Entry Requirements
Documents for entry
Cyprus is an EU member, but it is not yet part of the Schengen Area. This means that entry rules are slightly different from “mainland Europe”.
🛂 Schengen accession in progress (2026): In January 2026 the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, declared that the Commission "fully supports" Cyprus's accession and that the Green Line will not prevent it. On 15 December 2025 Cyprus and France signed a Letter of Intent on Schengen in Paris (reaffirmed on 10 February 2026); France is providing technical expertise on external border management, police cooperation and the new EU Entry/Exit System. Until Cyprus formally joins, current entry rules still apply.
Who can enter
Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway – a national photo ID is sufficient. A foreign passport is not mandatory.
All others – a valid foreign passport is required. The following are also accepted:
- UN Laissez-Passer
- Documents for stateless persons and recognised refugees
⚠️ “Passports” of the so‑called “TRNC” (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) are not recognised. Entry with such a document is impossible.
Visas (Βίζα — Visa)
The list of countries whose citizens need a visa: www.mfa.gov.cy
Work visa
If you are coming to work, you do not need a visa. Instead, a work permit (Employment Permit) is issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Legal ports of entry
This is important: entry into Cyprus is possible only through points controlled by the Republic of Cyprus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists 9 legal points of entry: 2 airports, 4 ports, 3 marinas.
Airports (Αεροδρόμια — Aerodromia)
| Airport | Greek | Code | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larnaka | Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Λάρνακας | LCA | Main airport |
| Pafos | Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Πάφου | PFO | Second legal airport |
Seaports (Λιμάνια — Limania)
| Port | Greek | District | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemesos | Λιμάνι Λεμεσού | Limassol | Main port of Cyprus — took over after Famagusta port was lost in 1974; cargo and cruise |
| Larnaka | Λιμάνι Λάρνακας | Larnaca | Second-largest port |
| Pafos | Λιμάνι Πάφου | Paphos | Ancient harbour by the medieval castle |
| Latsi | Λιμάνι Λατσιού | Paphos | Small harbour of Polis Chrysochous, at the entrance to Akamas — still a legal port of entry |
Marinas (Μαρίνες)
| Marina | Greek | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Limassol Marina | Μαρίνα Λεμεσού | Limassol bay |
| Limassol Sheraton marina (St Raphael Marina) | Μαρίνα St. Raphael | Amathus Avenue, Limassol |
| Ayia Napa Marina | Μαρίνα Αγίας Νάπας | Ayia Napa |
Larnaca Marina is also called an official port of entry by the tourism site, but it is not on the Foreign Ministry list.
❌ Vasilikos (Larnaca district) is an industrial and energy port — not a passenger point of entry.
Illegal: ports and airports in the occupied area
| Place | Greek | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Famagusta port | Λιμάνι Αμμοχώστου | Closed port since October 1974; the main port before 1974 |
| Kyrenia port | Λιμάνι Κερύνειας | Closed port since 1974 |
| Karavostasi port | Λιμάνι Καραβοστασίου | Closed port since 1974 |
| Tymbou airport (so-called "Ercan") | Αεροδρόμιο Τύμπου | Illegal airport in the occupied area |
The three closed ports — Famagusta, Kyrenia, Karavostasi — were closed by an order of 3 October 1974. No port, marina or fishing shelter in the occupied area is a legal point of entry.
Nicosia International Airport has been disused since 1974 — it lies in the UN buffer zone (see Division & Special Zones).
❌ Entry via ports in the occupied territory (Ercan, Famagusta, Kyrenia) is illegal. This may entail legal consequences.
📍 In the exam: Entry into the Republic of Cyprus is illegal through the port of … (Limassol, Larnaca, Latsi, Kyrenia)?
Answer: Kyrenia.
Occupied territories
The Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognised state on the island. The northern part has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. UN Security Council resolution 541 (18 November 1983) declared the declaration of the “TRNC” legally invalid and called for its withdrawal; resolution 550 (1984) condemned all secessionist actions, including the exchange of “ambassadors” with Turkey, and attempts to settle Varosha by people other than its inhabitants; the “TRNC” is not recognised by anyone except Turkey.
