited, i.e.:
- Illegal drugs
- Pirated and counterfeit goods
- Knives, daggers, air-rifles, hunting weapons and other illegal and dangerous weapons; their components and ammunition
- Antiquities and valuable artefacts
- Pornographic or offensive material
- Goods of precious metals destined for the Cyprus market
- Precursor chemicals
- Wild fauna and flora, endangered by extinction and products thereof (Washington Convention - CITES), e.g. animals, birds, fowls, lizards, cactus, hides, ivory, etc
Please have in mind that for the above restrictions upon exportation a special permit is required from the appropriate authority or body accordingly for each case.
For further information please contact: http://mof.gov.cy/en/  

Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles).
The latitude of Cyprus is 34° 33’-35° 34’ North, and its longitude is 32° 16’ - 34° 37’ East.

Demography
Population in the Republic of Cyprus: 920.701 (January 2023)
Greek Cypriots (737.196)
Foreign residents (183.505)

Population of Main Towns
In 2023  the population of the island’s main towns is as follows:
- Lefkosia (Nicosia): 356.358 (part of Lefkosia in the Government controlled area)
- Lemesos (Limassol): 258.283
- Larnaka (Larnaca): 153.824
- Pafos (Paphos): 100.753
- Ammochostos (Free Famagusta) rural area: 51.483

Government and Regime
Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term of office through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Ministers cannot serve concurrently in the House of Representatives.
On May 01, 2004 the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the EU completing a long journey that lasted more than three decades. Accession to the EU was a natural choice for Cyprus, dictated by its culture, civilisation, history, its European outlook and adherence to the ideals of democracy, freedom and justice. EU accession has launched a new era of challenges, opportunities and responsibilities for Cyprus.

The application of the EU laws and regulations (the acquis communautaire) is suspended in the area under military occupation by Turkey, pending a solution to the division of the island. Meanwhile, the government of Cyprus in cooperation with the EU Commission, has been promoting arrangements to facilitate increased economic transactions between the two communities and improve the standard of living of Turkish Cypriots. On January 01, 2008 the Republic of Cyprus joined the Euro system and in so doing introduced the Euro as its official currency, replacing the Cyprus pound as the unit of account. Thus, Euro banknotes and coins are the country’s legal tender.
Cyprus is also a member of the United Nations and its specialised agencies, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and many other international organisations.

Legislature
The legislative authority in the Republic is exercised by the House of Representatives now consisting of 80 seats, 56 of which are for Greek Cypriot members and 24 for Turkish Cypriots. The members are elected by universal suffrage five-year term.
At the time of its establishment, the House consisted of 50 members, 35 of whom were Greek Cypriots and 15 Turkish Cypriots. According to the Constitution the ratio of members is 70% Greek Cypriots and 30% Turkish Cypriots. Following the withdrawal of the Turkish Cypriot members in 1963, the House has been functioning only with the Greek Cypriot members.

Judiciary
The administration of justice is exercised by the island’s separate and independent Judiciary. Under the 1960 Constitution and other legislation in force, the following judicial institutions have been established: The Supreme Court of the Republic, The Assize Court, District Courts, Military Court, Industrial Disputes Court, Rent Control Courts and Family Courts. The Supreme Court is the final appellate court in the Republic and the final adjudicator in matters of constitutional and administrative law.

Cyprus Political Question
Cyprus became an independent Republic on August 16, 1960 on the basis of the 1959 Zurich and London Agreements negotiated by Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
The Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities had no substantial role in their drafting - or in the drafting of the constitution - and were never given the opportunity to vote on them. In effect, both the agreements and the constitution of the nascent republic were imposed on the people of Cyprus.
The Constitution emphasised differences between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, thereby encouraging divisive rather than integrative tendencies between the two communities. Greek Cypriots were determined to strengthen the unity of the state but the Turkish side sought ethnic segregation and geographic separation.
There were sporadic intercommunal clashes in 1963-1967 and air attacks and threats to invade by Turkey; Turkish Cypriots ceased to participate in the government. UN sponsored intercommunal talks to reach a settlement were held during 1968-1974; intercommunal tensions subsided and violence virtually disappeared during this period. Progress was reported in the talks but the process came to an end due to the Turkish invasion in the summer of 1974.

