Greek, Turkish, English

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic and other 4%

Since 1974, Cyprus, a developed Mediterranean island nation, has been divided de facto into a Greek Cypriot government-controlled area comprising the southern two-thirds of the island, and a northern third, (the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus"), administered by Turkish Cypriots.

Republic of Cyprus: Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; includes air and naval elements); north Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot Security Force (GKK)

A passport is required for travel to Cyprus. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. For longer stays, a visa or residence permit is required. U.S. citizens should be mindful that the Government of Cyprus does not recognize the residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities for the portions of the island under Turkish Cypriot administration. The Government of Cyprus does not issue residency permits to individuals who live in the areas outside government control.  On occasion, Americans who resided in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots for more than 90 days without a Republic of Cyprus residence permit have been detained by officials at Larnaca airport and denied entry into the government-controlled area. They also may be subject to prosecution.

The U.S. Embassy encourages travelers to read the “Special Circumstances” section of this fact sheet for important additional information about entry requirements into the Turkish Cypriot-administered areas.
For further information on entry requirements for Cyprus, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus at 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008-4082, tel. (202) 462-5772, or the Cypriot Consulate in New York at 13 East 40th St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016, tel. (212) 686-6016/17. Visit the Embassy of Cyprus’ web site at http://www.cyprusembassy.net for the most current visa information. 
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports: 16, Airports w/paved runways:  13

Paphos International Airport (PFO/LCPH)
Paphos Airport,Cyprus,Paphos 8320,CYPRUS
Tel: +357 2680 1800
Fax: +357 2624 0531
Customs, hours:24 hours
Tel: +357 2624 0531

Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to enter the U.N. buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. This area is heavily mined and militarized. Never photograph military installations or anything that could be perceived as being of security interest (especially in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots). Pay particular attention to areas marked with “no photography” signs. Police on both sides strictly enforce these restrictions.

Infant MR total: 7.04 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 77.82 years (male 75.44 /female 80.31)

Required: None
Recommended: Hep A & B, Typhoid, Rabies
Boosters: DPT, MMR and polio

The World Health Organization considers Cyprus to be one of the healthiest areas of the Mediterranean. Water supplies are potable, and there fuse collection/sewage disposal system is adequate. Communicable diseases such as typhoid are rare. Respiratory ailments and allergies are sometimes exacerbated by the dry and dusty climate.

Medical care is available at both government hospitals and private clinics. Emergency Rooms offer adequate care to stabilize patients, most of whom are then transferred to private hospitals. Many of the private-sector doctors have been trained in the United Kingdom or the United States. While fees are generally lower than those in the United States, medical supplies are often more expensive. Paramedics do not staff most ambulances.

In recent years Cyprus has ranked among the top three countries in Europe, on a per capita basis, in traffic fatalities.

Country Calling Code:  +357
Internet Country Code:  .cy