Cyprus travel guide 2023

Cyprus travel guide 2023 – Arooha Tours UAE

Cyprus is one of the Islands which attract many tourists from the UAE. If you are planning to visit Cyprus, here we have a Cyprus travel guide. You will learn all about Cyprus from this Island to unique things to do when you get there. It is a quick read guide but comprehensive.

01 Visa requirement

Citizens of the United Arab Emirates do not require a visa to enter Cyprus & expatriates needed to apply a visa to Cyprus and should apply via VFS Global, the Cyprus Visa Application Centre, offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

02 About Cyprus

Chypre, also known as Kpros in Greek and Kbrs in Turkish, is a Mediterranean island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea renowned since antiquity for its mineral wealth, excellent wines and products, and scenic beauty.

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, it is the third-largest and third-most-populous Island globally. Turkey and Syria border it on the southern side and Syria on the western side. Nicosia serves as both the country's capital and largest city.

To quote the Greek Cypriot poet Leonidas Malenis, Cyprus is a "golden-green leaf thrown into the Sea" and a place of "wild weather and volcanoes." Cyprus's terrain comprises steep mountains, rich valleys, and expansive beaches.

03 COVID Situation & COVID restrictions for travelers

Travelers, who have been vaccinated or recovered, regardless of nationality, are permitted to come to Cyprus from any place of origin without the need to undergo a COVID-19 test, providing that they meet one of the following requirements:

They have a current COVID-19 Certificate of Vaccination or Recovery (the NHS Covid Pass is acceptable).

As long as they have completed the required doses of a vaccine recognized by Cyprus's responsible authorities, they can obtain a valid vaccination certificate from the competent authorities of any third country.

Passengers must provide their vaccination certificate or recovery certificate, either in paper or electronic form, at the airport upon arrival. Passengers should adhere to any instructions that are given to them upon arrival. This may include the use of a random selection process for testing.

Regardless of nationality, passengers who have not been vaccinated or do not possess a valid vaccination or recovery certificate are permitted to travel to and enter the Republic of Cyprus from any country of origin if they provide certification of a negative result from either:

  • A laboratory COVID-19 test (RT-PCR) taken 72 hours before departure; or
  • A Rapid antigen test is taken 24 hours before departure.

It is not possible to go to Cyprus based on the results of self-administered exams performed by travelers.

You may be requested to take another test after you arrive in Cyprus. If you refuse to comply, you will be required to quarantine yourself at your own expense for 30 days.

04 Currency

Cyprus is divided into two halves. The Republic of Cyprus is in the southern portion of the Island and is a member of the European Union. As a result, the Euro is used as the currency.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the name given to the northern portion of the Island. The Turkish Lira is the currency of North Cyprus.

05 Tax refund for tourists

Cyprus' refund rate varies from 7.2 percent to 14 percent of the total transaction price, with a minimum purchase value of 50 EUR per receipt required for each refund request.

To be eligible, you must have established a permanent residence in a nation outside the EU. Residents of Northern Cyprus who hold a Turkish passport are eligible to receive a refund.

06 Language

The official languages of the Republic of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, which are both dialects of the same language. The 1983 constitution of Northern Cyprus established Turkish as the sole official language, and it has remained so since.

Cypriot Greek is the everyday spoken language (vernacular) among the Cypriots, while Turkish Cypriots speak Cypriot Turkish.

Only the standard languages (Standard Modern Greek and Standard Turkish) should be utilized when it comes to official business. However, they do speak or understand the English language.

07 Weather

Cyprus has a warm, Mediterranean climate characterized by long, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The Island has a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures typically range from 17°C in the winter to 31°C in the summer, with winter lows as low as 17°C.

August's the hottest month, but temperatures are typically very high from early June to late October. In part, because Cyprus is so close to South-Western Asia, the region is one of the warmest places in the Mediterranean.

08 Getting to Cyprus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi

Here you will learn the visa requirement to enter Cyprus from UAE and how long it takes to get to Cyprus from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

09 How far from Dubai & Abu Dhabi to Cyprus

The flight from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to Cyprus takes 3 hours and 29 minutes. This assumes a commercial airliner's average flight speed. The flight will take longer if there are stopovers.

10 Major airports in Cyprus

Cyprus has two airports, one in Larnaca and one in Paphos. They are both approximately 45 minutes from Limassol. Although Larnaca is the main airport (and thus has more frequent flights), many low-cost airlines fly to Paphos. The nearest major airport to Larnaca is Larnaca Airport.

11 Getting around Cyprus

There is the best option of getting around Cyprus, an Island. Here there is no train.

By car

Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt are among the local and international car rental companies with offices at the airport and in surrounding towns. Cars should be reserved well in advance during the summer to avoid disappointment.

If you intend to cross the Green Line in a hired car, check your car-hire agreement, as not all hire companies in the South to allow you to take their vehicles to north Cyprus.

If you are traveling north, you will need to purchase additional car insurance because your southern policy will no longer be valid. Cars rented in the North of Cyprus cannot be driven to the South.

Driving in Cyprus requires an International Driving Permit or a national driving license. Drivers must have held a valid license for at least three years; drivers under the age of 21 are unlikely to be eligible to hire a car in Cyprus.

On highways, the maximum speed limit is 100kph (62mph). On most other roads, it is 80kph (50mph), and in built-up areas, it is 30-50kph (19-31mph).

Public Buses

The most cost-effective way to get around the Mediterranean island is by taking public transportation. However, cost-cutting measures may have unintended consequences.

Because tourism is high during the summer months, buses are usually dependable and punctual. However, the buses will likely be less reliable during the off-season and in more rural areas. You'll probably have a lot more luck with the bus system in the South than you will in the North.

Rent a Bike

Cycling around Cyprus is a fantastic way to take in the stunning scenery. However, during the summer months, when temperatures tend to soar, you may want to reconsider this mode of transportation.

While bike rental companies are much more common in the South, your hotel in the North should be able to assist you in arranging this service. Rates are reasonable, with a full day of riding costing around 50 euros.

If you want to get some exercise while also seeing the sights, this is the mode of transportation.

12 Top things to do in Cyprus - nowhere in the world you can do

  • Visit Fairy Tale Museum
  • See the Aphrodite's Rock- Petra Tou Romiou
  • Visit Tombs of the Kings
  • Visit Ayios Lazaros (The Church of Saint Lazarus)
  • See Ayios Lazaros (The Church of Saint Lazarus)