Cyprus, officially the Republic of Cyprus, is a Eurasian island country situated in the eastern Mediterranean, south of Turkey, west of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, east of Greece, and north of Egypt.
Cyprus is the Mediterranean’s third largest island, and one of its most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 2.4 million tourists per year. The Republic of Cyprus is one of the advanced economies in the region, and has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004.
|
Map of Cyprus |
Districts |
Greek name |
Turkish name |
|
Famagusta | Αμμόχωστος (Ammochostos) | Gazimağusa |
| Kyrenia | Κερύvεια (Keryneia) | Girne | |
| Larnaca | Λάρνακα (Larnaka) | Larnaka/İskele | |
| Limassol | Λεμεσός (Lemesos) | Limasol/Leymosun | |
| Nicosia | Λευκωσία (Lefkosia) | Lefkoşa | |
| Paphos | Πάφος (Pafos) | Baf/Gazibaf |
Cyprus has been constantly a significant trading post between Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and throughout history someone has always wanted to take it from someone else. First the Mycenaeans grabbed it, then the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians. Alexander the Greattook it off them, then Ptolemy snatched it from him.
Rome took over in 58 BC and kept the place in relative peace and security until the 7th century, when the Byzantine and Islamic empires started three centuries of bickering over it. In 1191, Richard the Lionheart, on his way to the Crusades, dropped into Cyprus for a spot of conquering, but the Cypriots caused him too much trouble (one of them killed his hawk and he was forced to massacre a few villages in retaliation),so he sold them to the Knights Templar. The Templars sold the island to Guy de Lusignan, whose heirs hung in for three centuries, repressing the culture and orthodox religion but doing wonders for the economy.
The Venetians took over in 1489, but were booted out by the expanding Ottoman Empire in 1571, which kept Cyprus for 300 years before handing it over to Britain.
In 1925 Cyprus became a Crown colony of the UK, but by then the Cypriots had had just about enough of being a pawn for empire-builders, and agitation for self-determination began. This laid the foundations for today’s Greek/Turkish conflict: while many Greek Cypriots wanted to form a union with Greece (a movement known as enosis), the Turkish population was not so keen. By 1950, the Cypriot Orthodox Church and 96% of Greek Cypriots wanted enosis. In response, the British drafted a new constitution, which was accepted by the Turkish population but opposed by the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters, who wanted enosis or nothing. They began a guerrilla war against the British.
In August 1960, Britain granted Cyprus its independence. A Greek, Archbishop Makarios, became president, while a Turk, Kükük, was made vice-president. By 1964 Makarios was moving towards stronger links with Greece, and intercommunal violence was on the rise. The United Nations sent in a peace-keeping force. In 1967 a military junta took over the Greek government and enosis went out the window – even the most fervent Greece-lovers didn’t want union with such a repressive regime. Greece didn’t give up, though: on 15 July 1974 a CIA-sponsored, Greek-organised coup overthrew Makarios and replaced him with a puppet leader. Turkey responded by invading and Greece quickly pulled out, but the Turks weren’t placated and took the northern third of the island, forcing 180,000 Greek Cypriots to flee their homes. In 1983 Turkish Cypriots proclaimed a separate state, naming it the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). No country except for Turkey has recognised this ‘state’.
Peace talks have been held sporadically, but Cyprus remains divided. The United Nations has been scaling down its presence in Cyprus, and small-scale border scuffles are on the increase. The Republic’s purchase of missiles capable of reaching the Turkish coast has further soured relations between the two sides. However, both Turkey and the Republic are making moves towards full membership of the European Union, and this may force both sides to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
Cyprus Culture
The cultural heritage of Cyprus goes back more than 9000 years. Of course, today the situation in Cyprus brings with it that most of everybody’s attention go to the events of the last 20 years rather than to those of several millennia ago. The north of the island is the Turkish part. Names of cities and villages are being changed Turkish and there is a lot of effort to make the inhabitants embrace the life and culture of its northern neighbor. The Republic is also trying to create an independent identity, and many places in the Republic have recently been renamed as well.
However, there are numerous relics from the rich past of this island. Relics from every era – Greek temples, Roman mosaics and 15th-century wall-paintings. Most of these remainders of the past still influence the artists of today. Many villages specialize in a particular art form. During a trip around Cyprus the visitor can see pottery, silver and copperware, basket weaving, tapestry and Lefkara’s famous lacework, all being manufactured on the spot..
