What Tourists Should Know About Local Regulations in Cyprus
If you are planning a holiday in Cyprus, you will have to familiarize yourself with the island's rules so that you can avoid problems that will spoil your Mediterranean holiday. As a full member of the EU, Cyprus has high standards without sacrificing its special legal system from years of seclusion. From visiting ancient sites, sunbathing on untouched beaches, or indulging in trendy entertainment complexes, these rules will ensure your holiday goes off without a problem.
Entry Requirements: Entering and Remaining Legal
You may visit Cyprus without a visa for 90 days if you are a citizen of the EU, UK, US, or most developed nations. However, few tourists know this: you have to enter only the Republic of Cyprus-controlled areas. That is, fly in Larnaca or Paphos airports, or arrive at the Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos ports.
If you arrive via Ercan Airport in the north, that counts as illegal entry to the authorities of Cyprus. You may get into severe trouble when attempting to leave or return later. This is the result of the complicated politics under which Northern Cyprus is recognized by only Turkey and no one else.
Ensure your passport is stamped on arrival and departure. Without stamps, you will be questioned for overstaying when you are not. Boarding passes and tickets could be secondary proof of travel dates.
Driving: Left-Hand Rules and Actual Requirements
Cyprus has a law of left-hand driving, a leftover from British colonial rule that catches most European holidaymakers unawares. But adapting to driving on the left side is not your only issue.
You'll need to be more than 21 years of age with three years of driving experience to hire a car. EU and UK licences are acceptable, but if your licence is not in Latin characters, you'll require an International Driving Permit. The drink drive limit is 0.05%, about half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine.
One of the most significant limitations tourists find out too late is that you can't drive rental vehicles from the Green Line into Northern Cyprus. All rental agencies have this policy in their agreement, and your insurance is null and void the instant you cross over. When something does go astray with the car or passengers north of the line, you 100% pay for repairs.
Highways are typically great, particularly compared to most of the Greek islands. Isolated mountain regions will have relatively narrow, twisting roads that require a little extra care.
Accommodation: Registration Without the Tax Burden
Budget travelers rejoice: Cyprus has no tourist tax by 2025. Most Mediterranean destinations add €1-5 per night, but Cyprus keeps expenses low on accommodations by not tacking on this extra charge.
All short-term accommodations have been made to register at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism since 2020. Airbnb and other websites are covered by policy; registered properties ought to show registration numbers. Fines of up to €5,000 are imposed for unregistered properties, so booking through properly registered properties saves you possible inconveniences.
Though hotels can ask for personal information for business, Cyprus does not require official guest registration as some European nations do. You will not be asked to complete lengthy forms or show humongous amounts of paper aside from check-in requirements.
Entertainment and Gaming: Knowing Your Choices
Cyprus has an orderly entertainment sector that strikes a balance between tourist amusement and legality. The gambling industry has rigorous government control with different guidelines for each activity.
Land-based casino operations are operated as a licensed monopoly with licensed premises under the jurisdiction of the National Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission. Casino Cyprus premises offer clients well-regulated entertainment activities with consumer protection and regulation of gambling available. You need to be at least 18 years old to play, and age and identity are checked by operators before access is granted.
When it comes to sports betting, it is legalized online from licensed sites, but casino games online are still illegal. The 15% gross gaming yield tax on casino gaming and the 10% tax on online gambling yield fund other public services.
But Northern Cyprus? The atmosphere there has altered significantly in 2025. The parliament has recently voted through a bill revoking caps on casino licenses and school proximity rules, and buildings can now be placed as close as 100 meters to schools. Casinos will be permitted to total some 60, compared to the current 32, giving what detractors characterize as an "open-air casino" ambiance.
Cultural Sensitivity and Social Norms
Cyprus has quite traditional social values, particularly in the countryside and near churches. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries. Shoulders and knees covered, hat off. Most will have coverings to lend if necessary, but it is considerate to be prepared.
Photographic restrictions are not limited to normal areas for tourists. Never take pictures of military bases, UN buffer zones, or anything that might be categorized as security-related. Both sides of the island have these restrictions in full force, and the penalties for breaking them can include detention and equipment seizure.
Public consumption of alcohol in tourist zones is fine, but don't push it too far in residential zones. The drinking age is 18, the same as in most EU countries.
Health and Safety: Practical Precautions
Cyprus needs no special vaccinations for visitors, but sunshine during the summer can be serious business. Temperatures routinely reach above 35°C (95°F) from June to September, so sun protection is a necessity, not an option.
112 emergency numbers are acted upon by emergency services, though the rural mountainous regions can be delayed. If you are on prescribed medication, take the medication as prescribed in the original packaging. This is to avoid customs inconvenience and allow you to restock medication if needed.
Customs and Import Rules
Farm produce is kept under tight import restrictions due to pest control. It is not possible to import fresh vegetables and fruits, or meat products from non-EU countries. Banned items can be seized by the Department of Agriculture, and fines are imposed.
Currency declarations become mandatory for sums in excess of €10,000. While this rarely affects the ordinary tourist, individuals making large purchases or carrying business funds will have to declare amounts at customs.
Cross-border shopping between the south and the north is subject to certain restrictions. The Republic of Cyprus imposes a 40-cigarette limit per individual for products bought in the north, including seizure and fines for contravention.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Knowing these rules is about extending your visit safely and legally. Cyprus has amazing diversity, ranging from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hi-tech resort complexes, in an environment that seeks to protect residents and visitors.
So make a plan, follow the local laws, and enjoy what this Mediterranean gem has to offer. Your planning today prevents trouble tomorrow, so that you can enjoy your time making memories.
