Cyprus

Safety and Security

Emergency Phone Numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police 
• Dial 112 for ambulance 
• Dial 1440 for toll-free domestic violence hotline  

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Crime

Cyprus generally has low crime rates. 

• There have been some reports of targeted organized criminal activity on the island. 
• Avoid so-called “night clubs” or topless bars. They reportedly employ women trafficked to Cyprus for sexual exploitation. Night clubs have presented foreign patrons with inflated bar tabs. They have also threatened customers who refuse to pay.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Cyprus. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Cyprus:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Victims of Crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology Use Abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism Safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Adventure Travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal Penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 

• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Cyprus seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest Notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.  

Detention Conditions

• A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care. Detainees in Cyprus often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based Travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and Lesbian Travelers

There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Cyprus.  

• Despite broad legal protections, lesbian and gay people sometimes face discrimination. Few people are open about their sexual orientation. 
• Public attitudes tend to be socially conservative in Cyprus, but the U.S. embassy has not received reports of violence against lesbian or gay travelers.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers Accessibility Needs

The law in the Republic of Cyprus prohibits discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities. The law is generally enforced. 

• • The People with Disabilities Law says that public buildings and tourist facilities built after 1999 must be accessible to all.
• • Older buildings frequently lack access for people with disabilities.
• • There are narrow or non-existent sidewalks and lack of transport. The lack of parking spaces, accessible toilets, and elevators all create problems for people with disabilities.
• • The Republic of Cyprus law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, or in the provision of other state services.
• For information on accessible travel in Cyprus, visit the Accessible Cyprus page of the Cyprus tourist office website. Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women Travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human Rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cyprus Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency Numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 
• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 

Medical Payments and Insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Cyprus. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Cyprus.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Hospitals and medical professionals may require cash payment if your credit card does not work.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare Facilities 

Health facilities are available in city and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery. 

•  Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Cyprus.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Cyprus.   

Check the Government of the Republic of Cyprus’s website for more information. 

Prescription Medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Check with the Republic of Cyprus Federal Office of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in the ROC. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Cyprus to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy in the Republic of Cyprus is restricted to married heterosexual couples or those in a civil partnership who are legal residents of the ROC. 
• Commercial surrogacy for profit is illegal.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in the Republic of Cyprus via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. 
• People who try to avoid local law risk legal consequences.  
• Avoid pursuing parenthood via ART with a surrogate in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots in northern Cyprus, which is an area that is not internationally recognized (except for Turkiye) and without a legal framework. Further,the Embassy is aware of reports of associated criminal networks, human rights abuses, and sexual exploitation as well as an overall lack of legal protections for those involved. 

Water Quality and Food Safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.

Air Quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Cyprus.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety

Traffic moves on the left side of the road. This is the opposite direction most U.S. citizens are used to. Be extra careful and look both ways before crossing roads.

• There are traffic signs everywhere. Lighting on roads is generally adequate but less common on smaller roads outside the major cities.
• Traffic laws, signs, and speed limits are consistent with the standards used throughout Europe.
• Secondary roads, especially in the mountains, tend to be narrow and winding. These roads are not as well maintained as major highways.
• Road safety conditions in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots are generally like conditions in the south, except that the roads are less developed.

Traffic Laws  

The ROC accepts a valid driver’s license from your home country, a European Union driver’s license, or an International Driving Permit.

• Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets.
• You must have liability insurance.
• Insurance purchased in the government-controlled area is not valid in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots, but insurance for that area may be purchased at the UN buffer zone checkpoints.
• The use of seat belts (in front seats) and child car seats is mandatory.
• The use of cellular phones while driving is prohibited unless used with some form of hands-free kit.
• In the event of an accident, you must stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive.  
• It is illegal to speed, tailgate, overtake, and run caution lights. However, these incidents are common and are major causes of accidents.

Taxis and Ride-shares

• Taxi and rideshare services are available and considered generally safe. The 2 primary rideshare services are Bolt and CabCY.

Public and Commercial Transportation 

There are few public buses and no subway or rail lines in Cyprus. 

• Visit the website of the Republic of Cyprus’s national tourist office.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation Safety Oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Republic of Cyprus’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime Travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Cyprus should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Summer heatwaves 

Tends to occur between June to September.

• Very high temperatures, often over 95°F (35°C), especially inland.
• Increased risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke.
• Often accompanied by very strong sun/UV exposure.

Drought and water shortages 

Tend to happen in late spring to early autumn.

• Cyprus has a dry Mediterranean climate with limited rainfall.
• Prolonged dry periods can lead to water restrictions and stress on water supply systems.

Wildfires

Tend to happen from June to October. 

• Hot, dry, and windy conditions increase fire risk in forested and rural areas.
• Fires can affect air quality, visibility, and road access, and may lead to evacuations.

Heavy rain and localized flooding

• Common between November to March. Most rainfall comes in the winter months.

U.S citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates