Visiting Cyprus will be much easier and more relaxing once you’re certain that you have all the basic documents, electrical adapters, emergency numbers, and telecommunications sorted. Cyprus is a little different from other EU countries because it is divided in two by a border. In this article I’ll cover all the practical things to know before visiting Cyprus, beginning with passports and tackling money, time zones, taxis, and tipping.
Cyprus Passport Requirements
All travelers to Cyprus must have a valid passport to enter the country. You must ensure that your passport’s expiration date is at least three months beyond your intended departure from Cyprus.
Also, it’s recommended to have at least two blank pages within your passport in case stamps are needed.
Cyprus Visa Requirements
The visa requirements for Cyprus depend on the traveler’s nationality.
Citizens of the European Union, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, do not need a visa to enter Cyprus. You can enter Cyprus with only your national ID.
On the other hand, visitors from non-EU countries must check visa requirements. Some countries, such as the US, have visa exemption agreements with Cyprus, allowing their citizens to enter without a visa for a specific period.
Still, several non-EU citizens might require visas. There are different types of visas available for Cyprus, such as work, business, student, and tourist visas.
Your local Cypriot embassy or consulate is always worth checking in with for further information about current visa requirements and application procedures.
Schengen Zone Entry Rules
Cyprus may be an EU country, but it is not yet a member of the Schengen Area. Therefore, a Schengen visa is not valid for entry to Cyprus.
Cyprus’ entry to the Schengen Zone is, however, imminent.
ETIAS (EU Travel and Information Authorisation System)
The best place to find current information about the ETIAS required documentation is on the dedicated ETIAS website which also has up-to-date information on the status of Cyprus’s Schengen Zone application.
If you are not an EU citizen or from the Schengen Area, you will need an ETIAS, currently set as 7 Euros, valid for several years, and not coming into force until 2025.
Other Documents
Apart from a valid passport and the correct visa for your trip’s purpose, some other documents that you might need to present at the border control include a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance.
Also, if you intend to stay in Cyprus for a longer period or for other purposes such as education and employment, you might need to apply for a residency permit or long-term visa before traveling to Cyprus.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
Cyprus is a unique case in the European Union. Although internationally it is known as the Republic of Cyprus, the island is divided into the separate territories of the:
- Republic of Cyprus,
- Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
- British Overseas Territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, and the United Nations Buffer Zone.
So, there are a few aspects of travel in the country that are unique to Cyprus, especially if you’re interested in visiting the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.
Firstly, TRNC is a self-declared state recognized only by Turkey, so the passport and visa requirements might differ from those of the island’s southern part.
To enter the northern part of Cyprus, you must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond your intended departure from North Cyprus.
However, since TRNC is not a recognized country, rather than stamping your passport, you’ll receive a separate visa/permit on your arrival, and you might also be asked for proof of your accommodation and return tickets.
But if you’re arriving at TRNC through ports or airports under Turkish Cypriot control, such as Ercan International Airport, and are not an EU citizen, you may not be able to cross the border to South Cyprus as your passport won’t have a valid entry stamp.
Despite what you may have read, there is a little wriggle room here for particular non-EU nationalities but it is a risk you’re taking, if you plan to enter through the UN Buffer Zone to the Republic of Cyprus and you’ve booked accommodation in the Republic of Cyprus.
If you’re visiting North Cyprus from the Republic of Cyprus, you show your passport and obtain an entry permit from the Turkish Cypriot authorities at the border.
This is done by thousands of people every day, through the passenger-only and car border crossings.
It’s important to realize you can’t just stroll into the Buffer Zone as it is actively patrolled by the United Nations peacekeeping force.
Dealing in Euros: Cash and ATMs
Cyprus’ currency is the euro, making it easy for those visiting from another Eurozone country.
If you need to exchange your home country’s currency into Euros, you’ll find plenty of currency exchange offices in Cyprus’ tourist destinations.
Some hotels still offer exchange rates, but the best option for the best rate is banks.
Although cards are widely accepted, in the island’s rural parts, some small businesses and street vendors only accept cash. Therefore, always be sure to carry some cash with you.
ATMs are readily available in major cities and tourist areas for withdrawals.
Ensure that your debit or credit card is enabled for international use, and be aware of fees and withdrawal limits.
Currency in the TRNC
The official currency in northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira.
Even so, they accept euros, so you won’t have to worry about exchanging your money for another currency except in the remotest areas.
It’s best to pay for taxis in Turkish Lira.
Keep Connected: SIM Cards and VPNs
To stay connected in Cyprus, you can get a local SIM card from one of the major telecom providers, such as Cyta, MTN, and PrimeTel.
I purchase an e-SIM when I am traveling in Europe. Just make sure you purchase a SIM that is for calls, texts, and data. Many are just data. If the price looks very low, it probably doesn’t include text and call, and you need to be sure you can make international calls.
You can purchase SIM cards from their stores, kiosks, or at the airport. You may need to provide a valid ID to obtain and activate a SIM card. I like PrimeTel in Cyprus.
Of course, you can use your local tariff plan without extra charges while roaming if you’re an EU citizen.
If you want secure and private browsing, install a VPN app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop from a reliable provider before traveling to Cyprus.
Roaming in the TRNC
A VPN might be quite useful if you visit the TRNC, as many experience signal issues, and the European regulation for roaming does not apply.