The division is also clearly visible in the religious field : the northerners are mostly Sunni Muslim, whereas the southerners are Greek Orthodox. Food, too, reflects the divide: in the North you’ll find mostly Turkish cuisine; in the Republic, Greek. But wherever you are in Cyprus, you’ll come across kleftiko (oven-baked lamb) and mezedes (dips, salads and other appetizers). Cyprus is also famous for its fruit, which the government protects with a ban on imported products. You’ll find strawberries, stone fruit, melons, prickly pear, citrus and grapes.
Visas and Permits
A: Valid Passport without visa, for bona fide tourists is required for a stay of up to 90 days for nationals of: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Holy See (State of the Vatican), Honduras, Hong-Kong Special Administrative Region (the exemption concerns only the holders of HKSAR passports), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea South, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao S.A.R. (the exemption concerns only the holders of Macao S.A.R. passports), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Note: Further to the above, citizens from countries of the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway may enter Cyprus with their National Identity card or a travel document, provided it bears a photo of the holder and the nationality is clearly stated.
B: Other Countries with valid passport with visa.
Note 1: Collective passports admitted. Visas required except if the holder belongs to a country mentioned at A above.
Note 2: Transit visas for a stay of up to 5 days in Cyprus are not required if the holder is a citizen of a country mentioned above. Citizens of other countries, except Iraq and Turkey, may obtain transit visas for a stay of up to 5 days upon arrival provided their case is considered bona fide and they are in possession of onward tickets and visas for their country of destination where such visas are required. Citizens of Iraq and Turkey require prior visas issued by the Migration Officer, Ministry of the Interior, CY 1457 Lefkosia (Nicosia).
Note 3: Applications for visa should be made to Diplomatic Missions of the Republic or if none, to the nearest British Consulate.
Note 4: Free visa for nationals of Arab Republic of Egypt, Syrian Arab Republic and Ukraine. Fee for visas: C£5,00, Transit visas: Free.
Note 5: Persons entering as visitors are not allowed to take up any form of employment or engage in business. Persons wishing to enter Cyprus for employment or business as well as for studies should be in possession of entry permits prior to their departure for Cyprus.
Note 6: For any further information regarding Passports and visas please apply to the Migration Department, CY 1457 Lefkosia. Tel: 357 22 80 44 20/21, 22 80 44 01, Telefax: 357 22 67 69 44.
e-mail: migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy
Note 7: Travelers arriving in the Republic of Cyprus may enter the Republic only through the legal ports of entry: Larnaka and Pafos International Airports, or the ports of Larnaka, Lemesos (Limassol) and Pafos. The Ports of Ammochostos (Famagusta), Keryneia and Karavostasi, as well as the airports in the part of the Republic illegally occupied by the Turkish invasion forces have been declared by the Government as prohibited ports of entry and exit and no passenger should enter or leave the Republic through these ports
Health and Safety
Medical Services and Hospitals Dialysis Units
Medical care-needs in Cyprus are met through:
1. Government General Hospitals
2. Private Clinics/Hospitals
Government General Hospitals and Private clinics/hospitals are mostly concentrated in urban areas, while health centres, subcentres, and dispensaries function in the rural areas, providing a network to meet the medical needs of the whole population.
All Government General Hospitals as well as some private clinics have Accident and Emergency Departments for emergency cases. (See also title “Emergencies”).
Medical treatment and assistance is offered free of charge to international tourists in case of health emergencies at the Accident and Emergency Department of Government Hospitals/Institutions. Out-patient and in-patient treatment is provided against payment of the prescribed fees. Holiday-makers 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.
Almost all brands of manufactured medicines are available in Cyprus. Local newspapers list pharmacies which are open during the night and on weekends/holidays, as well as the names of doctors who are on call on weekends/holidays.
Information on private doctors on call on weekends / holidays is given by the following telephone numbers:
Ammochostos – 1433
Larnaka – 1434
Lefkosia – 1432
Lemesos – 1435
Pafos – 1436
Most hotels make arrangements for Medical services for their guests upon request.
The majority of doctors are English speaking.
Private doctors’ visiting hours (on weekdays) : 09:00-13:00 hrs and16:00-19:00 hrs.
FOOD SAFETY AND DRINKING WATER QUALITY
In Cyprus the safety of food and drinking water quality is monitored by the Health Inspectors of the Medical and Public Services of the Ministry of Health and the Local Authorities. Food and drinking water are of high quality, absolutely safe and no food or water-bore diseases occur.
Water is safe to drink in Cyprus, as water pollution is negligible and every home has fresh running drinking-water.
All the District Water Boards are in constant collaboration with the Government Health Services and the General Laboratory for the prevention of any toxicological and bacteriological infection of water in Cyprus.