Crossing the Green Line
Tourists who entered through legal crossing points may cross the Green Line and visit the north. But:
- Hotels in Greek‑Cypriot ownership in the north are being exploited illegally. Staying in them may lead to legal claims from the rightful owners.
- Entering Cyprus via the north (for example, arriving at Ercan) is a violation of the law.
Customs (Τελωνείο — Teloneio)
Declaration of cash
If you are carrying €10,000 or more (in cash, cheques, gold), you must declare it. This is an EU rule. Failure to declare may result in a fine and possible confiscation.
Imports from non‑EU countries
Tobacco (from 17 years old):
| Product | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 200 pcs |
| Cigarillos | 100 pcs |
| Cigars | 50 pcs |
| Tobacco | 250 g |
Alcohol (from 17 years old):
| Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Spirits (>22%) | 1 l |
| Fortified wine (port, sherry) | 2 l |
| Still wine | 4 l |
| Beer | 16 l |
Other goods:
- Adults: up to €430
- Children under 15: up to €150
❓ Can I bring 300 cigarettes from Russia?
No, the limit is 200. You will have to pay duty or leave the excess at customs.
Imports from EU countries
Formally, there are no limits – you are travelling as within one country. But there are indicative limits for “personal use”:
| Product | Limit |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 800 pcs |
| Cigarillos | 400 pcs |
| Cigars | 200 pcs |
| Tobacco | 1 kg |
| Spirits | 10 l |
| Fortified wine | 20 l |
| Wine | 90 l (of which sparkling – up to 60 l) |
| Beer | 110 l |
If you are carrying more, customs may ask you to prove that it is not for sale.
Travelling with animals (Ταξίδι με κατοικίδια — Taxidi me katikidia)
From EU countries
You need one of the following documents:
- Pet Passport
- Animal Health Certificate
From non‑EU countries
Additionally, a vaccination certificate is required, especially for rabies.
Banned dog breeds
The following breeds may not be brought into Cyprus, regardless of the country of origin:
| Breed | Alternative name |
|---|---|
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Pit Bull |
| Japanese Tosa | Tosa Inu |
| Dogo Argentino | Argentine Mastiff |
| Fila Brasileiro | Brazilian Mastiff |
Transport rules
- The crate must comply with IATA standards
- 48 hours before arrival, inform the district veterinarian of the date, time, and flight number
- At the border, the animal will be examined by a veterinary inspector
- If the documents are in order, quarantine is not required
More details: moa.gov.cy
Prohibited goods
Absolute ban
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drugs | Any narcotic and psychotropic substances |
| Weapons | Firearms, automatic weapons, ammunition, switchblades, daggers |
| Counterfeit goods | Fake clothing, bags, discs, software |
| Pornography | Obscene materials |
| Counterfeit money | Fake banknotes |
Restrictions
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Agricultural products | Fruit, vegetables, seeds, seedlings – only with permission from the Department of Agriculture |
| Meat and dairy products | Raw meat, fish, dairy products from non‑EU countries – prohibited |
| CITES | Ivory products, reptile skins, rare animals and plants – permit required |
| Antiquities | Export of antiquities – only with permission |
💡 Full list of prohibitions and restrictions: website of the Customs Department of Cyprus.
Key points to remember
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Document for EU citizens | National photo ID |
| “TRNC passport” | Not recognised |
| Legal airports | Larnaka, Pafos |
| Entry via Ercan | Illegal |
| Legal points of entry | 9: airports Larnaka, Pafos · ports Lemesos, Larnaka, Pafos, Latsi · marinas Limassol, Limassol Sheraton (St Raphael), Ayia Napa |
| Closed ports since 1974 | Famagusta, Kyrenia, Karavostasi |
| Main port | Lemesos (since 1974) |
| Cash declaration | €10,000+ |
| Cigarette limit (non‑EU) | 200 pcs |
| Spirits limit (non‑EU) | 1 l |
| Goods limit (non‑EU) | €430 (children – €150) |
| Banned dog breeds | Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro |
| Veterinarian notification | 48 hours in advance |