Pretext for Invasion
On July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus with massive military force. The pretext was a criminal coup against the President of Cyprus, on July 15, instigated by the military junta of Greece. Turkey put into operation its plan to partition Cyprus, an objective advocated by Ankara for many years. Despite the swift collapse of the coup, and the restoration of the legitimate government of Cyprus, Turkey undertook a second wave of invasion in August, in violation of UN ceasefire agreements, and expanded its occupation to nearly 40 percent of the Republic’s territory.
Turkey’s military aggression against Cyprus tragically continues unabated to this date. The military occupation, forcible division, violation of human rights, massive colonisation, cultural destruction, property usurpation and ethnic segregation imposed since Turkey’s military invasion remain the main characteristics of the status quo on the island.
Today, Turkey, an aspiring member of the EU, still stands guilty of international aggression against a member-state of the EU and the UN. This is certainly a totally unacceptable state of affairs, an affront to the international legal order, and an ongoing threat to regional stability that must be urgently redressed. 
The dire consequences of the invasion and subsequent military action by Turkey are still felt today by the people of this EU member-state:

- 36,2% of the sovereign territory of Cyprus is still under illegal military occupation by Turkey.
- About 200,000 Greek Cypriots - one third of the total population - who were forcibly expelled from the occupied northern part of the island (where they constituted about 70% of the population) are still deprived of the right to return to their homes and properties.
- Some 1,400 persons (among them several hundred civilians) are still missing, while the Turkish side refuses to cooperate in ascertaining their fate.
- Less than 500 Greek and Maronite Cypriots, out of 20,000 at the end of August 1974, remain enclaved in their villages which are still occupied. These people are living under conditions of oppression, harassment and deprivation. (The rest were forced to abandon their homes and become refugees).
- 43,000 troops from Turkey, heavily armed with the latest weapons, supported by air, land and sea power, are illegally stationed in the occupied area, making it one of the most militarized regions in the world.
- About 160,000 settlers from Turkey have been imported illegally to colonize the occupied area and alter the demographic structure of Cyprus.
- 58,000 out of the 116,000 Turkish Cypriots have emigrated from the island since Turkey’s invasion, according to Turkish Cypriot sources, because of the economic, social and moral deprivation which prevails in the occupied areas. Turkish Cypriots are now outnumbered by troops and settlers from Turkey by more than two to one.
- Illegal construction on Greek Cypriot land and illegal sale of property owned by Greek Cypriots who were forcibly expelled from their homes by Turkey’s invasion have intensified. This unprecedented usurpation of property is yet another flagrant violation of human rights by the Turkish side.
- The illegal Turkish Cypriot regime and Turkey continue to destroy, deliberately and methodically, the Hellenic and Christian cultural and historical heritage in occupied Cyprus.

International Reaction
A series of UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, as well as resolutions adopted by numerous other international organizations, reflect the universal condemnation of Turkey’s invasion and on-going occupation of part of Cyprus; demand the return of the refugees to their homes in safety and the tracing of the missing persons; demand the withdrawal of foreign forces and settlers from Cyprus; and call for respect for the human rights of all Cypriots as well as for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
Moreover, the European Court of Human Rights has found the government of Turkey responsible for gross and systematic violations of human rights in Cyprus. Regrettably, most of the resolutions and court decisions remain unimplemented as Turkey continues to defy the will of the international community and the rule of law. Successive rounds of UN-sponsored talks to resolve the Cyprus problem have been unsuccessful.

Current Initiatives
For further information and current developments please consult the following websites:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus: www.mfa.gov.cy/
- Cyprus Press and Information Office: www.pio.gov.cy/
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