Cyprus - Clearance
Notice April 2022: Russian flagged or registered yachts are not permitted to enter any ports in Cyprus. See news item for details.
With the introduction of the Europe-wide entry and exit system (EES) (now delayed until 2024), biometric data will need to be recorded on entry and exit for third country travelers. While this negates the need to have passports stamped, it will require a visit to an official office at a port of entry, therefore flexible clearance at marinas may no longer be possible once it is implemented. It is not yet known how rigidly EES will be enforced for pleasure boat users.
SOUTHERN REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
The southern Republic of Cyprus lies approximately south of parallel 35°N.
Cyprus Radio maintains a continuous watch on VHF Channels 16 and 26.
Inward Clearance
The Cypriot courtesy flag must be flown when entering Cypriot waters. Everyone should remain on board until clearance formalities are completed.
Ship’s papers will be required by the port authority on arrival. Evidence of insurance may also be requested. Printed crew lists will be needed – at least five copies are recommended.
Note: The ship’s VAT papers must be translated into Greek. The best way to find a certified translator is to go to the High Court in Larnaca and ask for a translator.
As soon as you land, you must obtain a Marina Pass. Submit two passport size photos to the Marina Office, and write in block letters, behind one of the two photos, your name, surname, passport number, nationality, yacht’s name and your profession. Your pass must be left at the marina office on departure, but otherwise, it must be carried at all times. Without it, you will have difficulty entering and leaving the Marina. Visitors to the boat must also have identification and be met at the gate.
All yachts (EU or not) must clear with Customs.
Cyprus is not in the Schengen Area.
Departure
Port Police and Immigration work 24/7 but Customs Office is only staffed 7 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday. It is possible to clear out them ahead of time if leaving during a weekend.
Last updated: March 2019
THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS
Northern Cyprus, controlled by Turkey, is not recognized by most world governments and have no (or little) diplomatic relations.
Inward Clearance:
Be sure to inform the marina a few days before arrival of your intention to clear into North Cyprus, and send with your email copies of all crew passports. This should speed up the clearance process. The marinas here will assist with inward and outward clearance for a fee (which is normally waived if you have a 6 month plus marina contract).
Departure:
Notify the marina/authorities early of your intention to depart.
Although the local immigration officers do not stamp passports on entrance or departure to North Cyprus, it is best to sail to Turkey before sailing to South Cyprus. South Cyprus authorities could cause issues if you inform that you have departed directly from North Cyprus.
Last updated: July 2023
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Buy Now On YachtFlags.comMain Ports - Cyprus
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comFormalities
Courtesy Flag Discounts
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.
YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.com
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