Travel Tips Cyprus – The legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, Cyprus is every inch of the Mediterranean – sandy beaches, ancient monasteries, ancient ruins, thyme-scented mountains, terracotta pots and, of course, the obligatory relaxing party full of sun-seeking twenty something.
Cyprus is always on the road between Europe and Asia. In ancient times, many dynasties fought over ports and mountain forts, which ensured dominance in the eastern Mediterranean. These empire builders left behind an amazing collection of monuments: ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Crusader fortresses, Venetian walls and the great mosques and minarets left behind by the Ottoman invaders.
Travel Tips Cyprus
Until the 1970s, Cyprus was a sleepy backwater, but a brutal civil war saw the island split into Greek Cypriots and Turkey. In the south, the Greek Republic of Cyprus has grown into a modern European country, while the northern Turkish half of the island remains isolated, recognized only by Turkey and off the tourist radar.
Travel Report From Cyprus
After the Partition, the development of tourism entered a critical phase in the Greek half of the island, with the emergence of Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol, Paphos and other package resorts on the south coast. This is one face of Cyprus – whitewashed villages, sunbathers, banana tours, nightlife and lots of young people enjoying the sunshine.
Inland, ancient Cyprus endures, with beautiful villages full of UNESCO-listed churches, peaceful streets and vineyards that have been producing wine since ancient times. Such an old-world atmosphere prevails in the capital city of Lefkosia (Nicosia), where the quiet lines of Turkish mosques and Byzantine churches suddenly stop at the Green Line, which is the border between the two parts.
The North is something else, more Turkish than Greek, right down to the menus on the dining table, but it’s full of ruins of old Crusader charm. While there is great development on the coast near Famagusta (Gazimagusa) and Kyrenia (Girne), the remote Karpas region offers trips back in time, where ancient ruins are scattered on the beaches of gold who see sea turtles more than human visitors.
Check out the TravelHealthPro website for more advice on international travel and reducing the spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What To See And Do In North Cyprus
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or introduce new laws at short notice, for example due to the new variant of COVID-19. Check with your travel company or airline for any transportation changes that may delay your trip home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may need to seek treatment there.
You can cross between the republic and the north and vice versa from any of the available crossings. Only pedestrians can use the crossing at Ledra Palace and Ledra/Lokmaci Street.
From 31 August 2022, the use of masks will be mandatory in health facilities, pharmacies and on all public transport for everyone aged 12 years and above. Failure to comply with the restrictions may result in a fine of €300.
The Cypriot Essentials
Starting September 14, masks are mandatory in health facilities and nursing homes for everyone 12 years old and older.
See the Cyprus Ministry of Health website for information on the coronavirus from the Cyprus authorities. If you develop fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough, the Government of Cyprus recommends that you stay at home and immediately contact the public health line of the Ministry of Health on 1420 from a Cypriot line.
If you cannot isolate yourself in your current accommodation, the Cypriot authorities will ask you to move to an isolated hotel. The cost of hotel accommodation in this case is subject to the government of Cyprus. You can also choose to stay in private accommodation at your own expense.
If you are identified as a close relative of a person who has tested positive for the coronavirus, you are advised to get tested 3 to 5 days after your contact with a positive case.
Best Travel Tips To Cyprus In 2019 (for Your First Trip)
Additional guidance, including for people who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, is available on the Public Information Office website.
The Deputy Ministry of Tourism has also established a special email address to assist travelers with enquiries; contact [email protected]. You can also submit questions via Facebook Messenger.
Feeling good about your thoughts and feelings is important. Read a guide on how to take care of your mental and emotional health
In the north of Cyprus the authorities are assigned a place of residence on you. You can also use the Güvende Kal application to request an electronic bracelet for self-isolation at home. The UK government will not pay compulsory excise duty for British citizens. See Show your COVID-19 status
Villas In Cyprus
EHIC or GHIC cards cannot be used to pay for any extra charges you incur while staying at a quarantined hotel. Make sure you have access to the money to pay the bills or take out insurance, check the policy has enough cover.
If you have or are entitled to an EHIC or GHIC and you need treatment while staying in an isolated hotel, the UK government will pay for the treatment as usual through the EHIC/GHIC system.
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All phone numbers are available 24/7.
The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the EU, but the country remains separated by the Green Line. The British government does not recognize the self-proclaimed ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.
Paphos Travel Guide & Tips
Authorities in northern Cyprus do not share information about British nationals in distress with the UK High Commission, or the families of those affected. Even if the highest authority knew of a British citizen in distress, authorities in the north would not share information about their location, well-being or treatment. This has limited the ability of the British High Commission to provide consular assistance to British nationals traveling to northern Cyprus, meaning they are more vulnerable and at risk.
Crime against tourists is not common, but you should keep your passport, money and other valuables safe. Storage rooms and hotel safes are targeted.
Personal attacks, including harassment, are rare but do happen. Be aware of the potential use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and keep an eye on them at all times to make sure they are not spilled. Female travelers should be especially careful. If you drink, know your limits; The drinks served in pubs are often stronger than in the UK. Avoid being separated from your friends, and don’t go with people you don’t know.
Even when the border crossings are operating normally, British nationals and other foreigners who enter Cyprus through the north (such as through Ercan Airport) are considered by the government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered Cyprus through illegal entry. . The Republic of Cyprus does not recognize the self-proclaimed ‘Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in northern Cyprus, or the residence permit issued by the country’s authorities. The government of the Republic of Cyprus can fine you for illegal entry if you cross to the south, refuse to enter or exit the republic, or refuse to cross the border with the north.
Cyprus Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
The maximum period of visa-free stay in the Republic of Cyprus for any non-UK resident is 90 days out of 180 days. The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus count the time spent in northern Cyprus towards the total 90 days of visa-free period. Do not exceed the maximum number of people you are allowed to stay on the island. If you overbook, you should expect problems at the airport on your way out. Furthermore, if you return to Cyprus later you may face further difficulties, including being refused entry and/or being placed on a waiting list for 3 to 5 years. The UK High Commission cannot provide assistance in such cases not. Most vehicles taken in the south do not have insurance for use in the north. Check with your insurance company – you will not be allowed to travel without full insurance documents. At some crossings you can buy car insurance for the north. There are controls on the amount and types of goods that can be bought in the north and imported into the south, including from the village of Pyla in the buffer zone. Items, including cigarettes, may be confiscated at the checkpoint and you may be fined. Currently, the Republic of Cyprus has imposed a limit of 40 cigarettes per person on crossing the Green Line from northern Cyprus.
Anyone who has documents related to the purchase of property in northern Cyprus when they cross the Green Line may face criminal prosecution.
You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. From 28 September 2021 UK numbers replace GB numbers. Check the GOV.UK guide website for more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK.
Driving standards are poor. In 2019 there were 52 deaths in the road
