Cyprus | Europe

Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. Geographically, it is dominated by two mountain ranges-the Troodos and the Kyrenia-and a central plain; since 1974, it has been de facto divided between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; the capital is Nicosia.

Visa & Entry Policy

The Republic of Cyprus is an EU member but is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Starting in late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

Language & Communication

The official languages are Greek and Turkish. English is the most common foreign language and is used extensively in business and tourism; proficiency is moderate to high in urban and coastal areas but lower in rural villages. Road signs are typically in Greek and English.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency in the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (EUR); Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). In the Republic, contactless "tap-to-pay" is universal in supermarkets and retail chains. However, a significant cash culture persists; physical currency is often required for small transactions in mountain villages and traditional cafes. ATMs are widely available.

National Transport Grid

Public transport is limited to an extensive bus network as there is no rail infrastructure on the island. Intercity Buses connect the major hubs of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. Local urban bus services are operated by district-specific companies (e.g., CPT in Nicosia and Larnaca). Domestic flights do not exist. Shared taxis (Travel Express) offer a transit alternative between cities.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Cyta, Epic, and PrimeTel. 5G coverage is comprehensive, reaching nearly 100% of the population in outdoor areas by 2026. 4G reliability is high, though signal strength can be inconsistent in the remote Troodos Mountain valleys.

Climate & Seasonality

Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate. Summers (June–September) are hot and dry, with coastal humidity and inland temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C. Winters are mild and wet, with snow common in the Troodos Mountains from January to March. The wettest months are typically December and January.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Tap water in major cities is safe but often has a high mineral content; bottled water is preferred for taste. The universal emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 112. Cyprus maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the EU.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Nicosia (Lefkosia): The world's last divided capital city.

Limassol (Lemesos): The main maritime and international business hub.

Paphos: A coastal UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourism center.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €0.85 ($0.94 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: €3.00 ($3.30 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): €20.00 ($22.20 USD)

Facts & Legends

Cyprus is known as the "Island of Love" because, according to Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite was born from the sea foam at "Petra tou Romiou" (Aphrodite's Rock) near Paphos. Another legend concerns St. Mammas, the patron saint of tax evaders; folklore claims he was arrested for refusing to pay taxes but was freed after he tamed a lion and rode it into the courtroom to face the governor.