Tap-water in hotels, restaurants, public premises, etc., is safe to drink.
Cyprus is also free from dangerous infectious diseases. No vaccination requirements for any International Traveler.
Climate
Climatic conditions in Cyprus can be termed as excellent from a health point of view. Therefore, the climate is ideal for holiday travelers throughout the year.
DRUGS – PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES – NARCOTICS
According to Cypriot Law, the Importation, Possession and Use of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, is strictly prohibited.
Health Food Stores with a wide range of high quality health food and health-care products and cosmetics are to be found in almost all towns. Furthermore various health food items and health-care products are found in Pharmacies and also in large supermarkets, all over the island.
Business and Shopping Hours
PUBLIC SERVICE HOURS
Winter Period (September 1 – June 30)
Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 14:30
Thursday: 07:30 – 14:30, 15:00 – 18:00
Summer Period (July 1 – August 31)
Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 14:30
SHOPPING HOURS
Winter Period (November 1 – March 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu : up to 19:00 hrs
Wednesday : up to 14:00 hrs
Friday : up to 20:00 hrs
Saturday : up to 15:00 hrs
Summer Period (April 1 – October 31)
Mon, Tue, Thu : up to 20:30 hrs
Wednesday : up to 14:00 hrs
Friday : up to 21:30 hrs
Saturday : up to 17:00 hrs
Summer afternoon recess Mon, Tue, Thu and Friday (June 15-August 31) from 14:00-17:00 hrs
OFFICES HOURS
September 15 – May 31
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 13:00, 15:00 – 18:00
June 1 – September 14
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 13:00, 16:00 – 19:00
Emergency Information
In case of emergency, immediate response is given by the following telephone numbers, where English is spoken:
ALL OVER THE ISLAND
Ambulance: 199, 112
Fire Service: 199, 112
Police: 199, 112
Night Pharmacies: 192
or automatic recording for:
Lefkosia 1402
Lemesos 1405
Larnaka 1404
Pafos 1406
Ammochostos 1403
AIDS Advisory Centre: +357 22 30 51 55
NARCOTICS Emergency Service: 1401
Hospitals:
Lefkosia General Hospital: +357 22 80 14 00, 22 80 14 75 (Accidents & Emergency)
Lemesos General Hospital: +357 25 80 11 00, 25 30 57 70
Larnaka General Hospital: +357 24 80 05 00, 24 80 03 69
Pafos General Hospital: +357 26 80 32 60, 26 30 61 00
Paralimni Hospital: +357 23 82 12 11
Polis Hospital: +357 26 32 14 31
Kyperounta Hospital: +357 25 53 20 21
Electricity – Voltage
The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square-pin in most buildings.
More than one low current rating appliance may be operated from the same supply point, by using an adaptor (i.e. radios, electric clocks etc.).
The use of adaptors for operating high current rating appliances is not recommended (i.e. electric heaters, toasters, irons etc.).
Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the Reception.
Adaptors can be purchased from electricians, supermarkets, grocery shops, etc., at approximately C£1,50.
Cyprus Public Holidays
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 6: Epiphany Day
Variable: Green Monday (50 Days before Greek Orthodox Easter)
March 25: Greek National Day
April 1: Greek Cypriot National Day
Variable: Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)
Variable: Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)
May 1: Labor Day
Variable: Pentecost-Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood)
August 15: Assumption
October 1: Cyprus Independence Day
October 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day)
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Notes: All Public Services, private enterprises, banks and shops are closed on Public Holidays. In resort and coastal areas, however, shops and certain services remain open. Banks are closed on Easter Tuesday but not on Dec. 24.
Driving in Cyprus
Driving in Cyprus is most advisable as regular transport service is not available to all remote areas where many places of interest are to be found.
Fairly good surfaced roads complying with international traffic requirements link the towns and the various villages.
Four lane motorways connect the capital, Lefkosia with the coastal towns of Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos.
Minor roads and forest roads are still largely un surfaced but in good to fair condition. Appropriate care should be taken when using these roads, especially during wet weather.
Visitors wishing to bring their car to Cyprus can do so, for a period up to 3 months provided the car has a valid registration licence of its country of origin. The period may be extended accordingly, provided the person is considered a visitor by the Department of Customs & Excise.
HANDS FREE DURING DRIVING IS MANDATORY
During driving, the driver should take all necessary measures, so that his/her hands are free at all times in order to have full control of the vehicle. Therefore the use of a mobile phone is strictly prohibited.
DRIVING LICENCE
Visitors in Cyprus can 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.
Cyprus Driving Licence: £35 for a lifetime.
Source: Wikipedia, AboutCyprus.com