Health and Safety

Health and Safety

Health Care System

Medical treatment and assistance in Cyprus, in cases of emergency, is offered free of charge to international tourists at the Accident and Emergency Departments of Government Hospitals and Health Institutions. EU citizens must produce an E111 form issued by their country's health care authorities. Holiday makers can also use their health insurance towards their medical expenses, provided the policy covers the length of their stay on the island. More detailed information can be obtained from the Cyprus Ministry of Health.

Vaccinations

Cyprus has no dangerous infectious diseases. Visitors do not require any vaccinations to travel to Cyprus.

Safety in Cyprus

Cyprus has an excellent reputation for being a safe and friendly place. You can help us keep it that way. A few basic precautions can be enough to protect your belongings.

Driving in Cyprus

Driving in Cyprus can be enjoyable and, in some cases, essential as regular public transport services to remote areas of interest are not always available. The minimum driving age is 18. To rent a car, drivers must have been in possession of a driving licence for at least three years or be aged over 25. Visitors may drive using a valid international driving licence or their national driving licence, provided it is valid for the class of vehicle they wish to drive.

Fairly good surfaced roads, complying with international traffic requirements, link cities and villages. Four-lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia (Nicosia) with the coastal cities of Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka and Pafos. Minor roads and forest roads are, for the most part, unsurfaced but in good condition. Drivers should note that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, not on the right. All the international road traffic signs are in use and placed on the left-hand side of roads and highways. Distances and speed limits are posted in kilometres and kilometre/per hour (km/h) respectively. The maximum speed limit on motorways is 100 km/h and the minimum is 65 km/h. The use of seatbelts is compulsory both in the front and back, while the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited while driving.  It is an offence to drive a motor vehicle or a pedal bicycle when under the influence of alcohol.

The legal limit in breath is 9 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in blood is 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Rush hours in the cities are approximately between 07:30 - 08:00 and 13:00 - 13:30 and in late afternoon 17:00 - 18:00 in winter or 18:00 - 19:00 in summer.

Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Cyprus

Detailed information concerning foreign Embassies and High Commissions in Cyprus can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pharmacies and Medications

Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies on presentation of a doctor's prescription. Almost all brands of medicine are available in Cyprus. Pharmacies are all marked with a green cross.

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergency call 112 wherever you are on the island.