Cyprus - Immigration
Although a member of the EU, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area and so is a useful place to wait to ‘re-set’ your Schengen visit limit. (See this report for more information on this matter.)
Visas are not required by citizens of the European Economic Area, and many other counties, for stays of up to 90 days. See the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an updated list of nationalities that do and do not require a visa.
Cyprus has fairly liberal entry guidelines and operates a policy of allowing visits of 90 days in a 180 day period for many nationalities.
A permit to stay more than three months may be issued by the Chief Immigration Officer in Nicosia (the capitol). In this circumstance, Immigration officials normally retain passports and each person is issued with a landing permit.
Passports of must be valid for 3 months beyond the period of intended stay. Visitors who need to obtain a visa are advised to have a passport valid at least 6 months beyond the period of intended stay.
Admission will be refused to holders of “passports” from the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.
Visitors having stamps or visas of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in their passports are only allowed to enter Cyprus after the above-mentioned visas/stamps are cancelled by the Immigration Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus.
NOTE: It is not recommended to land in Northern Cyprus as a first port of call. However, there are some reports of cruisers landing in Southern Cyprus, then visiting Northern Cyprus by land and having few problems. The reverse (landing in Northern Cyprus then traveling to Southern Cyprus) is fraught with hassles and even may incur stiff fines or imprisonment.
Last updated December 2017.
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YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
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How do I request a correction on Noonsite?
Noonsite lists Ayia Napa incorrectly as being located in Northern Cyprus. This is incorrect, Ayia Napa is in the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus). We are currently staying at Ayia Napa Marina.
Cyprus actually is a good cruising destination with many anchorages. Although none are all weather anchorages, most are good in the prevailing weather. Get a free cruising guide at: http://cruisingtips.net/pdf/Cyprus_Pilot.pdf (from our trip around southern Cyprus in the summer of 2015).
Rick
Ocean Dream
check out this site. Its very informative about moorings and anchorages in Cyprus. It also has informations about boat maintenance in the island. http://www.cyprusailing.com
This information picked up from a Cruisers’ Forum:
Not many sailors might know that Cyprus is another option to escape from Schengen, and for sure they wouldn’t know how accommodating the authorities are compared to other countries when wanting to stay longer than 90 days.
Likewise, there is a scheme in Cyprus whereby one can get VAT paid status for a non VAT paid boat at a much discounted rate. The greatest savings are for the multi-million euro yachts – rates vary from 3.9 to around 10 percent, and it requires some admin costs and gyrations. Malta has something similar, but rates are better here and apparently the process simpler. Once the process is completed the VAT paid certificate is accepted in all other EU countries, so I am told.
Zygi: fishing port located about halfway between Limassol and Larnaca at 34 43.6N / 33 20.5E
It is in a process of being transformed into a marina. There are new pontoons and new water & electricity pedestals that are inoperative as of 08.2015 and no entry authorities. When we have asked in Limassol about possible mooring in Zygi, we have got different answers from different officials.
Posted on Marmaris Bay Cruisers – Schengen Issues in the Med:
For those with Schengen issues looking for an alternative to Turkey, we just checked in to the Republic of Cyprus. Got a “Landing Permit” which allows us to stay as long as we are living on our boat, at no cost, and all in one office (in Latchi, CY). We plan to winter in Limassol.
Rick & Mary, Ocean Dream