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Entry Points:
Despite its turbulent political history, Cyprus is a tourist friendly country. Apart from being blessed with beautiful creations of nature, the fusion of modern European cultures with its romantic history makes Cyprus a nostalgic destination. One can choose to enter the country by air or by water. The national airline serving the country is the Cyprus Airways which operate from Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport.
Although there is a third International Airport at near the capital, Nicosia , it remains closed since the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974. Larnaka International Airport is located about 5 km from the city of Larnaka . The facilities at the airport comprises of a duty free shop, tourist information, bureau de change, and some restaurants. There is also a hotel information and reservation office. Car hire and postal services are also available. Taxi services are available just outside the terminal of the airport. Pafos International Airport is situated about 15 km from the city of Pafos . In comparison to Larnaka Airport , it is slightly smaller. The facilities here include car hire, tourist information, hotel information, a duty free shop, bureau de change, and a cafeteria. Taxis can be hired from outside the terminal of the airport as well.
Alternatively, one can also enter country through the main ports of Larnaka and Limassol. The island is connected to the Greek ports of Piraeus , Rhodes , and Heraklion. There are also passenger ships services coming from the port of Haifa in Israel , Port Said in Egypt and Juniyah in Lebanon .
As a precautionary note, although northern Cyprus is served by Ercan International Airport and the sea ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia, these are not considered legal entry points into country by the Republic of Cyprus . If you enter Cyprus through the northern sector of Cyprus , you can be fined by the immigration and customs officials for illegal entry. However, in practice this ruling is hardly enforced.
Immigration/Visa:
Visa
For citizens of Australia , Canada , UK , and the US , no visa is required for entry into Cyprus . However, a passport with a validity of 3 months beyond the length of intended stay is required. With the exception of those from UK , nationals from Australia , Canada and US are required to show their return ticket prior to entry into Cyprus . In addition, citizens of these countries are entitled to stay up to 3 months without any prior visa application. As Cyprus is a member of the EU community, EU citizens need only to show proof of their EU nationality. This can be in the form of a valid passport or any valid National ID card. No additional requirements are needed. In addition, EU nationals are entitled to stay in Cyprus for an unlimited period. Those who are not from the above listed countries are advised to check with the Cyprus embassy for the visa requirements of their respective country of origin.
Note:
For nationalities that have stamps or visas from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in their passports, entry into Cyprus is only allowed only after the Immigration of the Republic of Cyprus have cancelled these visas or stamps.
Customs Declarations/VAT:
Visitors to Cyprus are allowed for personal consumption certain allowances of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume without any duty payable.
Alcohol:
- One litre of spirits or Two litres of fortified or sparkling wine
- Two litres of still wine
Tobacco:
- 250 grams of Tobacco or 200 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars
Perfume:
- 50 grams of perfume or 250 mililitres of Eau De Toilette
Goods:
- Goods up to the value of 175 Euros
For those under 15 years of age, this value is reduced to 90 Euros.
Duty Free (within the European Union Community)
For EU's visitors importing alcohol or tobacco products for personal consumption within the EU community, there are no limits imposed. However, the onus on the traveler to prove that the goods imported is for personal consumption only. To be on the safe side, visitors are advised to follow the EU's guidelines.
Alcohol:
- Ten litres of spirits
- Twenty litres of fortified wine
- Ninety litres of wine or Sixty litres of sparkling wine
- One hundred and Ten litres of beer
Tobacco:
- 1 Kg of Tobacco
- 200 Cigars
- 400 Cigarillos
- 800 Cigarettes
Prohibited Imports:
It is strictly prohibited to bring into Cyprus any narcotics, pirated goods, firearms, explosives, weapons and pornographic materials. Agricultural produce like seeds or flowers cannot be imported without first getting the approvals from the relevant authorities. One is also prohibited or restricted from importing animals, uncooked meat, fish, and dairy products.
V.A.T. Refund
For those who are from outside the EU, Value Added Tax (VAT) refund is allowed. They will be eligible if:
• They are non holder of EU passport or EU Identifications.
• Have not stayed in Cyprus for more than one calendar year for the last two years before the goods were bought
• The amount purchased is greater than 171 Euro but less than 17,100 Euro
• The Goods are exported within three months of purchase
For V.A.T. refund claim, visitors are required to:
• Purchase at stores which display the tax free shopping sign and ask for the tax free document
• Produce the purchases and passport to custom officials for inspection when exiting the country and have the tax free documents stamped
• Specify the mode of refund
Vaccinations:
Cyprus does not require any special precautions or vaccination certifications from visitors with respect to Yellow Fever, Malaria, Cholera, Typhoid, or Polio. The island is free from dangerous communicable diseases.
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