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State Department: Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet, October 16, 1996
Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet
October 16, 1996
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/Exit Information: 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 N.W., 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. Overseas, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cyprus.
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.
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 and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404)
332-4559, Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
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, tel: (202) 512-1800, fax: (202) 512-2250.
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.
Road Condition/Safety: Cyprus has a modern highway
system linking major cities and towns. Secondary roads however, especially
in mountainous areas, tend to be narrow and winding, and are less well
maintained. Traffic moves on the left. Visitors to Cyprus should drive
defensively, as Cyprus has one of the highest road fatality rates in
Europe.
Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are
encouraged to 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 (357-2) 476100.
No. 96-173
This replaces the Consular Information
Sheet issued July 12, 1995, to add information on road safety
conditions.
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