Cyprus for Medical Tourism

Travelling to Cyprus is very easy.  

The documentation required varies, depending on your nationality. 

A valid passport is required for a stay of up to 90 days for all bonafide tourists except citizens of European Union countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway who may enter Cyprus with their national identity card provided it bears a photo. 

Some non-EU third country nationals require a visa. 

For longer stays, a visa or residence permit is required. U.S. citizens should be mindful that the Government of Cyprus does not recognize the residence permits issued by Turkish Cypriot authorities for the portions of the island under Turkish Cypriot administration. 

For USA citizens, a passport is required for travel to Cyprus. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. 

Further detailed information can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Travellers from the US can also contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus at 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008-4082, tel. (202) 462-5772, or the Cypriot Consulate in New York at 13 East 40th St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016, tel. (212) 686-6016/17.

The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaca (Larnaka) and Paphos (Pafos) and the ports of Larnaca (Larnaka), Limassol (Lemesos), Latsi and Paphos (Pafos), which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (Turkish occupied areas) is illegal.

Every person entering Cyprus is entitled to import the following duty-free articles (not intended for commercial purposes), provided they are carried in the passengers’ hand luggage or accompanying baggage:

Tobacco

• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• kg of tobacco

Alcohol

• 10 litres of spirits
• 20 litres fortified wine, (such as port or sherry)
• 90 litres of wine (of which, a maximum of 60 litres of sparkling wine)
• 110 litres of beer
• Travellers under the age of seventeen are not entitled to duty-free tobacco products and alcohol.

It is prohibited to import agricultural products or propagating stock such as fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, dry nuts, seeds, bulbs, bulb-wood sticks, cuttings, etc., without the approval of the competent authorities.

The import, possession and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are strictly prohibited.

The import of fire arms, ammunition, explosives, flick knives, daggers, swords, obscene books, photographs, films and articles as well as goods bearing a forged trademark or false trade description is prohibited or restricted.

Also prohibited or restricted are pirated or counterfeit goods, animals, birds, uncooked meat and fish and products thereof, milk and dairy products.

Languages

Greek and Turkish are the main languages spoken by the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities, respectively. English is widely spoken. French and German are also well-spoken within the tourist industry.

Religions

Cyprus enjoys an especially high level of freedom of worship.

While the majority of Greek-Cypriots are Greek-Orthodox Christians, other denominations are represented on the island, including Armenians, Maronites and Roman Catholics.

The Turkish-Cypriot community is predominantly Muslim.

There is also an affluent Israeli community thriving in Cyprus, enabling GMS to offer spiritual guidance, support and kosher meals upon request.

Currency

As from 1st January 2008 the Euro became the legal tender money of Cyprus.

There are seven denominations in Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro. They all have different colour and size, the higher the denomination, the bigger the size.

One euro is divided into 100 cent.

There are eight euro coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent, €1 and €2.

The designs on one side of the coins are common to all the countries of the euro area, while the other side reflects national identities. All euro coins can be used in all euro area countries, irrespective of their national side.

Currency Exchange

All banks operating in Cyprus offer foreign currency exchange services and quote the exchange rates of the Euro against all major foreign currencies daily. Foreign currency can also be exchanged at hotels. More detailed information concerning exchange rates can be obtained from the Central Bank of Cyprus. You can also use the currency converter.

Forms of Payment

Hotels, large shops and restaurants accept most credit cards and the Euro.

V.A.T. Refund

Foreign visitors from countries outside the EU can claim back V.A.T. on goods exported in their hand luggage. Visitors are eligible for a V.A.T. refund if:
– They are not holders of a passport or other form of identification from an EU Member State.
– The total purchased from one store or a chain of stores is more than 100 Euro

More detailed information can be obtained from the V.A.T. Service of the Customs and Excise Department.

Local Time

Cyprus Time is GMT +2.

Working Hours

Public service operating hours are flexible all year round. Operating days are from Monday to Friday starting between:

07:30 – 08:30 and closing between 15:00 – 16:00.

