Cyprus

Recommended Vaccinations For Cyprus

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Recommended Medications For Cyprus

There are no recommendations for Cyprus at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Cyprus

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

**Rabies has not been reported in Cyprus and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.**

Safety & Security in Cyprus

Personal Safety

Cyprus has a low violent crime rate and is generally regarded as a safe destination for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur in crowded tourist zones, especially during the high-season and in nightlife areas. Petty theft remains a concern at popular tourist sites, but serious violent incidents against tourists are rare. You should remain alert in busy markets and tourist attractions. Strict enforcement applies to illegal drugs—possession or trafficking, including cannabis and nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), can attract long jail sentences or heavy fines. Northern Cyprus has limited consular support from most foreign governments, as it is not internationally recognised. The buffer zone between north and south should only be crossed at designated crossing points. Avoid photographing military buildings or sensitive areas, as this can result in arrest.

Extreme Violence

Cyprus has no reported terrorist incidents in recent years. The country maintains a low threat level for terrorism, though attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. Regional tensions, especially between Israel and Iran, could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. The island remains divided by a UN-monitored buffer zone between the northern (Turkish-occupied) and southern (internationally recognised) sectors; crossing into the buffer should only occur at designated points. The country hosts Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS), a regional security training center, that became operational in 2022 to strengthen border security, counterterrorism, and nonproliferation efforts. The island’s division and the buffer zone between north and south is managed peacefully under UN supervision, with no outbreaks of violence in decades. The situation remains stable, though the buffer zone should only be crossed at designated points. Violence is almost nonexistent outside of isolated incidents, and serious violent crimes against tourists are extremely uncommon.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations occur with little or no notice, particularly in Nicosia and other major cities. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely to continue. In July 2025, the Cypriot Parliament passed a new law regulating public assemblies and parades, which introduced mandatory notification procedures and enhanced police authority to modify or disperse gatherings. Demonstrations related to the island’s division or other political issues occur periodically but are generally peaceful. The UN-monitored buffer zone between the north and south sides reports occasional incidents, though confrontations are rare and the situation is generally calm. You should avoid all protests, political gatherings, and marches, and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted during demonstrations. The political division of the island remains a sensitive topic and should be discussed with caution.

Areas To Avoid

The United Nations buffer zone (Green Line) between the northern and southern sectors of Cyprus must only be crossed at designated crossing points, with strict enforcement by police and UN peacekeeping forces. Attempting to cross elsewhere is illegal and dangerous, as certain areas are mined and there is a military presence on both sides. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has limited consular support available, as most countries do not recognize it as an independent state. Visitors should not photograph military buildings, installations or other sensitive sites, as doing so can lead to detention or arrest. Some rural areas and older buildings may have aging infrastructure affecting water quality and other services. Restaurant/bar/nightclub scams (spiking, inflated bills) and spiked drinks are identified travel-scam patterns. You should research specific areas before visiting and exercise heightened caution in party districts and near the buffer zone.