Cyprus: main airports
Cyprus has three airports. In the Republic of Cyprus (the internationally recognised part, an EU member), the airports of Larnaca and Paphos handle almost all of the island's international connections. In the northern part, under Turkish Cypriot administration and recognised only by Turkey, is Ercan Airport: this section should be read carefully, as the entry rules are different here.
Cyprus: recommended activities
Cyprus: visa and entry requirements
For Larnaca and Paphos (Republic of Cyprus): EU citizens enter freely with an ID card or passport. Cyprus is not yet a full Schengen member (the accession process is well advanced, with a decision expected during 2026): a normal Schengen visa is not sufficient on its own, but is generally accepted as equivalent to a national visa if multiple-entry, and non-EU citizens already exempt from a Schengen visa (United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia) do not need a separate visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. From late 2026, ETIAS authorisation will also be required. For Ercan (north): there are no direct flights from Europe: every international flight must make a technical stop in Turkey, so Turkey's entry requirements also apply to those transiting through it. The passport is not stamped on arrival at Ercan.
Cyprus: safety
Cyprus is generally very safe for tourists in both parts of the island, with low common crime. The Green Line (the UN buffer zone) separates the two parts of the island: it is regularly crossed by tourists on foot or by car at official crossing points (including the one in the centre of Nicosia), an interesting experience in itself, but always check the up-to-date guidance, especially if you have rented a car on only one side (some car rental companies do not allow crossing).
Cyprus: health situation
No vaccination is mandatory for entry. Health facilities in the Republic of Cyprus are of a good EU standard; those in the northern part are adequate for common emergencies but less well structured. Travel insurance with medical coverage remains advisable, especially for those moving between the two parts of the island.
Cyprus: currency, payments and connectivity
In the Republic of Cyprus the currency is the euro; in the northern part it is the Turkish lira (TRY), although the euro is widely accepted in the tourist areas of the north. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas on both sides. Bolt operates in the Republic of Cyprus. For connectivity, the operators Cyta, Epic and Cablenet (south) or Turkcell/Vodafone/Türk Telekom (north, as in Turkey) sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving (on the left across the whole island, a British legacy), EU citizens use their national licence in the Republic of Cyprus; for others an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required.
