Cyprus Travel Guide

The Country

Name of State : Kypriaki Demokratia (Republic of Cyprus)

About 35.4% of the Republic's territory is under Turkish army occupation since the summer of 1974, while a further 1.8% forms part of the buffer zone along the cease-fire line.

Location

Cyprus is situated in the north-eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, 33 degrees east and 35 degrees north of the Equator. It is situated 75km south of Turkey, 105 km west of Syria, 380 km north of Egypt, and 380 km east of Rhodes (Greece).

Area

9,251sq. km of which 1,733 are forested. Third largest Mediterranean island after Sicily and Sardinia.

Topography

Cyprus is divided into three geological zones, the Pendadaktylos or Kyrenia range to the north, the Troodos massif to the south, and the Messaoria plain separating the two.
Troodos massif (southwest), highest point: Olympos 1,953m.
Keryneia or Pentadaktylos range (north), highest point: Kyparissovounos 1,024m. Central plain: Messaoria plain.
Coastlands: Cyprus is almost surrounded by coastal valleys. In the north is the Kyrenia valley with its narrow dentelated coasts; in the south are the Larnaca and Limassol valleys; in the west are the Paphos and Chrysochou valleys; in the east is the Famagusta valley.

Time

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Climate

Mediterranean: mild, wet winters (10-13C), hot, dry summers (26-29C).

Population

746,100 (1997)
85.1% Greek Cypriots (including Armenians, Maronites, Latins); 11.8% Turkish Cypriots; 3.1% foreign residents;
Population Density: 80 persons/ sq. km.
Note: Population does not include more than 90,000 Turkish settlers illegally residing in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Official Languages

Greek, Turkish; English is widely spoken.

Archaeological Sites

Neolithic settlements
Classical, Hellenistic and Roman monuments
Byzantine and Latin churches and monasteries
Arab and Ottoman mosques

Towns

Towns		Population (1997)
Lefkosia (Nicosia) - (Capital)		194000
Lemesos (Limassol)		152900
Larnaka (Larnaca)		68000
Pafos (Paphos)		38000
Lefkosia - Occupied Cyprus (quarter)
Ammochostos - Occupied Cyprus (Famagusta)
Kyreneia - Occupied Cyprus (Kyrenia)
Morfou - Occupied Cyprus (Morphou)

Banking and Currency

	The Banking system in Cyprus is well developed. The commercial banks in Cyprus have correspondents in most major cities around the world, and transactions can be negotiated in all leading currencies
	Currency
	Euro (€). Notes in circulation: €500, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5 Coins: €2, €1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
	Currency exchange
	Visitors wishing to obtain non-Cypriot currency at Cypriot banks for business purposes should be aware that this is only possible by prior arrangement.
	Credit cards
	Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Carte Blanche are accepted. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
	Lost Credit cards
	In the event of lost credit cards you should call JCC Payment Systems Ltd on 02-365655 and inform your bank either in Cyprus or at home.
	Travellers cheques
	May be cashed in all banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euro.
	Exchange rates against Sterling and the US Dollar
	The Euro is traded internationally. Commercial banks quote daily exchange rates of the Euro against all traded foreign currencies.
	Currency restrictions
	The import of local currency is unrestricted; foreign currency for amounts over US$1000 (or the equivalent in other currency) must be declared. The export of local and foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.
	Banking hours
	Generally 08.15-12.30 Monday to Friday and 15.15 16.45 Monday in July and August; certain central banks may also open on weekday afternoons except Tuesday. Banks at Larnaca and Paphos International Airports provide services throughout the day, as well as a night service for most flights.

Passport and Visa

	Passport Required?	Visa Required?	Return Ticket Required?
Full British	Yes	see ** below	Yes
Australian	Yes	see ** below	Yes
Canadian	Yes	see ** below	Yes
USA	Yes	see ** below	Yes
Other EU	see * below	see ** below	Yes
Japanese	Yes	see ** below	Yes

Restricted entry

The Government of Cyprus refuses admission to holders of passports endorsed 'Turkish Republic of Cyprus'. Other nationalities with visas or stamps for the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in their passport are only allowed to enter Cyprus after the above mentioned visas or stamps are cancelled by the Immigration Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.

