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Weather & climate
Weather in Cyprus
Cyprus
37°
Mainly clear
Wed
26°
37°
Thu
22°
36°
Fri
22°
37°
Sat
22°
37°
Sun
23°
38°
Mon
22°
36°
Tue
21°
37°
SPF level in Cyprus
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Cyprus
What British travellers need to know
UK nationals do not need a visa to visit Cyprus for tourism for up to 90 days.
Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for an entry or exit stamp.
Be prepared to show a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your stay at border control.
Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit, and if it is missing a stamp, show evidence like boarding passes to have it corrected.
Good to know:
If you travel to the north of Cyprus, the time spent there counts towards your 90-day visa-free total for the whole island.
You cannot take meat, milk, or products containing them into Cyprus, with exceptions for specific baby foods and medical pet feed.
Safety in Cyprus
Tips when travelling
Cyprus is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Take sensible precautions against crime by keeping your passport, money and valuables safe.
Be aware of drink spiking risks, buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them.
Avoid taking photographs near sensitive areas like military buildings to prevent arrest.
Cyprus has a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, including cannabis, so expect severe penalties like jail for possession.
When swimming, follow warning signs as there can be strong waves and currents and only swim on approved beaches.
Bonus tips:
If you hire a moped or quad bike, you will likely have to pay for any damage to the vehicle as rental insurance often only covers third-party.
Always wear your seat belt while driving and a helmet on a motorbike, and do not use a mobile phone while driving, as you could be heavily fined.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Cyprus
A UK driving license is valid in Cyprus. Ensure you have your license with you.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Health in Cyprus
As a UK resident, you’re entitled to healthcare cover with a UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during your stay in Cyprus. However, it is still recommended to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses that GHIC/EHIC may not, including repatriation costs.
No vaccinations required
Generally, Cyprus has good healthcare facilities. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. However, it's always recommended to consult your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and health precautions before travelling.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Cyprus, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller establishments or rural businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Cyprus
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Cyprus but is not mandatory. Locals often round up bills or leave a small amount.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, or round up for smaller bills.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount (e.g., €1-2).
Taxi
Round up to the nearest euro or leave a small tip (e.g., €1-2).
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per night, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like At Home' policy no longer automatically applies to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider before traveling to confirm roaming charges in Cyprus. Some providers may still offer similar packages, but this is at their discretion. It may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card if you intend to use a lot of mobile data.
Local SIM
10GB for 300 TRY (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Cyprus
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
No UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas, especially in tourist destinations.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Check with the staff for the password. If you need a stable connection, consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Cyprus
Country code
+357
To call the British High Commission in Nicosia from the UK, you would dial 00 357 22 861100.
To make international calls, dial the exit code, then the country code, and finally the local number.
Languages in Cyprus
UK Embassy
British High Commission Nicosia
Alexander Pallis Street, P.O. Box 21978, 1064 Nicosia
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
5 days ago
Regional risks
- The specific risk has changed from 'regional escalation' to a 'US-Iran memorandum of understanding' and unpredictable regional tensions.
- The advice no longer states regional escalation 'has led to travel disruption'.
Safety and security
22 days ago
Surrogacy laws
- Surrogacy rules in the Republic of Cyprus are now detailed: it is strictly limited to medical necessity, requires pre-approval from a court, and prohibits financial compensation for the surrogate.
- The surrogacy section is restructured to clearly separate laws in the Republic of Cyprus and the north of Cyprus, noting clinics in the north are unregulated and legal parenthood transfer is complex.
Vehicle hire
- A new, specific warning is added: rental companies often illegally ask for your passport as a deposit, and you should never hand it over.
Warnings and insurance
27 days ago
Safety
- The specific warning about a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026 has been removed.
- Separate instructions for nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas and the Republic of Cyprus have been removed.
Airports in Cyprus
Beaches in Cyprus
Frequently asked questions
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Cyprus, particularly in urban areas. However, bottled water is widely available and may be preferred, especially during the hotter months.
The best time to visit Cyprus for good weather is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). These months offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Be wary of inflated taxi fares, particularly at airports. Also, verify restaurant bills carefully, as overcharging can occur. Avoid unofficial tour operators and always book through reputable companies.
The local currency in Cyprus is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (cover shoulders and knees). It's considered polite to accept offered refreshments, even if you only take a small amount. Cypriots are generally hospitable, so a friendly attitude is always appreciated.
Try Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Halloumi cheese (grilled or fried), and Meze (a selection of small dishes). Also sample local wines and Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine.
The dress code in Cyprus is generally casual but smart casual clothing is recommended for dining in upscale restaurants and visiting religious sites. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool.
Car rentals are a popular way to explore Cyprus, giving you flexibility to visit various attractions. Public transport by bus is available, but it may be less frequent in rural areas. Taxis are readily available in cities, but agree on the fare beforehand.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.