FASTFAX Cyprus
Cyprus is one of Europe's most sought after vacation countries, and
with good reason. Some of the best beaches and clearest waters can be
found in Cyprus, as well as some of the most welcoming people in the
world. Ayia Napa is now one of the world's top nightlife party scenes,
while Paphos retains its traditional Greek village flavor. Limassol
mixes the Middle Eastern with the Greek for a beach nightlife scene
unlike any other, and Nicosia remains the central capital city and
still an interesting place to go. Of course you can always go skiing in
the winter in the Trodos Mountains!
Weather & Climate
Cyprus is
very hot and humid in the summer and quite cold in the winter, though
snow only falls in the mountains. The best times to visit would be in
the Fall and Spring. Beach life revolves around the months of June
through August, and the ski season takes place from November to
February.
Politics
The Northern part of Cyprus is under a different administration largely funded by and overseen by the nation of Turkey.
This northern area is known by residents as an independent nation
called "The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." No country
except for Turkey recognizes the North's status as an independent
country and no countries have official diplomatic relations with
Northern Cyprus as a country. While the issue is a contentious one,
particularly with Turkey seeking European Union membership, you won't
find the country unstable by any means.
Religion
The
majority of Cypriots are Greek Orthodox and most Cypriots are religious
people, especially the elder population. Churches are common throughout
the country and most stores, restaurants, and other venues are closed
completely on Sundays, though not in the more tourist-oriented cities.
Language
Most
Cypriots speak Greek and outside the tourist areas you may have some
trouble with English only. Cypriots are very patient with outsiders,
however, and since they used to be an English colony, many still speak
some English. In Ayia Napa, there is almost no Greek, as its been
replaced by English, Swedish, Norwegian, and other European languages.
Clothing
Clothing
is somewhat conservative in some areas of the country. The beaches of
Cyprus and beach towns are more liberal in their dress codes. Most
beaches are topless, and there are several all-nude areas. Many tourist
beach towns and cities do not have a dress code in their restaurants or
clubs as most people wear beach wear the whole time in the country.
Visas
Passport holders from Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, Other EU, Japan do not need a visa if they are staying less than 90 days.
Passengers
holding any valid passport may stay in Cyprus for a period of 24 hours
if they have a connecting flight and plane or ship ticket.
All visitors will need a passport valid for at least six months except:
- - those from EU countries who have a national identity card
- - those
persons with a "laissez-passer" pass issued by the United Nations,
including nationals of Egypt and Israel if they have previously
obtained a permit from the Immigration Office in Nicosia
- - any documents issued to stateless persons and recognized refugees will be honored by Cypriot authorities
Please check with your local Cypriot consulate for more information if your country was not listed.
Note: Nationals of Turkey and Iraq must secure visas before going to Cyprus.
If
you have a Turkish stamp in your passport you may be denied entrance to
Cyprus, please check with your local Cypriot consulate or embassy
before going.
You
cannot enter Cyprus from the North or with any stamp in your passport
from Northern Cyprus. You may, however, enter the North from the South
if you have any EU, USA, or Australian passport, but caution is needed
while traveling in the North as there are no diplomatic relations at
the moment.
Driving
Driving in Cyprus is on the left side of the road! If you are unfamiliar you may have to take it slow and easy at first!
Driving
in Cyprus is fairly safe and you can easily rent a car or motorbike
from the airport or whatever city your final destination in the country
may be. Ayia Napa and Limassol are rife with scooter rentals who will
rent to just about anyone, and there are many accidents due to drivers
who cannot control their vehicles or who have had too much to drink, so
exercise caution. Rent your vehicle from a legitimate place, as the
more loose rental companies can hold you liable for any perceived
damage that they want to make up.
International
Driving Permit is not required (most rental agencies accept your home
driving license), but can be welcome. Application and info for US
drivers on AAA's website here: http://www.csaa.com/.
Drugs and Alcohol
Cyprus
does not seem to have a drinking age. Alcohol is widely available in
clubs, bars, pubs, and restaurants. Many Cypriots are able to hold
their alcohol consumption and most places shun the overly drunk.
Drugs are
available, particularly ecstasy, in Ayia Napa and other nightclub
related towns. Drug Laws in Cyprus are very serious, however, and you
can be imprisoned for a long time just for having a small amount of
illicit drugs. Do not, under any circumstances, take your chances,
because your home embassy can do little more than visit you in jail to
say hello.
Money
Cypriot Pound Sterling. One Cyprus Pound is about $2 US, and has been for many years.
Cyprus is not a cheap country to visit, though bargains are available, particularly if you book ahead.
Credit cards are widely accepted and most cities have money exchanges and some banks and ATMs.
Vaccinations Needed:
None.
Annoyances
Depending
on what you enjoy, some cities in Cyprus, like Ayia Napa, can be a bit
crowded with young (16-25 yr. old) drunk people dancing and carousing
for all hours of the day and night. This is, of course, a big draw to
many, and a big turn-off to others. Cyprus does, of course, have a very
mellow vibe outside the clubbing scene, particularly in the mountains,
in Nicosia, Larnaka, Paphos, and any number of smaller towns.
Women
travelers should be aware that they will be talked to in sometimes
annoying and bothersome ways. If you are harassed, go to the nearest
shop and ask for help and they will be more than glad to do so.
Crime
in Cyprus is very low, and petty usually. You are in a very safe
country. Avoid the UN Green Zones as they are patrolled by UN soldiers.
These areas are very well-marked and you probably won't accidentally
stumble into them.
Gay & Lesbian Travel
Cyprus
is somewhat tolerant of homosexuality in public, though less so in the
more traditional and "older" neighborhoods. In 1998 Cyprus cancelled
laws banning homosexuality. While Ayia Napa is almost strictly
heterosexual, most other cities have small but present gay scenes.
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