Europe

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crimes against tourists are uncommon. You should, however, safeguard passports, money and other valuables.  The number of passports reported stolen to the British High Commission continues to be high.  You should be aware that room safes and hotel safety deposit boxes have been targeted, particularly in the Paphos area.

 

In 2007 our Consular staff were aware of a number of British nationals who were the victim of a serious sexual offence in Cyprus.  For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

 

Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment.  If you are going to drink, know your limit.  Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.  

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Cyprus Country Profile

The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the EU. But the country remains divided by the “Green Line” which separates the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" from the rest of the island.  The “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” is not recognised by the British Government.

The partial lifting of restrictions on crossing the “Green Line” allows Cypriots and non-visa nationals to cross in both directions at designated crossing points. It is possible to travel to the north of Cyprus from the south by crossing at several checkpoints, including the Ledra Palace and Ledra Street checkpoints in central Nicosia.  Cyprus immigration authorities have confirmed that EU passport holders with a “TRNC” stamp in their passport will not experience difficulties when entering the Republic of Cyprus.  You may take a hired car through the checkpoints, except at Ledra Palace and Ledra Street, which are for pedestrians only. Many cars hired in the south are not insured for use in the north.  You are advised to check this with the insurance company – you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents.

 

There are controls on the quantities and types of goods that can be purchased in the north and brought into the south, including from the bicommunal village of Pyla located in the buffer zone.  Goods, including cigarettes, may be confiscated at the checkpoint and heavy fines imposed. The Republic of Cyprus currently imposes a limit of 40 cigarettes per person on crossing the ‘Green Line’ from northern Cyprus.

 

On 20 October 2006 a criminal code amendment relating to property came into effect.  This has implications for anyone in possession of documents relating to the purchase of property in northern Cyprus when crossing the Green Line, who could face criminal proceedings under the 20 October 2006 amendment.  Please see the property section below for more information about the criminal code amendment.

 

British and other foreign nationals who have entered Cyprus through the north are considered by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered Cyprus through an illegal port of entry.  The Government of the Republic of Cyprus reserves the right to fine EU (including British) citizens for illegal entry if they cross into the south. In practice, their current policy is not to do so.  

Short-term visitors and tourists are permitted to drive on UK driving licences.  Cypriot driving regulations are similar to those of the UK and driving is on the left-hand side of the road.  However, driving standards are poor.  In 2007 there were 89 road deaths in Cyprus (source: DfT).  This equates to 11.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

 

You may be heavily fined if you drive without wearing a seat belt or ride a motorbike without wearing a crash helmet. Heavy fines also apply if you use a mobile telephone or are under the influence of alcohol while driving.

 

When hiring a car, moped, boat, jet ski or other vehicle, you should check that it is road or sea worthy and that you have appropriate insurance cover and safety equipment.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Cyprus.  For more general information see Airline Security.

Bathing is generally safe.  But you should be aware of strong seas and undertows. You should always comply with warning signs and swim only from approved beaches.