Cyprus is a member of the Schengen agreement but has not yet fully implemented it. For EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) citizens, an officially approved ID card (or a passport) is sufficient for entry. In no case will they need a visa for a stay of any length. Others will generally need a passport for entry.
Travel to/from any other country (Schengen or not) from/to Cyprus will (as of now) result in the normal border checks.
Inquire at your travel agent or call the local consulate or embassy of Cyprus.
Cyprus has a lot to offer the visitor.
The visa list is already consistent with those of the Schengen countries fully implementing the agreement.
Only the nationals of the following non-EU/EFTA countries do not need a visa for entry into the Schengen Area: Albania*, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia*/**, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan*** (Republic of China), United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, additionally persons holding British National (Overseas), Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR passports.
These non-EU/EFTA visa-free visitors may not stay more than 90 days in a 180 day period and, in general, may not work (although some Schengen countries do allow certain nationalities to work – see below). The counter begins once you enter any country in the Schengen Area and is not reset by leaving a specific Schengen country for another Schengen country, or vice-versa. However, this does not necessarily apply for New Zealand citizens if they only visit particular Schengen countries – see [2] for the New Zealand Government’s explanation.
Note that
* while British subjects with the right of abode in the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories citizens connected to Gibraltar are considered “United Kingdom nationals for European Union purposes” and therefore eligible for unlimited access to the Schengen Area,
* British Overseas Territories citizens without the right of abode in the United Kingdom and British subjects without the right of abode in the United Kingdom as well as British Overseas citizens and British protected persons in general do require visas.
However, all British Overseas Territories citizens except those solely connected to the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas are eligible for British citizenship and thereafter unlimited access to the Schengen Area.
Further note that:
- nationals of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia need a biometric passport to enjoy visa-free travel.
- Serbian nationals with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate (Serbs residing in Kosovo) still do need a visa and
- Taiwan nationals need their ID number to be stipulated in their passport to enjoy visa-free travel.
Cyprus is connected to serveral countries with direct flights and charter flights.
Travelling to Cyprus by plane
Cyprus’ main airport is Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and is on the outskirts of Larnaka.
The previous main international airport located SW of Nicosia is now located on the Green Line separating the Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus – it has been out of use since 1974.
Cyprus is serviced by a variety of different carriers, the main one being the Cypriot Cyprus Airways. There are flight connections with most major European cities, e.g. London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Milan) and many Eastern European countries.
There are also connections to almost all Middle Eastern capitals. There are no flights to Turkey from the south.
There are also charter flights to the western airport of Paphos.
Travelling to Cyprus by boat
There are talks to connect Cyprus with a ferry to Greece.
Services to Israel and Egypt have been terminated for the time being; however, there are 2 and 3 day cruises running in the summer months from about April to October to the Greek islands. For more up to date information check with your travel agent.
You may also catch a freighter from Italy, Portugal, Southampton and various other European ports. See Grimaldi Freighter Cruises providing you with the opportunity to bring a vehicle to Cyprus throughout the year.
There is a regular ferry service from Turkey, to northern Cyprus connecting Taşucu to Girne (north of Nicosia) .
Travelling to and from the northern Cyprus
Prior to Cyprus’s accession to European Union, evidence of entry to Northern Cyprus resulted in denial of entry to the Greek part of Cyprus at the very least. After the accession, and according to EU legislation that considers Cyprus to have been admitted in full, an entry to the occupied part is formally an entry to whole Cyprus and must therefore not result in any disadvantage to travellers from the EU. Travellers from non-EU member states (as, for instance, Turkish citizens) must enter the island via one of the legal entry points (i.e. entry points in the Southern part of the island) in order to visit the Southern part.
The main crossings between the south and north are:
* Astromerits/Zodhia (by car only)
* Agios Dometios/Kermia/Metehan
* Ledra Palace (by foot only) – the oldest crossing, just outside the walls of old Nicosia to the west of the city
* Pergamos/Beyarmudu
* Strovilia near Agios Nikolaos – located at the eastern part of the island
* Ledras Str. – the new crossing opened in 2008. Located at the old “dead-end” of the most popular street of Nicosia.
Getting around Cyprus
Public transportation in Cyprus has been revamped with all new buses in Nicosia. Still, most Cypriots drive. There are no railways in
Bus Routes all over Cyprus Lefkosia: www.osel.com.cy
Lemesos: www.limassolbuses.com
Pafos: www.pafosbuses.com
Larnaka: www.zinonasbuses.com
Ammochostos: www.oseabuses.com
Intercity Routes: www.intercity-buses.com
Hire a car in Cyprus and explose the island at your own pace.
Service taxi
Services run every half-hour or so from 6 or 7 in the morning, but terminate at 5 or 6 PM on the dot. You can book a taxi to pick you up anywhere and ask to be dropped off anywhere in city limits; the flip side is that it will often take you longer to get in or out of the city than the journey itself! Figure on €8-12 for a taxi ride on any of these, with an increased price on Sundays and holidays. Also known as a service taxi.
Car hire in Cyprus
Car hire is the easiest (but the most expensive) way to get around the island. Cypriots drive on the left side of the road, in keeping with British and British Commonwealth practice.
