Cyprus - Immigration

Although a member of the EU, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area and so is a useful place to wait to 're-set' your Schengen visit limit. (See this report for more information on this matter).

Passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of departure from Cyprus.

National identity cards with photographs are accepted for entry into Cyprus by citizens of the European Union (EU), as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

SOUTHERN REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

Visas are not required by citizens of the European Economic Area and many other countries for stays of up to 90 days within 6 months. See the website of the Republic of Cyprus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an updated list of nationalities that do and do not require a visa.

The crew's passports and a crew list are given to the immigration department, which then provides the crew of the vessel with a landing permit (form P52).

EU nationals do not need to submit their passports and do not require a Landing Permit.

Admission will be refused to holders of "passports" from the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus".

THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS

TRNC immigration will issue a visitor visa to practically all travellers except Armenian, Nigerian, and Syrian nationals. EU, US etc. passport holders will get 90 days, other passports less.

Although the local immigration officers do not stamp passports on entrance or departure to North Cyprus, it is best to sail to Turkey before sailing to South Cyprus. South Cyprus authorities could cause issues if you inform them you have come directly from North Cyprus.

TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

NOTE: Beware that if you are not a European citizen and you enter the island through the north, the officials in the south may deny you entry, though there have been reports that this rule is not strictly implemented, especially for Canadian and U.S. citizens. Officially, entering the island through the north is a violation of EU immigration laws. However, for European citizens, entry to either side is no problem due to freedom of movement.

Last updated:  August 2023