Cyprus

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Cyprus.  Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

You should also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free of charge which entitles you to emergency medical treatment. This card is NOT a substitute for travel insurance. See www.ehic.ie for further details. The EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish passport holders do not require an entry visa into the Republic of Cyprus. 

Make sure your passport is valid for three months after the intended date of your return to Ireland.  It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

There is a low threat from terrorism in Cyprus.

CRIME

Cyprus is generally a safe country with a low crime rate.  However you should take normal precautions to ensure that your possessions, especially money, credit cards and documents, are secure.

ROAD SAFETY

In Cyprus, vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.  Rental cars and scooters are widely available.  Caution should be exercised on the road network.  Seat belts and safety helmets must be worn.

CASH/BANKING

All major credit cards are accepted in Cyprus.  Those in possession of a Maestro or Cirrus symbol on their debit cards will be in a position to draw funds from their Irish Bank Account.

DRUGS

Cyprus operates a zero policy on the possession of illegal drugs.  Sentencing for possession of a small quantity of illegal narcotics often results in substantial prison sentences.  Irish tourists are strongly advised against the possession, purchases and importation of any illegal narcotics during their stay in Cyprus.

BUYING PROPERTY IN CYPRUS

Many Irish citizens have purchased properties in the Government controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus. However, Irish citizens considering the purchase of property in the northern part of Cyprus, which is not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, are strongly advised to seek qualified independent legal advice due to potential claims related to title and ownership from Cypriots displaced from that area in 1974, which may lead to serious financial and legal repercussions. Potential buyers may face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus, decisions of which can be executed elsewhere in the EU, including Ireland.  Furthermore, there is a Cypriot law making it a criminal offence, with penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment, to purchase, sell, rent, promote or advertise the sale of property in Northern Cyprus owned by Greek Cypriots. Any attempt to undertake such a transaction is also a criminal offence under Cypriot law.

LEGAL PORTS OF ENTRY

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus has designated as legal ports of entry the airports of Larnaca and Paphos, and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos. Arrival on the island via any other port or airport in the area which is not under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is illegal. 

GENERAL

Time Difference

Cyprus is 2 hours ahead of Ireland; i.e. when it is 9.00am in Ireland it is 11.00am in Cyprus.

Emergency Contact Numbers

The Emergency number in Cyprus is 199.  Directory enquires is 11892

Electrical Equipment

Cyprus employs the same electrical infrastructure as Ireland, so adaptors are not required.

Language

English is widely spoken throughout Cyprus.  Road signs in the Republic of Cyprus are normally written in both Greek and English.

Telephones

Irish mobile phones with a roaming facility will operate on the Cypriot network.  The international code for Cyprus is 00357.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS IN CYPRUS 

Contact details for all Irish Missions (including Honorary Consuls) in Cyprus are available here .