Cyprus Travel Information

Entry to Cyprus

The UK is in Cyprus’ Category C List, which means that temporary visitors from the UK are not permitted to travel to Cyprus.

Travel from the UK is permitted only for Cypriot citizens and their family members (including their parents, foreign spouses, and children under 18), and legal residents of the Republic of Cyprus.

Permitted travellers (as defined above) can choose whether to provide a negative COVID-19 result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel or undergo a test on arrival in Cyprus. This will be followed by a compulsory 14-day self-isolation in government-assigned accommodation. You can choose to undergo a molecular test on the 10th day, at your own expense, and have your self-isolation terminated provided the result is negative, or be released on the 14th day. These measures are in place until at least 31 March.

Results from a PCR test taken before travel can be in the form of an email or SMS, but the result itself and/or appointment letter must include the date and time when the test was taken. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

All permitted travellers must complete a Cyprus Flight Pass before their journey, available on the Cyprus Flight Pass website. Where relevant, you will be responsible for ensuring your PCR test result is uploaded to Cyprus Flight Pass within 24 hours of your departure. If you need to provide your appointment letter you can upload both documents in a single photo. In addition to obtaining the Cyprus Flight Pass, passengers are required to carry with them, in hard copy or electronically, copies of these documents. You will be asked to present your flight pass prior to boarding and on arrival at immigration.

The Cyprus government have a help desk to assist travellers with queries regarding the use of the Cyprus Flight Pass. This service is accessible by telephone +(357) 2484 1234 and through the Cyprus Flight Pass e-platform. You should continue to track developments through the Republic of Cyprus Information Office.

As of 22 December, non-resident air travellers who have been in UK in the last 14 days will not be permitted entry to the north of Cyprus.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

For more information on crossing to and from the north of Cyprus, see Local travel.

The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:

• you can travel to Cyprus for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit for family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
• visits to other EU or Schengen countries do not count towards the 90-day limit in Cyprus as it is not in the Schengen area. Visits to Cyprus do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area
• to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Cypriot government’s entry requirements. Check with the Republic of Cyprus High Commission what type of visa and/or work permit you may need
• if you stay in Cyprus with a visa or permit, your stay does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit Any time you spent in Cyprus before 1 January 2021 does not count towards the 90-day visa-free limit.

If you’re a resident in Cyprus, you are advised to carry your Republic of Cyprus-issued residency documents when entering/exiting the Republic of Cyprus.

The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in the north of Cyprus, nor residence permits issued by the administration there.

The Republic of Cyprus authorities may count time spent in the north of Cyprus towards the 90 day visa free total. If you overstay, you may potentially face difficulties at the airport on exit or re-entry.

At border control for Cyprus, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit.

You may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Cyprus. If you are resident in Cyprus, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Cyprus guide.

Passport validity

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

If you’re travelling to the north of Cyprus, their administration advises that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry to the north.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Cyprus.