Passports: Valid passport required by all except :

(a) * nationals of EU countries who hold a valid national identity card with the bearer's photograph. Passports must be valid for up to 3 months after day of departure for visitors not requiring visas. Those requiring visas must have passports valid for up to 6 months from date of application.

Visas: Required by all except the following :

(a) ** nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for a stay of up to 3 months;
(b) nationals of Bahrain, Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates,Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)*** for a stay of up to 3 months;
(c) nationals of Hungary for a stay of up to 30 days;
(d) transit passengers continuing their onward journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Note***: Holders of former Yugoslavian passports with the renewal stamp'Macedonia' should check with the Consular Section of the Embassy or High Commission.

Types of visa and cost

Tourist and Business: £5.85 (free of charge to nationals of Bulgaria, Egypt, Israel, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine and Vatican City provided holding onward or return tickets and sufficient funds to cover the duration of their stay). Transit: Free of charge.

Validity

Maximum of 3 months from date of issue. Transit visas are valid for travel through Cyprus for a period of up to 5 days, provided the traveller is in possession of appropriate visas and onward tickets for the destination country.

Application to

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see address section. Transit visas are issued on arrival in Cyprus, except for nationals of Iraq and Turkey who must obtain them prior to arrival.

Application Requirements

(a) Passport with at least 6 months validity. (b) 2 completed application forms. (c) 2 passport-size photos. (d) Proof of sufficient funds to cover duration of stay. (e) Onward or return ticket. (f) Fee (payable by cash or postal order only). (g) For business trips, an introductory letter from the applicant's company giving details and nature of business to be conducted.

Working days required

In most cases personal applications will be processed on the same day or within 24 hours, but it may take up to 6 weeks if application needs to be referred to Cyprus (depending on nationality).

Temporary residence

Persons entering as visitors and intending to take up any form of employment or engage in any form of business or study in Cyprus should enquire at Embassy or High Commission (see address section).

Driving and Transportation

	Car Driving
	Fairly good surfaced roads link the towns and the various villages. Four-lane motorways connect the capital, Nicosia with the coastal towns of Limassol and Larnaca. Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so, provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin. In such a case, the car can circulate in Cyprus for a period of 3 months.
	Car Insurance
	The Green Insurance Card is not accepted in Cyprus. A visitor must be either in possession of an insurance issued by an insurance company authorised to transact motor insurance business in Cyprus or obtain insurance cover upon arrival at Limassol and Larnaca Ports. By law it is compulsory to insure against full third party. However, full comprehensive insurance is advisable.
	Petrol
	Motor fuel and unleaded petrol may be bought in unlimited quantities at petrol stations. Brands available are: B.P., Mobil, Esso, Petrolina and Shell. Petrol stations stay open: Monday Friday from 0600 1800 hrs and Saturday from 0600 1600 hrs. In Nicosia and all seaside areas are equipped with petrol vending machines, accepting bank notes and operating on a 24 hrs seven days a week basis.
	Transportation
	You can travel around Cyprus either by bus or by taxi. There are no trains in Cyprus. Taxis are available in all towns and resorts at reasonable tariffs. Self-drive cars may be hired. Seats may also be obtained in taxis operating on regular schedules between the principal towns and resorts. If in town you may ask to be collected from a specific point.
	Road signs
	The road signs show distances in km and speed limits in km/h. Names are written in Greek and Phonetically with Latin characters.
	Traffic Rules
	Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road NOT on the right. The speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h (60m/h) and the lower speed limit is 65km/h (40m/h). In build areas the speed limit is 50 km/h (30 m/h). The use of seat-belts for front seat passengers is compulsory. Children under the age of five MUST NOT, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.
	Road tolls
	There are no road tolls in Cyprus.
	Car Rentals - Hire cars
	There are self-drive car rental offices in all towns, as well as at Larnaca and Paphos airports. A list of firms supplying self drive cars can be obtained from all Cyprus Tourism Organisation Offices in Cyprus and abroad. Self-drive cars are known in Cyprus as Z cars because their registration number, shown on red plates, starts with the letter Z. Check the customer responsibilities with the firm in case of damage to a car.
	Automobile Association
	Offers inland breakdown service and legal advice regarding motoring and other touring facilities. Address: CAA, 12 Chr.Mylona St., P.O.Box 2279, 1519 Nicosia Tel: (02) 313233, Fax (02) 313842.
	Driver's Mini Guide

	Traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road NOT on the right The speed limit on the motorways is 100 km/h (60m/h) and the lower speed limit is 65km/h (40m/h). The use of seat-belts for front seat passengers is compulsory Children under the age of five MUST NOT, under any circumstances sit in the front passenger seat.

