Cyprus – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise normal precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Country Summary: Do not attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN forces strictly enforce this restriction.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Cyprus.

If you decide to travel to Cyprus:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Cyprus.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health InformationTravel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

UN Buffer Zone: Since 1974, the southern part of Cyprus has been under the control of the government of the Republic of Cyprus. The northern part of Cyprus, administered by Turkish Cypriots, proclaimed itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (“TRNC”) in 1983. The United States does not recognize the “TRNC,” nor does any country other than Turkey. A buffer zone patrolled by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, separates the two sides. For U.S. citizen travelers:

• Enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus ONLY at Larnaca and Paphos airports and at the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry at Ercan Airport in the north to be a “legal” entrance into Cyprus.
• You cannot receive a residency permit from the Republic of Cyprus to reside in the area north of the UN buffer zone.