Getting Around Cyprus
Intercity Buses
The cheapest and most convenient way to get around Cyprus is by bus. Intercity buses have an extensive network covering all major cities and towns and offer affordable prices.
All buses have comfortable seating, air conditioning, and modern onboard amenities, ensuring an enjoyable travel experience.
You can find out more about the most popular Cyrus bus routes in these dedicated articles:
🚌 Perfect Paphos to Limassol day trip
🚌 Limassol to Nicosia Day Trip
🚌 Best ways to get From Ayia Napa to Nicosia
🚌 Larnaca to Nicosia: how to get there, what not to miss
Cypriot Taxis
Taxis are an excellent option for those not keen on using public transportation and prefer traveling around Cyprus at their own pace.
Typically, taxis in Cyprus can be found at taxi ranks near major tourist locations and airports.
You can ask your hotel to book one for you, as it will make the waiting time minimal and allow you to plan your day’s itinerary according to your terms.
Several companies provide taxi services. However, Cypriot taxis are typically luxury black, silver, or white cars with a yellow taxi sign on their roof.
For a faster service, consider using one of the taxi companies like CABCY, Bolt, Alfa Taxi, iTaxi, GSG, Hermes, and Steevies Taxi.
These companies offer different services, including transfers with luxury cars or minibuses, guided tours, and private hires.
Cypriot Taxi Fares
Taxis in Cyprus usually have a starting fare of €4 and a €1 fare per kilometer. Additionally, most taxis charge €15 per hour for waiting time.
Other fares you might need to remember are for luggage, they charge €1.20, and on public holidays, they charge an additional €1.96 on top of the final price.
Renting a car
Renting a car is an excellent option for those who wish to explore Cyprus at their own pace. Cyprus has numerous car rental companies, making it easy to find the best car for your needs and preferences.
However, ensure you have the correct paperwork for renting a car including a valid driver’s license and/or an international driving permit (I always take both).
It is easiest to rent a car from a reputable international company, and I use Discover Cars for Cypriot car rentals.
Taxis and Car Rental in Northern Cyprus
If you plan to visit Cyprus’ northern part with your rental car to cross the Green Line, you’re required to purchase additional car insurance at the checkpoint.
Although this sounds doable, the reality is that I’ve yet to find a Cyprus car rental company that will allow me to take a rental car over the border, and the same for Northern Cyprus rental companies.
Most often you leave your rental car in, for example, Nicosia, and arrange for a Northern Cyprus car rental to be delivered to you in North Nicosia, and the opposite for travel from the TRNC to the Republic of Cyprus.
Ordering Food in Cyprus
If you want to taste Cyprus traditional food, it’s best to order meze, a delightful array of small dishes of specialties like souvlaki, halloumi cheese, baked pasta, and many more.
However, be aware that most restaurants and taverns in Cyprus’ can be fully booked, especially on weekends and public holidays, so it’s best to make a reservation beforehand.
Another option for ordering food is using popular food delivery apps such as Foody, Wolt, and Bolt. They feature a massive variety of cuisines and restaurants.
Tipping
Like in most European countries, tipping in Cyprus is not mandatory. However, it is still appreciated. In fact, it is customary to leave a tip as a sign of satisfaction with the service received.
For instance, it is common to round up the total amount of the bill at restaurants, cafes, and bars. The same applies to services like taxis as well as to hotel staff.
Leaving a small tip or rounding up the bill is always a good way to show appreciation for their services.
As for other services like hairdressers, spa therapists, or tour guides, tipping is not expected. However, if you’re particularly pleased with their services, you can leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation.
Electrical Plugs and Voltage
The plugs used in Cyprus are of Type G, which have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The pins are typically larger in size and are grounded.
The standard voltage in Cyprus is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your appliances or devices before using them in Cyprus.
If your home country uses a different type of plug, you may need a travel adapter or plug converter to be able to use your electronic devices in Cyprus.
These adapters can be easily found in travel stores or other shops and I always have several so that I can charge my large array of electronic devices!
Time Zone Differences: Adjusting to Cypriot Time
Cyprus follows the Eastern European Time (EET) from late October to late March, while at the end of March, it changes into the Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) until the end of October.
This means Cyprus is either two or three hours ahead of the coordinated universal time.
There is no time difference between Greece and Cyprus or Turkey and Cyprus, but Cyprus is one hour ahead of Italy.
Is Cyprus safe for Tourists?
Generally, Cyprus is considered one of the safest countries for tourists in Europe.
It is known for its low crime rate and friendly atmosphere as the country takes security and the well-being of visitors seriously, and local authorities make efforts to maintain a safe environment.
However, like in any destination, you should always be aware of your surroundings, cautious of your belongings, and follow local laws. In other words, take the normal precautions of all travelers everywhere.
What you should have, though, is comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and to stay updated on any travel advisories issued in Cyprus.
In Case of Emergency: Important Numbers to Know in Cyprus
In case of an emergency in Cyprus, dial 112 or 199 to contact the police, emergency medical services, and the fire department.
Wrapping up: What to know before you travel to Cyprus
Traveling to Cyprus will be an enjoyable experience that you’ll never forget.
Key details to check before your holiday to Cyprus are passport validity, money exchange rates, emergency contacts, and packing essential items such as adapters.
