Briefing de orientación en Chipre

Antigua colonia británica, Chipre se independizó en 1960 tras años de resistencia al dominio británico. Las tensiones entre la mayoría grecochipriota y la minoría turcochipriota llegaron a su punto álgido en diciembre de 1963, cuando estalló la violencia en la capital, Nicosia. Pese al despliegue de cascos azules de la ONU en 1964, la violencia intercomunal esporádica continuó y obligó a la mayoría de los turcochipriotas a refugiarse en enclaves repartidos por la isla. En 1974, un intento de derrocar al presidente electo de Chipre, promovido por el Gobierno griego, fue respondido con una intervención militar de Turquía, que pronto controló más de un tercio de la isla. En 1983, la zona administrada por los turcochipriotas se proclamó «República Turca del Norte de Chipre» (TRNC), pero solo Turquía la reconoce. Un acuerdo de reunificación de Chipre mediado por la ONU, el Plan Annan, no obtuvo la aprobación de ambas comunidades en 2004. La ronda más reciente de negociaciones para la reunificación se suspendió en 2017 tras no lograr avances significativos.

Toda la isla se incorporó a la UE en 2004, aunque el acervo comunitario de la UE (el conjunto de derechos y obligaciones comunes) solo se aplica en las zonas bajo el Gobierno reconocido internacionalmente y queda suspendido en la TRNC. No obstante, los turcochipriotas que puedan acreditar su derecho a la ciudadanía de la República de Chipre gozan de los mismos derechos legales que los ciudadanos de los demás Estados miembros de la UE.

Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

Regional tensions

There is a high risk of sudden escalation in the Middle East, where the regional context remains unpredictable.

If affected, British Nationals should:

• read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
• sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
• monitor local and international media for the latest information
• sign up to local information alerts/resources and follow the instructions of the local authorities
• keep your departure plans under review, and ensure your travel documents are up to date

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Cyprus.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Cyprus

Terrorist attacks in Cyprus cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Political demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

Political situation

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.

Crime

Crime against tourists is not common but take sensible precautions. Keep passports, money and other valuables safe.

Drink spiking

Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen. Drug-assisted rape is a risk, including with drugs like GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Avoid splitting up from your friends.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, including laughing gas and cannabis.

You should expect severe penalties such as a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Cyprus have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Republic of Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in the UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Dual nationals and military service

If you are of Cypriot descent, even if you do not have a nationality card, authorities may consider you eligible for military service. If this happens, you could have difficulties when exiting Cyprus, and you might have to prove that you live outside Cyprus.

Under international law, the British High Commission cannot intervene with Cypriot authorities on behalf of those considered to be dual Cypriot-British nationals. If you might be eligible for any local obligations or duties that apply to dual nationals, such as military service, contact the Cypriot authorities or a local lawyer before you travel.

The British High Commission has lists of English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus and in the north of Cyprus. See Getting help.

Surrogacy

The British High Commission cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements.

The laws on surrogacy differ between the areas under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus and the north of Cyprus.

Republic of Cyprus

Surrogacy is strictly limited to cases where a woman is medically unable to carry a pregnancy. In all cases, court approval is required before any treatment begins. No form of financial compensation for the surrogate is allowed. Prospective parents and clinics may face criminal charges if they proceed without the appropriate approvals in place.

The north of Cyprus

Pursuing surrogacy in the north carries risks as clinics are not regulated and there is no legal framework governing arrangements. Legal transfer of parenthood can be complex as the birth mother is given automatic parental responsibility. Obtaining birth certificates can also be complicated and may take a long time.

The British High Commission’s ability to provide any assistance in the north of Cyprus is limited.

Surrogacy arrangements

Before entering into any surrogacy arrangements: 

• read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
• fully research hospitals and clinics to ensure they are safe and reputable
• seek specialist legal advice both in the UK and in Cyprus

Returning to the UK

Children born through surrogacy are not automatically entitled to British nationality. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport for the child before you travel. The application process can take a significant amount of time, and even longer if supporting documentation has been issued in the north of Cyprus, due to the UK’s non-recognition of the authorities there. The maximum period you may be allowed to stay in Cyprus without a visa is 90 days.

Fertility treatment

Fertility treatment in the north of Cyprus carries risks as clinics are not regulated in the same way as in the UK. Make sure you conduct thorough research beforehand. Further information on fertility treatment abroad is available on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) website.

International parental child abduction

The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not act on British court orders. They will not share information with the British High Commission on children subject to UK court orders. This means the British High Commission cannot ensure that these children are properly safeguarded.

Using cameras in secure areas

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive areas, such as military buildings. If you do, the authorities could arrest you.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

Bathing is generally safe, but there can be strong waves and currents. Always follow warning signs and only swim on approved beaches.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society. 

Adventure sports, including quad biking

If you do any extreme or adventure sports, water sports or diving, you should:

• get the right travel insurance – the sport should be included by name on your policy
• always check the details of your insurance cover before you travel, including the exclusions
• only use properly licensed and insured operators and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
• never hand over your passport as a guarantee against the return of equipment

See ⁠watersports safety advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Cyprus, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Cyprus guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You could be heavily fined if you:

• drive or are a passenger without wearing a seat belt
• ride a motorbike without a crash helmet
• use a mobile while driving
• are found to be drink-driving

Licences and permits

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Cyprus. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

You must display a UK sticker to drive a UK-based car in Cyprus.

If you are visiting Cyprus, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Driving standards

Driving standards are poor and there is an increased risk of road deaths compared to the UK.

Car and motorbike hire

Cars hired in the Republic of Cyprus often have no insurance cover in the north of the island. Check with your insurance company as you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents. At some crossing points it is possible to buy car insurance for the north of Cyprus. This includes the Agios Dometios.

Hire companies renting mopeds and quad bikes usually only provide third-party insurance, so you will have to pay for any damage to the vehicle. If you do not pay, you could be arrested.

If you hire a vehicle, check:

• it is in good condition and roadworthy
• it has appropriate safety equipment

Rental companies often ask for your passport as a deposit, which is illegal. Never hand over your passport in this way.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

The Department of Meteorology of Cyprus issues warnings for severe weather, especially during summer. Weather can sometimes cause travel disruption. Monitor local and international updates and severe weather warnings from the Cyprus Department of Meteorology, and check with your travel provider if necessary. Always follow the advice of local authorities.

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires  

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

Get more information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.

Earthquakes

Cyprus experiences earthquakes and tremors. Make sure you know safety procedures and follow advice given by the local authorities.

This section has safety advice for regions of Cyprus. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.  

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Travel to the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus is a full EU member, but the country is divided by the ‘Green Line’. The British government does not recognise the self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’.

Consular assistance in the north of Cyprus

FCDO can only provide limited consular support if you are visiting areas in the north that are not under control of the Republic of Cyprus. The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not share information with the British High Commission regarding the location, wellbeing or treatment of British nationals. This means you may be more vulnerable and at greater risk.

Recognition of documents from the north of Cyprus

The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise residence permits issued in the north of Cyprus.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Cyprus
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Cyprus, including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Cyprus

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Cyprus where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Cyprus, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Cyprus.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.