Cyprus - Customs

REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

The entry/exit of goods to/from the Republic of Cyprus can be legally conducted only through the approved entry/exit points of the Republic of Cyprus, in the areas under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, that are the Ports of Limassol or Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Paphos and Latchi and marinas of Limassol, Larnaca, St. Rafael Limassol and Ayia napa marina, where customs controls on import and/or export are carried out.

All yachts must report to Customs. EU boats need proof of VAT paid status, boat registration, Bill of Sale and – if possible – a builder's certificate and evidence of conformity with EU/CE regulations and build standards. Many older boats may not have these documents in which case Customs will do an inspection.

Non-EU boats:

Non-EU boats, non-VAT paid, are allowed to be temporarily imported upon the issuing of a customs form C. 104 for a 6-month duration which can then be extended up to 18 months (unless another country has issued it, in which case it will be checked for compliance). Proof that the skipper, the owner, and the user are not EU citizens (i.e. passport) is required.

The temporary import authorization can be suspended if the skipper leaves the country as long as Customs is notified of departure and return.

A skipper may also be an EU citizen provided that:

• he/she is employed by the owner, hirer, or lessee of the yacht and
• the employer is established outside that customs territory. At the request of the customs authorities, the person using the yacht shall present a copy of the contract of employment.

For more information on using the temporary importation procedure, see this pdf provided by Cy Customs and Excise Department [link coming soon].

If wishing to import a yacht (or motoryacht) into the EU, Cyprus applies a realatively low rate of VAT.

Other Items:

• Firearms must be declared and surrendered to customs on arrival. Sporting guns require a temporary permit from the Chief of Police.
• Antiques and gold coins may not be exported. Documentation will be required for any exports of antiquities.
• Duty-free stores should be declared on entry and may be removed and retained by Customs until departure. Duty-free stores are available 24 hours before departure, spirits being limited to one case per person. Duty-free items may be obtained in all ports where there are bonded stores.
• Also prohibited are flick knives (switchblades), long daggers or swords, obscene books, photographs, films and articles, goods bearing forged trademarks, pirated or counterfeit goods (e.g.computer programs, DVDs, CDs, etc).
• Uncooked meat and fish (and products thereof) and milk (and/or dairy) products will likely require inspection. Usually, properly packaged goods are okay; homemade goods may not be allowed.
• In order to protect the agriculture of the country from the danger of the introduction of new pests and diseases, the importation of agricultural products such as fruit, vegetables, cut-flowers, dry nuts, seeds, bulbs, bulb-wood sticks, cuttings, etc., is prohibited.

Further details can be obtained from the Customs & Excise Department website.

THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS

The TRNC has its own Custom regulations, separate from those of the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey.

Length of Stay: There is no limit to the time EU and non-EU yachts can remain in the TRNC.

Restricted Items:

• Controlled drugs of any kind.
• Firearms and munitions, including fireworks.
• Antiquities and archaeological goods.
• Wild animals.

Last updated:  October 2023