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State Department: Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet, July 12, 1995
Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet
July 12, 1995
Country Description: Cyprus is a developed Mediterranean island
nation divided "de facto" into two areas. The government of the
Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognized authority on
the island but, in practice, its control extends only to the Greek
Cypriot southern part of the island. The northern area operates
under an autonomous Turkish Cypriot administrative zone supported by
Turkish troops. In 1983, this section declared itself the "Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is recognized only by Turkey.
Facilities for tourism in the southern sector are highly developed;
those in the northern Turkish-controlled zone, while adequate, tend
to be smaller and less modern.
Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Tourist and business
visas are issued at the port of entry for a stay of up to three
months. Proof of an AIDS test is required of certain entertainers.
For additional information concerning entry requirements for Cyprus,
travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus at 2211
R Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel: (202) 462-5772, or the
Consulate in New York, 13 E. 40th St., New York, New York, 10016,
tel: (212) 686-6016.
Medical Facilities: Good medical facilities are available. U.S.
medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on
(404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Cyprus has a low rate of crime. The loss or
theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S.
citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe
Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The
pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling. In Cyprus, the penalties for
possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.
Terrorist Activities: While civil disorder is uncommon in Cyprus,
demonstrations sometimes occur, and there have been occasional
violent incidents along the "green line" dividing the two sides of
the island. Terrorist groups from the Middle East have occasionally
used Cyprus as a site for carrying out acts of terrorism against
third country targets.
Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens whom the Cypriot government
considers to be Cypriot citizens could be subject to compulsory
military service and other aspects of Cypriot law while in Cyprus.
Those who may be affected can inquire at the Cypriot Embassy
regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may
hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.
Other Information: Since 1974, the Cypriot government has
designated Larnaca and Paphos international airports, and the
seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos as the only legal points
of entry into and exit from Cyprus. These ports are all in the
government-controlled southern part of the island. Entry or exit
via any other air- or seaport is not authorized by the Cypriot
government. It is possible for visitors to arrive at non-designated
airports and seaports in the northern sector, but they should not
expect to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the
government controlled areas in the south. Such travel is not
permitted by the government of Cyprus, even for transit purposes.
Visitors arriving through designated ports of entry may be able to
cross into the north for short day trips. Policy and procedures
regarding such travel are subject to change.
Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at
the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated
information on travel and security in Cyprus. The U.S. Embassy in
Nicosia is located at Metochiou and Ploutarchou Street, Engomi,
telephone (3572) 476100.
No. 95-079
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued May 24, 1994,
to reflect an annual review, with a change in the list of Cypriot
consulates in the United States.
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