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).
Passports must be valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of departure from Cyprus.
National identity cards with photographs are accepted for entry into Cyprus by citizens of the European Union (EU), as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
SOUTHERN REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
Visas are not required by citizens of the European Economic Area and many other countries for stays of up to 90 days within 6 months. See the website of the Republic of Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an updated list of nationalities that do and do not require a visa.
The crew’s passports and a crew list are given to the immigration department, which then provides the crew of the vessel with a landing permit (form P52).
EU nationals do not need to submit their passports and do not require a Landing Permit.
Admission will be refused to holders of “passports” from the so-called “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.
THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS
TRNC immigration will issue a visitor visa to practically all travellers except Armenian, Nigerian, and Syrian nationals. EU, US etc. passport holders will get 90 days, other passports less.
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 them you have come directly from North Cyprus.
TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NOTE: Beware that if you are not a European citizen and you enter the island through the north, the officials in the south may deny you entry, though there have been reports that this rule is not strictly implemented, especially for Canadian and U.S. citizens. Officially, entering the island through the north is a violation of EU immigration laws. However, for European citizens, entry to either side is no problem due to freedom of movement.
Last updated: August 2023
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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