General Information

About Cyprus

Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region, with an area of 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles).


Government

Cyprus is an independent sovereign Republic with a presidential system of government. Under the 1960 Constitution, executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic, elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term of office through a Council of Ministers appointed by him. Ministers cannot serve concurrently in the House of Representatives.

On May 01, 2004 the Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the EU completing a long journey that lasted more than three decades.

The application of the EU laws and regulations (the acquis communautaire) is suspended in the area under military occupation by Turkey, pending a solution to the division of the island. Meanwhile, the government of Cyprus in cooperation with the EU Commission, has been promoting arrangements to facilitate increased economic transactions between the two communities and improve the standard of living of Turkish Cypriots.

On January 01, 2008 the Republic of Cyprus joined the Eurosystem and in so doing introduced the Euro as its official currency, replacing the Cyprus pound as the unit of account. Thus, Euro banknotes and coins are the country’s legal tender.


Population: 864,000 (2017).

The island is demographically diverse, with 76.1% of the population Greek Cypriots, 10.2% Turkish Cypriots and 13.7% foreign residents. The largest towns are Lefkosia the capital city (Nicosia), with a population of 247,000. Lemesos (Limassol) with 185,000, Larnaka with 87,000 and Pafos with 65,000.


Airports

Visitors arriving in Cyprus by air, may enter the Republic of Cyprus only through the International Airports of Larnaka “Glafkos Clerides” and Pafos. Entry via any other airport is illegal.

The Golden Bay Beach Hotel is located approx. 15 Km from Larnaka Airport.


Arrival and Departure Transfers

Transfers are offered complimentary by Cyprus Post for all delegates staying at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel. All other delegates have to make their own arrangements.

Transfer for delegates travelling on flights arriving/departing (same airport), with not more than 25 minutes time difference will be merged in the same vehicle.


Banking Hours, Currency Exchange and Credit Cards

Banks are generally open Mon-Fri 08:30-13:30 & Mon 15:15-16:45. Banks at Larnaka and Pafos International Airports provide exchange bureau services from 07:30-23:30.

There are Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside most branches of all banks in all towns as well as at other independent locations.

All major credit cards are accepted at most places.


Clothing and Activities

November has pleasantly warm days and cool evenings. Lunch in the open–air can still be enjoyed, and even sunbathing and swimming can too, along with most outdoor sports. The weather is ideal for autumn travel.
The clothing advised is medium-weight apparel and light woollies.


Contact Info:

Manale AZAR (PUMed)
E-mail: secretary.general@euromed-postal.org
Phone: +961-70-952-637

Rayane JAWHARY (PUMed)
E-mail: communication@euromed-postal.org
Phone: +961-3-487-203

Marinos Kortas (Cyprus Post)
E-mail: mkortas@dps.mcw.gov.cy
Phone: +35722805746


Currency:

The official currency is the euro. There are seven denominations in Euro banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. They are all distinguished by a different colour and size, with 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, and 1 and 2 Euro. 


Driving

Please note the traffic moves on the LEFT hand-side of the road, NOT on the right. Distances are posted in kilometers and speed in kilometers per hour.


Electricity

230 volts, a.c. 50 Hz.  Sockets are usually 13 amp, square - pin.


Emergencies

In case of emergency, immediate response is given by the following telephone numbers, where English is spoken: ALL OVER THE ISLAND

Ambulance: 112, Fire Service: 112, Police: 112


Flight Information

An automated Flight Information Service is available for flight information to and from Larnaka & Pafos International Airports at 77 77 88 33.


Food Safety and Drinking Water Quality

Food and drinking water are of high quality, absolutely safe and no food or water-borne diseases occur.

Cyprus is also free from dangerous infectious diseases.

No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.

Drinking water is safe in Cyprus as water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking water.


Medical Services

1. Government General Hospitals

2. Private Clinics/Hospitals

Visitors can also make use of their health insurance, which covers medical expenses, provided that this insurance covers the length of their stay on the island.


Passports and Visas

Entry regulations apply only to the areas controlled by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.

A passport is required by all travellers. Citizens of the European Union (EU) countries, as well as of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may enter Cyprus with their national identity card, provided there is a photograph.

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus refuses admission to:
Holders of ‘passports’ issued illegally by the secessionist entity, the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC).


Visas
A list of countries requiring a Visa to enter Cyprus can be found on the webpage: www.mfa.gov.cy


Time

2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).


Transportation

Bus & Shuttle Service: There is bus and shuttle service from Larnaka International Airport to all the major towns.

Self-drive car rental: firms have offices in all towns, as well as at Larnaka International Airport.

Taxi service: For Participants transportation (Larnaca International Airport to the Hotel) a special taxi fare of 20 euro was given by a Taxi Company to Cyprus Post. In order for a participant to enjoy this special rate the Company has to be informed by email for the name, date and flight number at least one day before. Company email: marioskapnos@live.co.uk


V.A.T. (Value Added Tax)

VAT is charged on every supply of goods or services at the standard rate of 19%. Retail prices displayed for goods charged with V.A.T. should be V.A.T. inclusive.

V.A.T. CLAIM (Tax free shopping for visitors)

According to the V.A.T. legislation in force, foreign visitors to Cyprus (visitors from countries outside the EU) can claim back the V.A.T. on goods exported to a place outside the EU in their hand luggage. For further information you may contact:

V.A.T. Service
CY 1471 Lefkosia
Tel: +357 22 601 809, Fax: +357 22 660 484

headquarters@vat.mof.gov.cy
www.mof.gov.cy/ce


Note: Please note that the above information has been taken from official sources, publicly available. Every care has been taken to ensure the correctness of the information, which however we cannot guarantee.