This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Cyprus’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Cyprus set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Cyprus High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Cyprus, your passport must have:
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or proof of right of abode. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou can travel without a visa to Cyprus for up to 90 days. This applies if you travel:
\n\nAt Cyprus border control, you may also need to:
\n\nThe requirements for working in Cyprus are different.
\n\nCyprus is not part of the Schengen area, so:
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
\nIf your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left Cyprus (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.
\n\nRead about passport stamping if you live in Cyprus.
\n\nTo stay longer, check with the Cyprus High Commission.
\n\nDo not overstay your permitted time. You could be:
\n\nThe Republic of Cyprus authorities will count time in the north of Cyprus towards the 90-day visa-free total. You can use any crossing point to move between the north and south of the island.
\n\nSee a list of the crossing points from the Cyprus Ministry of Finance.
\n\nOnly pedestrians can use the crossing points at Ledra Palace and Ledra and Lokmaci Street.
\n\nIf you enter the Republic of Cyprus through the north (such as through Ercan Airport), authorities will consider you to have entered illegally. You could be:
\n\nFor more information about the north of Cyprus, see Regional risks.
\n\nResidents should carry residency documents issued by the Republic of Cyprus when entering and exiting Cyprus.
\n\nIf you have a Withdrawal Agreement residency document for another country, your passport might still be stamped if you are a visitor to Cyprus.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Cyprus guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Cyprus. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.
\n\nThere are controls on quantities and types of goods that can be bought in the north of Cyprus and taken across the ‘Green Line’ to the south of the island. This includes goods from the bicommunal village of Pyla in the buffer zone.
\n\nFor example, the Republic of Cyprus enforces a 40-cigarette per person limit. The authorities can confiscate goods at the checkpoint and you could be fined.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cyprus.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
\n\nDemonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.
\n\nThe Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.
\n\nCrime against tourists is not common but take sensible precautions. Keep passports, money and other valuables safe.
\n\nPersonal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen. Drug-assisted rape is a risk, including with drugs like GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Avoid splitting up from your friends.
\n\nCyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, including laughing gas and cannabis.
\n\nYou should expect severe penalties such as a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Cyprus have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in the Republic of Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in the UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are of Cypriot descent, even if you do not have a nationality card, authorities may consider you eligible for military service. If this happens, you could have difficulties when exiting Cyprus, and you might have to prove that you live outside Cyprus.
\n\nUnder international law, the British High Commission cannot intervene with Cypriot authorities on behalf of those considered to be dual Cypriot-British nationals. If you might be eligible for any local obligations or duties that apply to dual nationals, such as military service, contact the Cypriot authorities or a local lawyer before you travel.
\n\nThe British High Commission has lists of English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus and in the north of Cyprus. See Getting help.
\n\nThe British High Commission cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements.
\n\nThe laws on surrogacy differ between the areas under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus and the north of Cyprus.
\n\nSurrogacy is strictly limited to cases where a woman is medically unable to carry a pregnancy. In all cases, court approval is required before any treatment begins. No form of financial compensation for the surrogate is allowed. Prospective parents and clinics may face criminal charges if they proceed without the appropriate approvals in place.
\n\nPursuing surrogacy in the north carries risks as clinics are not regulated and there is no legal framework governing arrangements. Legal transfer of parenthood can be complex as the birth mother is given automatic parental responsibility. Obtaining birth certificates can also be complicated and may take a long time.
\n\nThe British High Commission’s ability to provide any assistance in the north of Cyprus is limited.
\n\nBefore entering into any surrogacy arrangements:
\n\nChildren born through surrogacy are not automatically entitled to British nationality. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport for the child before you travel. The application process can take a significant amount of time, and even longer if supporting documentation has been issued in the north of Cyprus, due to the UK’s non-recognition of the authorities there. The maximum period you may be allowed to stay in Cyprus without a visa is 90 days.
\n\nFertility treatment in the north of Cyprus carries risks as clinics are not regulated in the same way as in the UK. Make sure you conduct thorough research beforehand. Further information on fertility treatment abroad is available on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) website.
\n\nThe authorities in the north of Cyprus do not act on British court orders. They will not share information with the British High Commission on children subject to UK court orders. This means the British High Commission cannot ensure that these children are properly safeguarded.
\n\nAvoid taking photographs near sensitive areas, such as military buildings. If you do, the authorities could arrest you.
\n\nBathing is generally safe, but there can be strong waves and currents. Always follow warning signs and only swim on approved beaches.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you do any extreme or adventure sports, water sports or diving, you should:
\n\nSee watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Cyprus, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Cyprus guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou could be heavily fined if you:
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cyprus. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nYou must display a UK sticker to drive a UK-based car in Cyprus.
\n\nIf you are visiting Cyprus, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.
\n\nDriving standards are poor and there is an increased risk of road deaths compared to the UK.
\n\nCars hired in the Republic of Cyprus often have no insurance cover in the north of the island. Check with your insurance company as you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents. At some crossing points it is possible to buy car insurance for the north of Cyprus. This includes the Agios Dometios.
\n\nHire companies renting mopeds and quad bikes usually only provide third-party insurance, so you will have to pay for any damage to the vehicle. If you do not pay, you could be arrested.
\n\nIf you hire a vehicle, check:
\n\nRental companies often ask for your passport as a deposit, which is illegal. Never hand over your passport in this way.
\n\nThe Department of Meteorology of Cyprus issues warnings for severe weather, especially during summer. Weather can sometimes cause travel disruption. Monitor local and international updates and severe weather warnings from the Cyprus Department of Meteorology, and check with your travel provider if necessary. Always follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThere is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.
\n\nWildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.
\n\nBe cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:
\n\nGet more information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.
\n\nCyprus experiences earthquakes and tremors. Make sure you know safety procedures and follow advice given by the local authorities.
\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Customs rules between the north and south of Cyprus","The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.","Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, including laughing gas and cannabis.","To bring your child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport for the child before you travel."]}