Europe

83 Cyprus

83 Cyprus

Cyprus is an eastern Mediterranean island located south of Turkey and west of the Levant coast. It is a familiar destination for beach holidays, archaeology, and mixed Greek-Turkish cultural history. Travelers usually find the main cities and resort zones straightforward, with easy movement across popular routes. Trips work best when balanced between coastline stays and historic city visits for a fuller experience of the island.
Cyprus flag

Visa Information

Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.

Visa Required
No

Notes

I entered this country using my Finnish residence permit, which allowed entry without a separate visa.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Info: All amounts in original currency are converted to NPR using trip-specific rates.

Exchange Rates

Rates used to convert to NPR for this trip.

Currency 1 unit → NPR Date
EUR 145.20 2025-02-14
USD 137.93 2025-02-14
S.No Date Details (Notes) Category Unit Cost / Unit Amount Currency Amount (NPR)
1 Feb 14, 2025 Esim with 3gb + 1gb data Connectivity 1.00 4.68 4.68 USD 645.51
2 Feb 14, 2025 Flight Transport 1.00 207.00 207.00 EUR 30,056.40
3 Feb 14, 2025 Airport to hostel (bus tkt, night charge) Transport 1.00 4.00 4.00 EUR 580.80
4 Feb 14, 2025 Hostel fee Accommodation 1.00 16.00 16.00 EUR 2,323.20
5 Feb 14, 2025 ATM charge Miscellaneous 1.00 1.30 1.30 EUR 188.76
6 Feb 15, 2025 Hostel (Larnaca) Accommodation 1.00 15.00 15.00 EUR 2,178.00
7 Feb 15, 2025 Lunch Food & Dining 1.00 10.00 10.00 EUR 1,452.00
8 Feb 15, 2025 Dinner Food & Dining 1.00 2.00 2.00 EUR 290.40
9 Feb 15, 2025 Water Food & Dining 1.00 1.00 1.00 EUR 145.20
10 Feb 16, 2025 Bus (Larnaca to Nicosia) Transport 1.00 4.00 4.00 EUR 580.80
11 Feb 16, 2025 Hostel Accommodation 1.00 17.00 17.00 EUR 2,468.40
12 Feb 16, 2025 Lunch with 10% tips Food & Dining 1.00 15.40 15.40 EUR 2,236.08
13 Feb 16, 2025 Water Food & Dining 1.00 1.00 1.00 EUR 145.20
14 Feb 17, 2025 Lunch (Turkish side of Cyprus) Food & Dining 1.00 7.50 7.50 EUR 1,089.00
15 Feb 17, 2025 Water Food & Dining 1.00 1.00 1.00 EUR 145.20
16 Feb 17, 2025 Jhol Momo (Nepali restaurant) Food & Dining 1.00 6.00 6.00 EUR 871.20
17 Feb 17, 2025 Baklava Food & Dining 1.00 8.00 8.00 EUR 1,161.60
18 Feb 17, 2025 Hostel Accommodation 1.00 15.00 15.00 EUR 2,178.00
19 Feb 17, 2025 Bus (Nicosia to Larnaca) Transport 1.00 4.00 4.00 EUR 580.80
20 Feb 18, 2025 Hotel to airport (next day) Transport 1.00 2.20 2.20 EUR 319.44
Total 49,635.99

Last updated 21 hours ago

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Use Legal Entry/Exit Points

U.S. country guidance emphasizes entering/leaving via recognized Republic of Cyprus airports/seaports.

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Watch Advisory Changes

Current U.S. advisory is Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) citing armed conflict risk and limited assistance in the Turkish Cypriot administered area.

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Confirm Visa Category Early

Use official Cyprus visa portal to confirm if you need a Category C visa or qualify under an exemption pathway.

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Currency and Payments

The Republic of Cyprus (south) uses the Euro (EUR), while Northern Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). When crossing to the north, you can often pay in euros in tourist areas, but having some Turkish Lira gives better value. ATMs are widely available throughout the island, even in smaller villages. Carry at least 10 EUR in cash for bus fares which are cash-only.

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The Divided Island

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 into the Republic of Cyprus (Greek south) and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus separated by a UN-monitored buffer zone called the Green Line. Crossing between south and north is straightforward at several checkpoints with standard passport checks. Always enter and exit via Republic of Cyprus airports (Larnaca or Paphos) as entry via Ercan Airport in the north is not recognized internationally.

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Getting Around

Public transport operates separately in each part of the island, so plan accordingly if visiting both sides. Intercity buses connect major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, with single tickets costing around 1.50 EUR. Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the island, especially the Troodos Mountains and Akamas Peninsula. Driving is on the left side of the road, a legacy of British colonial rule.

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Best Time to Visit

April to June and September to October offer the best conditions with warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Beach season runs from late May to early October with sea temperatures reaching 25-28°C. July and August bring peak heat (35°C+) and the highest tourist numbers. Winter is mild and ideal for hiking in the Troodos Mountains.

Last updated 5 days ago

1

Arrival in Larnaca

📍 Larnaca

I landed in Larnaca at around 9 pm, went to the hostel, and slept there for the night.

2

Larnaca and Evening to Nicosia

📍 Larnaca / Nicosia

The next day, I spent time in the city and in the evening I went to Nicosia.

3

Nicosia and Turkish Cyprus Border Crossing

📍 Nicosia / Larnaca

I spent the day in Nicosia, crossed the border into Turkish Cyprus, and returned to Larnaca the same night.

4

Flight to Greece

📍 Larnaca

The next morning, I flew from Cyprus to Greece for the second time.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Halloumi

Semi-hard cheese that holds its shape when grilled or fried, served with watermelon in summer.

Meze

Extensive spread of small dishes including dips, grilled meats, salads, and seafood.

Souvlaki

Grilled pork or chicken skewers served in pita with salad, chips, and tzatziki.

Koupepia

Vine leaves stuffed with minced pork and rice, simmered in a lemon-tomato sauce.

Sheftalia

Cypriot sausages of minced pork and lamb wrapped in caul fat, grilled over charcoal.

Last updated 2 weeks ago

Larnaca

A coastal city on Cyprus's southern shore with a beautiful palm-lined promenade (Finikoudes) along the Mediterranean. Visit the 9th-century Church of Saint Lazarus, one of the most remarkable Byzantine churches on the island, and explore the medieval Larnaca Fort overlooking the sea. The nearby salt lake turns pink with flamingos in winter, and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque sits serenely on its shore.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Nicosia

The world's last divided capital, split between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus by the UN Buffer Zone (Green Line). Walk through the Venetian walls surrounding the old city, cross the Ledra Street checkpoint to experience both sides, and explore the Cyprus Museum with its ancient artifacts spanning 10,000 years. The Buyuk Han, a beautifully restored Ottoman caravanserai on the northern side, now houses artisan shops and cafes.

📍 Open in Google Maps

Last updated 2 weeks ago