A few good reasons to visit Cyprus
* the many archaeological and antiquities sites scattered around the island, dating from the New Stone Age through to the Roman Empire
* the beautiful coastline of the island – still quite unspoilt in many places – is well worth exploring
* Nicosia, the capital as it has a wealth of history, preserved Venetian walls surrounding the city, some wonderful bars and restaurants within the old walls of the city and of course the ‘green line’ – the dividing line with the Turkish part of Cyprus, which cuts through the centre of Nicosia, now the only divided capital
* the Troodos mountains, rising as high as 1952 metres, offering some beautiful trail walks and also quaint little villages such as Kakopetria, Platres and Phini. In winter there is the chance to ski there and the ski resort is being developed
Language in Cyprus
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. Greek is spoken predominately in the south and Turkish is spoken predominately in the north. English is very widely spoken by locals of all ages because of previous British rule. Other common languages spoken on the island are French, German and Russian.
Currency in Cyprus
Cyprus has the euro (EUR, €) as its currency.
One euro is divided into 100 cents. While each official euro member (as well as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican) issues its own coins with a unique obverse, the reverse as well as all bills look the same throughout the eurozone. Nonetheless, every coin is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries.
If you have any old Cypriot pounds lying around, the Central Bank of Cyprus in Nicosia will exchange them at a rate of CYP 0.585274 per €1 until 2017.
Things to buy in Cyprus
* Cypriot wine – the iconic local variety known as Commandaria is strong, sweet and somewhat akin to Porto wine
* Lacework of an intricate nature – from the village of Lefkara.
* Zivania – is a strong spirit based alcoholic drink
* Leather goods such as shoes and handbags
* Jewellery
* Prescription glasses, sunglasses
* Honey
Eating out in Cyprus
* Cypriot meze (appetizers akin to Spanish tapas) are an art form. Mezes are available in a meat variety or fish variety but quite often come as a mixed batch, which is rather pleasing.
* Halloumi (Χαλλουμι) is a uniquely Cypriot cheese, made from a mix of cow’s and sheep’s milk. Hard and salty when raw, it mellows and softens when cooked and is hence often served grilled.
* Taramosalata is traditionally made out of taramas, the salted roe of the cod or carp. The roe is either mixed with bread crumbs or mashed potatoes. Parsley, onion, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar are added and it is seasoned with salt and pepper.
* Tahini
Hotels in Cyprus
There are countless hotels and hotel apartments of varying degrees of luxury within Cyprus. Some of the hotels are: Holiday Inn, Four Seasons, Le Meridien, Hilton, Elias Beach Hotel. Alternative self-catering accommodation is offered in restored traditional houses in picturesque villages all over Cyprus through the government Agrotourism initiative.
Working in Cyprus
Cyprus’ climate and natural advantages mean that there is always a steady supply of travellers seeking employment and residency on the island. Perhaps the biggest change that has occurred in recent years has been the accession of southern Cyprus to the European Union on 1 May 2004, opening up new employment opportunities for European citizens.
The burgeoning Cypriot tourism industry, however, means that there is a huge seasonal demand for temporary workers of most nationalities during the summer months, with a definite preference for English-speaking workers in order to service the very large numbers of British tourists. The Greek Cypriot South remains the best overall bet for jobs, as the South is where the majority of the tourist trade is located. The Turkish North is much harder to get work in as a traveller, as the local economy is in a precarious position and high local unemployment means competition for work is fierce.
Seasonal employment will most probably involve working in one of the countless bars, hotels and resort complexes of the South. Such work is usually poorly paid, but accommodation is often thrown in as some compensation and the Cypriot lifestyle usually makes up for low wages. Many holiday companies employ ‘reps’ (representatives) and marketing staff to assist their operations on the island – this work is usually more financially rewarding.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is another worthwhile option, well paid though often difficult to find.
Finally, Cyprus’ ongoing construction boom in tourism infrastructure results in a demand for skilled builders and tradesmen.
Study in Cyprus
If you are considering an extended stay on the island, there are a number of educational courses that you can take. Popular options include Greek language courses and arts courses. Most will have a tuition fee attached, and EU nationals should not have any visa problems. If you are from outside the EU, you will need to speak to individual colleges/organisations about visa requirements. Some popular travel and learn programmes include:
* Theatre Cyprus – A Gap-Year Theatre Training Programme, a Gap-Year drama programme that offers a 10 month course in Cyprus and also allows time to explore the surrounding continents (Europe, North Africa and the Middle East).
* Tekni Art, also run a one year visual arts programme between September and July.
Electricity
Cyprus operates on a 230 V, 50 Hz electrical system using the 3-pin British plugs.
Safety in Cyprus
Cyprus is still quite safe, but with the influx of foreign workers the crime rate has risen over the last few years. It is advisable to lock your car and close all windows when leaving your house. The hotels provide safety deposit boxes, use them. Do not leave your drink unattended, and use common sense.
Internet and broadband in Cyprus
Internet access is increasingly available in tourist centres in the guise of internet cafes and side rooms equipped with monitors. Many cafes now offer free wi-fi access. Most hotels and resorts now offer internet access to their guests under various arrangements.