Climate and Clothing

Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate with the typical seasonal rhythms strongly marked in respect of temperature, rainfall and weather generally. Hot, dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and rainy, rather changeable winters from mid-November to mid-March are separated by short autumn and spring seasons of rapid change in weather conditions.
The predominantly clear skies and high sunshine amounts give large seasonal and daily differences between temperatures of the sea and the interior of the island.
Cyprus has a change in day-length from 9,8 hours in December to 14,5 hours in June.
The summer is a season of high temperatures with almost cloudless skies. Rainfall is negligible but isolated thunderstorms sometimes occur giving rainfall amounting to less than 5% of the total in the average year.
In winter, Cyprus has periods of disturbed weather usually lasting for a day or so and produce most of the annual rainfall, the average amount from December to February being nearly two thirds of the year's total.

Rainfall and snow

The average annual rainfall as a whole over the part of the island under government control, is about 500 millimetres. Snow occurs rarely in the lowlands and on the Kyrenia range but falls frequently every winter on ground above 1.000 metres usually occurring by the first week in December and ending by the middle of April. Although snow cover is not continuous during the coldest months it may lie to considerable depths for several weeks especially on the northern slopes of high Troodos.

Air Temperatures

Cyprus has a hot summer and mild winter but this generalisation must be modified by consideration of altitude, which lowers temperatures by about 5 degrees C per 1.000 metres and of marine influences which give cooler summers and warmer winters near most of the coastline and especially on the west coast.
The seasonal difference between mid-summer and mid-winter temperatures is quite large at 18 degrees C in the inland areas and about 14 degrees C on the coasts.
Differences between day maximum and night minimum temperatures are also quite large especially in the inland areas in summer. These differences are in winter 8 degrees C to 10 degrees C on the lowlands and 5 degrees C to 6 degrees C on the mountains increasing in summer to 16 degrees C in the central plain and 9 degrees C to 12 degrees C elsewhere.
In July and August the mean daily temperature ranges between 29 degrees C on the central plain and 22 degrees C on the Troodos mountains, while the average maximum temperature for these months ranges between 36 degrees C and 27 degrees C respectively. In January the mean daily temperature is 10 degrees C on the central plain and 3 degrees C on the higher parts of the Troodos mountains with an average minimum temperature of 5 degrees C and 0 degrees C respectively.
Frosts are rarely severe but are frequent in winter and spring inland and in some years handicap the economically important production of early vegetable crops and main citrus.

Sea Temperatures

In the open sea, temperatures rise to 27 degrees C in August and are above 22 degrees C during the six months from June to November. During the three coolest months, January to March, average sea temperature falls only to 16 degrees C or 17 degrees C.Near all coasts, in water three or four metres deep, temperatures are very similar to those of the open sea and lie within the range 15 degrees C to 17 degrees C in February and 23 degrees C to 28 degrees C in August.

Sunshine

All parts of Cyprus enjoy a very sunny climate. In the central plain and eastern lowlands the average number of hours of bright sunshine for the whole year is 75% of the time that the sun is above the horizon. Over the whole six summer months there is an average of 11,5 hours of bright sunshine per day whilst in winter this is reduced only to 5,5 hours in the cloudiest months, December and January.
Even on the high mountains the cloudiest winter months have an average of nearly 4 hours of bright sunshine per day and in June and July the figure reaches 11 hours.

Winds

Over the eastern Mediterranean generally surface winds are mostly westernly or southwesternly in winter and northwesternly or northernly in summer. Usually of light or moderate strength, they rarely reach gale force.
Over the island of Cyprus winds are quite variable in direction with orography and local heating effects playing a large part in determination of local wind direction and strength. Differences of temperature between sea and land which are built up daily in predominant periods of clear skies in summer cause considerable sea and land breezes. Whilst these are most marked near the coasts they regularly penetrate far inland in summer reaching the capital, Nicosia, and often bringing a welcome reduction of temperature and also an increase in humidity.
Gales are infrequent over Cyprus but may occur especially on exposed coasts with winter depressions. Small whirlwinds are common in summer appearing mostly near midday as 'dust devils' on the hot dry central plain. Very rarely vortices, approaching a diameter of 100 metres or so and with the characteristics of water spouts at sea and of small tornadoes on land, occur in thundery weather. Localised damage caused by these has been reported on a few occasions but in general Cyprus suffers relatively little wind damage.