Private sector working hours are:
08:00 – 13:00, 15:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday for the period September 15th – May 31st and 08:00 – 13:00, 16:00 – 19:00 Monday to Friday, for the period June 1st – September 14th.

Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open between 07:00 and 09:00.

Special shopping hours apply for Christmas and Easter.

Eating Hours

Breakfast is usually served between 07:00 and 10:00 in the morning.

Lunch is served in restaurants between 12:00 and 15:00.

Dinner is served from 19:00 till late in the evening.

Public Holidays

The days listed below are public holidays in Cyprus. All public services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on public holidays though many shops and certain services remain open in resorts and coastal areas.

*Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday, but not on Christmas Eve.

January 1st – New Year’s Day
January 6th – Epiphany Day
March 25th – Greek National Day
April 1st – National Anniversary Day
May 1st – Labour Day
August 15th – Assumption of the Virgin Mary
October 1st – Cyprus Independence Day
October 28th – Greek National Anniversary Day
December 24th – Christmas Eve
December 25th – Christmas Day
December 26th – Boxing Day
Variable – Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
Variable – Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable – Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable – Pentecost – Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)

Health Care System

Emergency medical treatment and assistance in Cyprus is offered free of charge to international tourists. In cases of emergency, this is provided through the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals and Health Institutions.

The EHIC allows access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries. The EHIC is still valid within the EU and associated countries, provided it is within its validity period.

More detailed information can be obtained from the Cyprus Ministry of Health.

Pharmacies and Medications

Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies on presentation of a doctor’s prescription. Almost all brands of medicine are available in Cyprus. Pharmacies are all marked with a green cross.

Vaccinations

Cyprus has no dangerous infectious diseases. Visitors do not require any vaccinations to travel to Cyprus.

Safety in Cyprus

Cyprus has an excellent reputation for being a safe and friendly place. You can help us keep it that way. A few basic precautions can be enough to protect your belongings.

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergency, call 112 wherever you are on the island.

Driving in Cyprus

The minimum driving age is 18. To rent a car, drivers must be in possession of a driving license for at least three years or be aged over 25. Visitors may drive using a valid international driving license or their national driving license, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

All the international road traffic signs are in use and placed on the left-hand side of roads and highways.

Distances and speed limits are posted in kilometers and kilometer/per hour (km/h) respectively. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h and the minimum is 65 km/h.

The use of seatbelts is compulsory both in the front and back, while the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving.

It is an offence to drive any vehicle or a pedal bicycle when under the influence of alcohol. The legal limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. This is the equivalent to one small glass of wine.

Rush hours in the cities are approximately between 07:30 – 08:00 and 13:00 – 13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 – 18:00 in winter or 18:00 – 19:00 in summer.

Buses

There are three types of buses in Cyprus that can help you move around:

• Trans-urban buses that link all towns on a daily basis and with frequent routes.
• Rural buses that link almost all villages with the nearest city but with limited frequency once or twice daily except Sundays.
• Urban buses that link different areas within the cities and operate frequently during daytime. In certain tourist areas, during summer period, their routes are extended till late in the evening.

Taxis

There are different types of taxi services available, covering the entire island.

GMS Taxi Service – Our drivers are on call 24/7 to meet your specific requirements. Whether you wish to be dropped off in town, or go on a day trip, our preferred Taxi Service is available to make your stay memorable, trained particularly in taking your physical needs into account. We have also negotiated reduced service rates on your behalf.

During the following public Holidays, taxis charge an extra supplement of 2.50 Euro per ride: 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, 1st January, Good Friday, Good Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and 1st May.

The transport of pets is allowed only when they are carried in small pet-carrying boxes, and the charge in such cases is 2.50 Euro per pet.

Making Phone Calls

In order to make a phone call to Cyprus from abroad, dial +357 and then the eight-digit phone number.

If you wish to make a phone call abroad while in Cyprus, dial + followed by the country code and the telephone number.
Calling within Cyprus simply requires dialling the eight-digit telephone number.

Internet Connection

Many establishments including phone centres, internet cafés and hotels offer internet connection services of various speeds and types.

