Europe

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human case of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Cyprus including a small number of British nationals. You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through World Health Organisation (WHO) website. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu section on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
  
  
• On 9 September 2009, a pipe bomb exploded outside the Pavolo Napa Hotel in Ayia Napa.  No one was hurt and no structural damage occurred during what the police believe to be an isolated incident.  Local police say they have ruled out terrorism and local papers suggest that the incident stemmed from a personal disagreement.
  
  
• There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Around 1.3 million British nationals visit Cyprus every year (Source: Cyprus Tourist Organisation).  Most visits are trouble-free.  529 British nationals required consular assistance in Cyprus in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March -2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (149 cases); hospitalisations (86 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (205 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (283 cases).    If you need to contact the emergency services in Cyprus call 112.  Most of the consular cases occur in the coastal resorts of Ayia Napa, Paphos and Limassol.
  
  
• Cyprus is experiencing water shortages.  The Government cut the supply of water to water boards by 30% with effect from 28 March 2008.  State hospitals are not affected.  The Government has stated that hotels will receive water “when needed”.  See the general section (Water Shortage) for more details.
  
  
• Cyprus has a strict policy of zero tolerance towards drugs.  See the Local Laws and Customs section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Driving standards are poor.  You should drive with care and caution.  See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• Many British nationals have experienced serious problems associated with the purchase of property in Cyprus.  Before purchasing property anywhere on the island, you are advised to seek independent qualified legal advice and read our property FAQs. You should also bear in mind that the possibility of a settlement of the Cyprus problem could have an impact on property issues.  See the General (Purchasing Property) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.   Please note that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in northern Cyprus.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.