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    1. Traveller information
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Cyprus - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: The Republic of Cyprus has a strict policy of zero tolerance towards drugs. Those caught in possession of any type of narcotic will face a fine or prison sentence. Photography is forbidden near military camps or installations.

Respect should be shown for religious beliefs and traditional values. It is customary to shake hands and other normal courtesies should be observed.

Cypriot dress is generally casual, although businessmen should wear a suit and tie and businesswomen should dress smartly but conservatively. A brief but firm handshake is the accepted custom at the start and end of a meeting.

Avoid arranging meetings for August or around the times of national holidays. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1730.

Immigration and customs: Agricultural products and propagating stock such as natural fruit, flowers and seeds are not allowed to be imported into Cyprus without the approval of the relevant authorities. The importation of a number of other articles such as uncooked meat, fish and dairy products, animals, fire arms and explosives, pirated or counterfeit goods, and obscene publications is also prohibited or restricted.

Travel within the country: The Green Line separates the occupied north from the government controlled areas. The Green Line Regulation provides for the crossing of the people and goods into the government controlled areas.

Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Travellers are permitted to take their hired car through the checkpoints, but are strongly advised to check the insurance implications with their car hire company.

Heavy fines are imposed on those driving without a seatbelt or riding a motorbike without a helmet. There are also fines for those caught driving while using a mobile phone or under the influence of alcohol.

Daily bus services connect all towns and villages. There is a limited service on Sundays and public holidays. Taxis run 24 hours a day between all the main towns. Fares are regulated by the government and all taxis have meters.

Travel health: Free or reduced-cost health care is available to European residents on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – although an EHIC is not valid in the occupied north. Non-European residents must make special arrangements for healthcare before travel although accident and emergency care is available free of charge regardless of nationality.

Milk is pasteurised and tap water generally safe to drink.

Money: All major credit cards are accepted at most places. Visitors wishing to obtain non-Cypriot currency at Cypriot banks for business purposes are advised that this is only possible by prior arrangement.

New legislation on controls of cash entering or leaving the European Union has been imposed and any person carrying €10,000 euros or more must declare it.

There were slightly more than 2,400,000 tourist arrivals in 2006.

Economy

(In this section, unless otherwise stated, figures do not include the occupied north.)

KEY FACTS 2006

GDP (PPP): US$22.4bn

GDP p.c.: US$29,105

GDP growth: 3.1% p.a. 2002–06

Inflation: 2.9% p.a. 2002–06

Overview: Despite occupation of the north and the consequent forced exchanges of population and loss of resources, the economy of the Republic has grown steadily with relatively low inflation, particularly in the tourism and offshore financial services sectors.

From the latter 1990s, the government introduced economic reforms with a view to joining the EU. The economy continued to grow strongly, until it slowed in the tougher international climate after 2000, rising to 3.9% in 2004, the year in which the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU, and 3.7% in 2005. Cyprus adopted the euro currency at the beginning of 2008 replacing the Cyprus pound.

In the occupied north, the economy has suffered from a number of factors including inflation and the weakness of the Turkish currency.

Trade: Major exports are manufactured goods, agricultural produce (especially citrus fruits and potatoes), pharmaceuticals, clothing and cigarettes. Most capital goods, transport equipment, raw materials and fuels are imported. Principal export partners are the UK, Russia, Greece, United Arab Emirates and Syria, and principal import partners are the USA, Greece, Italy, the UK, Germany and Japan.

The occupied north is unable to export directly to the EU, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 1994 that export documents for the island are valid only if issued by the Republic of Cyprus.