Similar to Israel, Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers starting in mid-May and lasting until mid-September and then rainy, quite mild winters from November to mid-March. Spring and autumn are effectively short intervals in between, characterized by smooth weather. With almost year-round clear skies and sunshine, daylight length ranges from 9.8 hours in December to 14.5 hours in June.

Average Temperatures

In broad lines, Cyprus’s climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

There is a significant seasonal difference between mid-summer and mid-winter temperatures that ranges from 18° C inland to about 14° C (between 68 – 58°F) on the coast. The difference in daily maximum and night minimum temperatures is also quite significant. In winter, they range from 8° to 10° C (46-50°F)on the lowlands and 5°to 6°C (42°F)on the mountains and in summer from 16° C (60°F) on the central plain and 9°to 12°C (48- 54°F) elsewhere.

Daily temperatures, during the hottest months of July and August, range between 29°C (85 °F) to on the central plain and 22°C (72° F) on the Troodos Mountains. The average maximum temperatures for these two months range between 36°C and 27°C (97 and 81°F). In January, the coolest month, the indicative daily temperature is 10°C (50°F) on the central plain and 3°C (38°F) on the higher parts of the Troodos Mountains while the average minimum temperatures are 5°C and 0°C (41 and 32°F).

Sea Temperatures

The temperature in the open sea hovers above 22°C (72°F) from June to November, climbing to 27°C (81°F) in August. Even during the three coolest months of January to March, average sea temperatures are an acceptable 16° or 17° C (62°F). Near the coast, the temperature of water three or four metres deep is similar to that of the open sea, ranging from 15° to 17°C (<63°F) in February and from 23° to 28° C (73 to 82° F) in August. There are no significant daily fluctuations in seawater temperatures, except in very shallow waters less than one metre deep.

Humidity, Sunshine and Winds

During the days in winter and at night throughout the year, humidity ranges from average to slightly low (65% – 95%). During summer, it is very low near midday, ranging from 15% to 30% on the central plain. Fog is rare and typically occurs in the early morning. Visibility is normally very good or excellent. There is an exception over a few days in spring when the atmosphere is very hazy due to dust from the Arabian and African deserts.

Cyprus enjoys a very sunny climate compared with most countries, with 11.5 hours of bright sunshine per day over the six summer months. Even during the winter months of December and January, there is 5.5 hours of sunshine.

Winds over the island are relatively variable in direction and strength, depending on the elevation of the land and local temperatures.

Clothing

Clothing requirements vary, depending on the length and the period of your visit:

• In February, the possibility of fairly warm days is always there, as is the occasional rainfall. Mild daytime temperatures are the harbingers of spring, but it can get quite cold in the evenings and winter apparel will be needed.
• Winter wear will also be appropriate during March, with its moderate but sometimes unpredictable weather inviting you to enjoy Cyprus nature at its best.
• During April and May, days are pleasantly warm, but temperatures may drop at night.
• Spring and summer apparel and long sleeved tops or light jackets for the evenings are recommended.
• From June to the end of August, very light summer clothing is a must.
• September to October see quite a few warm days and cool evenings. Light apparel for the day and long sleeves for the evenings in October are recommended.
• November has pleasantly warm days that can be enjoyed in jumpers and light jackets.
• December and January will be the only winter you will get, even though it feels more like autumn for most visitors. It may rain occasionally, yet the promise of glorious sunshine is still there. Winter clothing is necessary, but not heavy coats.

Drinking Age Limit

The legal drinking age in Cyprus is 17. Drivers should exercise due care over the amount of alcohol consumed. The legal limit in breath is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

Tap Water

Water is safe to drink in Cyprus. Water pollution is negligible, and every home has fresh running drinking water. Tap water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is also safe to drink.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Cyprus is 230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz. Sockets are usually 13-amp, square pin in most buildings. More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.). The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.). Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception. Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc.

Measurement System

Cyprus uses the metric system of weights and measures. Temperatures are reported in degrees Celsius, petrol is sold by the litre, grocery items are in grams and kilograms, fabric lengths in metres, and road speeds and distances posted in kilometres.