Entry & visa
Cyprus is a member of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Area. EU and EEA citizens can enter with a national ID card; UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most other Western nationals enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you hold a passport that normally requires a Schengen visa, check whether you also need a Cyprus visa — the rules are not always the same.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay (for non-EU travellers, six months' validity is the safe rule). At the border, be ready to state your accommodation address.
Money & payments
Cyprus uses the Euro. Card payments — including Apple Pay and Google Pay — are accepted in restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels and by almost all professional transfer companies, including ours. Keep €50–100 in cash for kiosks, small village tavernas and tips.
ATMs are widely available at both airports and in every town. Avoid the worst exchange rates by withdrawing in EUR from your home bank card rather than using the in-airport currency desks.
Language
Greek is the official language in the Republic of Cyprus. Practically every person working in tourism, transfers, hotels, restaurants and shops speaks fluent English — and many also speak Russian, German or French. You will not need any Greek to travel comfortably.
Power, plugs and connectivity
Cyprus uses Type G three-pin plugs and 230 V / 50 Hz electricity — identical to the UK. Pack a UK adapter or buy one at the airport. For data, the simplest option in 2026 is an eSIM activated before the flight; alternatively, Cyta and Epic kiosks inside arrivals sell tourist SIM packages.
Driving side and road basics
Cyprus drives on the left. This is the single most important thing to remember if you plan to rent a car — and it also affects how you cross the road on foot. Speed limits are 100 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in towns. Seatbelts are mandatory in every seat, the alcohol limit is low, and using a phone in your hand while driving is a fixed fine.
Many visitors who initially planned to rent a car switch to private transfers after one drive — left-hand traffic, unfamiliar signage and Mediterranean parking are a stressful combination on the first day.
Weather, what to pack, and safety
Summer is hot and dry — light, breathable clothing, strong sun protection and a refillable water bottle are essential. Winter on the coast is mild but evenings cool quickly; bring a jacket from November to March. The Troodos mountains see snow in winter, which surprises some first-time visitors.
Cyprus is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Standard travel precautions apply — use licensed transport, keep an eye on valuables in crowded beaches, and choose pre-booked transfers over unmarked cars outside the airport.