Clothing and Activities

General information and suggestions on what to wear and do, according to season:

April - May : Warm days but temperatures may fall at night.

Wear light woollies or long sleeved cotton for the evenings
Excellent season for those who enjoy nature, as the countryside is green and flowers are in bloom.

June - July - August : Warmest months of the summer.

Wear very light summer clothing.
Ideal for swimming and all beach/water activities.

September - October : Warm days, cool October evenings.

Wear light clothing for day and medium for evenings in October.
Swimming and water sports are still at their best.

November : Pleasantly warm days.

Medium-weight apparel. Light woollies.
Ideal weather for autumn travel. Lunches and even swimming can still be enjoyed, as well as most outdoor sports.

December - January : It may rain occasionally yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there.

Winter clothing - no heavy coats though!
Outdoor activities and excursions can be enjoyed.

February : Some exceptionally warm days. Almond trees in bloom, occasional rain. It can be quite cold in the evenings.

Winter apparel.
Conditions are ideal for snow skiing on Troodos mountains; sunbathing, and even swimming is possible for the brave and Spartan!

March : Moderate weather with nature at its best.

Winter apparel with medium-weight wear.
Most outdoor activities can by enjoyed, and March is an excellent period for long country walks.

Average Temperatures

Month	LARNACA
January	15 C	60 F
February	18 C	65 F
March	19 C	68 F
April	22 C	72 F
May	26 C	80 F
June	30 C	88 F
July	33 C	93 F
August	32 C	91 F
September	29 C	86 F
October	27 C	80 F
November	23 C	73 F
December	18 C	65 F

Shopping

	Popular produced items, which are popular to visitors, include leather goods, woven goods (curtains and tablecloths), ceramics, copperware, silverware, baskets, and the famous traditional hand-made Lefkara lace. These can be purchased from many souvenir shops found throughout the island and the Cyprus Handicraft Centre. Cyprus wines and spirits, which have been famous for centuries, are also high on visitors shopping lists and can be purchased from supermarkets or grocery shops. Shoes, shirts, imported textiles and spectacles are good value for money. In most of the tourist areas, both souvenir shops and supermarkets remain open until late in the evenings and all day on Sunday. Shops are closed all day on Sundays and on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Just before Christmas and Easter, shops usually remain open until late in the evenings. Supermarkets close one hour later on Friday evenings and on Saturday noon. Traditional hand-made items can be purchased from souvenir shops, found in every corner of the island.

Public Holidays

1 January	-	New Year's Day
6 January	-	Epiphany Day
Variable	-	Green Monday (50 days before Greek Easter)
25 March	-	Greek National Day
1 April	-	Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable	-	Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable	-	Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
1 May	-	Labour Day
Variable	-	Holy Trinity - Kataklysmos
15 August	-	Assumption
1 October	-	Cyprus Independence Day
28 October	-	Greek National Day
25 December	-	Christmas Day
26 December	-	Boxing Day

Various

Travel for Disable

Cyprus welcomes all disabled persons. Do note, however, that access to some of the archaeological sites throughout the country may present some difficulty.

Health

Health Immunisation: No immunisation vaccinations are required for EU, U.S. or Canadian citizens travelling from the EU, U.S. and Canada.

Medical Care: British and other EU nationals are officially entitled to free medical care in Cyprus upon presentation of an E111 form, available from most post offices. However "free" means admittance only to a state hospital and does not include nursing care or cost of medication. If you need prolonged medical care, you should make use of private treatment, which is expensive.

Water Safety: The water is safe pretty much everywhere, though you may come across shortages on some of the drier and most remote islands. Bottled water is widely available.

Health Safety: The main health hazard problems experienced by visitors are related to over-exposure to the sun. To combat this you are advised not to spend too long in the sun, wear a hat and drink plenty of fluids in the hot months to avoid any danger of sunstroke.
Rarely in the sea you may receive the sting of jellyfish or you may step on spiky sea urchin or a weever fish buried in the sand. In the former various remedies are sold in resort pharmacies while in the latter cases try to extract the spines and immerse your foot in very hot water.

