Cyprus
Phone Code
+357
Capital
Nicosia
Population
1.3 Million
Native Name
Κύπρος
Region
Europe
Southern Europe
Timezones
Eastern European Time
UTC+02:00
+1 more
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Cyprus is an EU member island in the Eastern Mediterranean, known for beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, year-round sunshine, and the divided capital Nicosia (last divided capital in Europe). The Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cypriot south) is the internationally recognized government, while the northern part is administered by Turkish Cypriots. Visitors are drawn to Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO site), Troodos Mountains monasteries (UNESCO sites), Ayia Napa and Protaras beaches, Larnaca's Church of Saint Lazarus, Cape Greco, Akamas Peninsula hiking, and vibrant nightlife. Cyprus offers Mediterranean culture, excellent cuisine (mezze), and historical treasures.
Visa Requirements for Cyprus
Cyprus is an EU member but not yet part of the Schengen Area, maintaining its own border controls. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport for unlimited stays. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Note that this 90-day limit is calculated separately from Schengen; days spent in Cyprus don't count toward Schengen limits. Those requiring visas should apply through Cyprus embassies or consulates (pro-visa system), providing application forms, photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means. Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) has separate entry procedures.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry (EU/EEA/Swiss)
For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, or any purpose without restrictions.
Visa-Free Entry (Third Countries)
For tourism or business for citizens of US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other eligible nationalities.
Pro-Visa (Short Stay)
For nationalities requiring visas for tourism, business, cultural, or visiting purposes up to 90 days.
Long-Stay Visa
For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, or residence in Cyprus.
Important Travel Information
Cyprus combines Mediterranean ease with an extraordinary layering of civilisations: Neolithic villages, Bronze Age kingdoms, Phoenician traders, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians, Ottomans, and the British have all left their mark on an island barely 240 kilometres long. The Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO) contains some of the finest Roman mosaics in the world — the Houses of Dionysus, Theseus, and Aion preserve floor mosaics in colours as vivid as the day they were laid, in the 2nd–4th centuries CE. In the Troodos Mountains, ten Byzantine painted churches (UNESCO) hide extraordinary fresco cycles from the 11th to 16th centuries, including the Church of Panagia Forviotissa at Asinou, whose 12th-century frescoes are among the best-preserved Byzantine art anywhere. The Akamas Peninsula in the northwest offers Cyprus at its wildest: sea turtle nesting beaches at Lara Bay, the Blue Lagoon, and the Baths of Aphrodite at the end of the coastal trail. Ayia Napa and Protaras on the east coast have the most photogenic beaches — Cape Greco's sea caves and turquoise water draw snorkellers and divers year-round. Nicosia (Lefkosia), Europe's last divided capital, crosses the UN Buffer Zone at Ledra Street with a checkpoint that takes seconds to pass — the contrast between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north is immediate and fascinating. Cypriot cuisine rewards patience: a proper mezze lunch of halloumi, kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb), sheftalia, tahini, and Commandaria wine (possibly the world's oldest named wine, praised by Richard the Lionheart) can last three hours.
Discover Cyprus
Ways to Experience This Destination
Paphos Archaeological Park (UNESCO Roman mosaics), ancient Kourion with its clifftop amphitheatre, the Tombs of the Kings, Choirokoitia Neolithic village (UNESCO), and the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia — 10,000 years of civilisation on one island.
Nissi Beach (Ayia Napa), Fig Tree Bay (Protaras), Konnos Bay, Lara Bay (sea turtle nesting), Cape Greco's sea caves, and the Blue Lagoon on the Akamas Peninsula — over 300 sunny days and some of Europe's cleanest coastal water.
Ten Byzantine painted churches (UNESCO), Mount Olympos hiking, cedar forest walks, the mountain villages of Kakopetria and Omodos, wine country around the southern slopes, and winter skiing.
The UN Buffer Zone crossing at Ledra Street, the Gothic Selimiye Mosque (former Cathedral of Saint Sophia) in North Nicosia, Venetian walls, the Cyprus Museum, and the preserved ghost town of Varosha in Famagusta.
Village taverna mezze, Commandaria wine (possibly the world's oldest named wine), halloumi from local producers, Lefkara lace, and the wine villages of Omodos, Lofou, and Vouni along the southern Troodos wine route.
Money & Currency
Euro (EUR)
Currency code: EUR
Practical Money Tips
Euro (EUR) in the Republic — Turkish Lira in the North
The Republic of Cyprus (south) uses the euro (EUR), having joined the eurozone in 2008. The vast majority of tourists visit the south — Limassol, Paphos, Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Larnaca — where the euro is the only legal currency. The northern part of the island is administered by Turkey and uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). Most travelers do not cross into the north; if you do, bring TRY or exchange EUR at crossing points (limited options). UK, US, Australian, and Canadian travelers: exchange GBP/USD/AUD/CAD to EUR before arrival or use ATMs in Cyprus.
Excellent ATM Coverage in the South — Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank
The Republic of Cyprus has an extensive ATM network. Bank of Cyprus (BOC), Hellenic Bank, and Eurobank have ATMs in all major cities and resort areas — Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Nicosia. ATMs accept international Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards. Daily limit: typically EUR 300–600. In remote Troodos mountain villages and smaller coastal areas, ATM coverage thins — carry cash. Airport ATMs in Larnaca and Paphos are well-positioned.
Very Card-Friendly South — Apple Pay and Google Pay Widely Supported
The Republic of Cyprus is highly card-friendly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions in the south. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely supported at modern contactless terminals across Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, and Ayia Napa. American Express is accepted at upscale hotels and some restaurants. Local markets and village tavernas may be cash-only. Watch out for DCC (dynamic currency conversion) — always pay in EUR.
Mid-Range Mediterranean — Value for Sun, Sea, and History
Cyprus is a good-value Mediterranean destination compared to Western Europe. Budget accommodation: EUR 30–70/night. Mid-range hotel: EUR 80–200/night. Meze (traditional multi-course meal): EUR 18–30 per person. Local halloumi sandwich or souvlaki wrap: EUR 4–8. Wine tour (Commandaria region, one of the world's oldest named wines): EUR 20–50. Archaeological sites (Paphos Archaeological Park, Kourion): EUR 2.50–8. Resort towns like Ayia Napa and Limassol Marina can be pricier. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
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Cyprus Embassies Worldwide
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Embassies in Cyprus
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