Mosquitoes bites can be vicious and infuriating. The best solution is to get small electrical devices which burn special anti-mosquitoes insecticide odourless tablets. Place one of these devices in each room and renew tablets day and night to get rid of these annoying insects. Insect repellent sprays and creams are also available from most general stores and kiosks to protect you when you go out in the evening. If you are allergic to mosquitoes bites you may ask your doctor for antihistamine prescription to take with you.

Health Food: Eat lots of local vegetables and fruit especially during the hot summer months.

Electricity

240 volts AC, 50Hz. 13-amp square 3-pin plugs (UK-type) are used.

Telephones

IDD availability: Full IDD is available.

Country code: 357

Outgoing International Code: 00

Public Telephones: Telecard or coin operated public telephones are installed at various central locations in towns and villages.

Emergency Numbers (All Cyprus)

	Emergency (Police)	199
	Emergency (Fire)	199
	First Aid Centre	199

Tourist Information Offices
	The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) was established in 1969 by the Government of Cyprus as a statutory body responsible for the promotion and marketing of tourism. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation also provides assistance to professional bodies, companies and individuals related to tourism in Cyprus. However, as a semi-governmental and non-commercial organisation, it does not perform the functions of a travel agent.
	Cyprus Tourism Organisation
	Leoforos Lemesou 19 P.O.Box 4535 1390 Nicosia
	Tel. No: (02) 337715
	Fax. No: (02) 331644 / 334696

	NICOSIA
	Aristokyprou 35 Laiki Geitonia 1011 Nicosia
	Tel. No: (02) 444264

	LIMASSOL
	Spyrou Araouzou 15 3036 Limassol
	Tel. No: (05) 362756


	Georgiou A' 35 4040 Germasogeia

	Limassol Harbour, service to all passenger-boats

	Tel. No: (05) 343868

	LARNACA
	Plateia Vasileos Pavlou 6023 Larnaca
	Tel. No: (04) 654322

	Larnaca international airport
	7130 Larnaca
	Tel. No: (04) 643000 (24-hour service)

	PAPHOS
	Gladstonos 3 8046 Paphos
	Tel. No: (06) 232841

	Paphos International Airport
	8320 Paphos
	Tel. No: (06) 422833 (service to all flights)

	AYIA NAPA
	Leoforos Kryou Nerou 12 5330 Agia Napa
	Tel. No: (03) 721796

	PLATRES
	4820 Platres
	Tel. No: (05) 421361

	Offices Abroad

	AUSTRIA
	ZYPERN TOURISMUS
	Parkring 20 A-1010 Vienna
	Tel. No: 01-5131870
	Fax. No: 01-5131872

	BELGIUM
	CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
	2 Boulevard Clovis (Square Ambiorix) 1000 Brussels
	Tel. No: 02-7350621
	Fax. No: 02-7356607

	FRANCE
	OFFICE DU TOURISME DE CHYPRE
	15 Rue de la Paix 75002 Paris
	Tel. No: 01-42614249
	Fax. No: 01-42616513

	GERMANY
	FREMDENVERKEHRSZENTRALE ZYPERN
	Kaiserstrasse 50 D-60329 Frankfurt/Main
	Tel. No: 069-251919
	Fax. No: 069-250288

	GREECE
	CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
	Voukourestiou 36 Athens 10673
	Tel. No: 01-3610178
	Fax. No: 01-3644798

	ISRAEL
	CYPRUS TOURISM ORGANISATION
	50 Dizengoff Street Dizengoff Centre, 14th Floor Top Tower Tel Aviv 64332
	Tel. No: 03-5257442
	Fax. No: 03-5257443

	ITALY
	ENTE NAZIONALE PER IL TURISMO DI CIPRO
	Via S. Sofia 6 20122 Milan
	Tel. No: 02-58303328 / 58319835
	Fax. No: 02-58303375

	NETHERLANDS
	CYPRUS VERKEERSBUREAU
	Prinsengracht 600 1017 KS Amsterdam
	Tel. No: 020-6244358
	Fax. No: 020- 6383369

	UNITED KINGDOM
	CYPRUS TOURIST OFFICE
	17 Hannover Street, London W1R 0AA
	Tel. No: 020-75698800
	Fax. No: 020-74994935