Cyprus
Last update 23 August 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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Republic of Cyprus
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Cyprus
Address: 13, Konstantinou Paleologou, 2406, Engomi, Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22 67 27 40; +357 22 67 24 86
Fax: +357 22 67 65 98
Hotline from 14:00 to 08:00: 00 357 97 77 79 45
Consular Office
Opening hours of the Consular Office:
Every working day, Monday to Friday– from 08:30 to 13:30, except for Wednesday – from 12:00 to 17:00.
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/japan
Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Bulgaria in the country
Vakis Loizou
11, Limesos Ave., Louis Group, 2112 Nicosia
Telephone: (+357) 22 588 320
Mobile: (+357) 99 664 782
Fax: (+357) 22 589 080
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus in Bulgaria
Address: 1164 Sofia, 1A Plachkovitsa St. and J. Boucher Blvd, apt. 1
Telephone: +359 2 961 7730; +359 2 961 7731
Fax: +359 2 862 9470
Working hours: 08:00 – 15:30
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
Security level:
The level of crime in Cyprus is relatively low. The majority of crimes committed are thefts, robberies, burglaries and other crimes against property.
Crimes against tourists are not common, but a number of cases of theft from personal belongings left in plain view in vehicles, and of valuables left unattended on the beach, have been recorded. It is advisable to keep the identity documents always separate from money and other valuables, because in case of theft of the identity documents, the return of Bulgarian citizens to the Republic of Bulgaria could be delayed or hindered due to the need for them to have Emergency Travel Documents issued.
The Cypriot Criminal Code provides for severe penalties for the import, possession and distribution of drugs, which include long prison sentences and heavy fines.
Although the likelihood of a foreign tourist becoming a victim of crime in R. Cyprus is not large, any foreign national staying in the country should observe the basic rules of personal safety, including exercising due vigilance and informing himself as fully as possible about the situation in the place where he will be staying.
In the event that a resident of the Republic of Cyprus finds himself/herself in a situation that poses an imminent danger to his/her life and health, he/she could seek urgent assistance from the Cypriot authorities by calling 112.
Healthcare:
In Cyprus, you can use your European Health Insurance Card.
It enables the right to medical assistance, which is available to all citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria with continuous health insurance rights in the countries of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Information on the rights conferred by the EHIC, the countries for which it is valid, and the procedure for issuing it can be obtained HERE.
Bulgarian citizens who intend to visit the Republic of Cyprus, although they do not have a European Health Insurance Card, they should take out a so-called ‘medical insurance’ or health insurance for travelling abroad, as they may have to pay large sums for medical treatment if they are admitted for treatment in a medical facility in the Republic of Cyprus.
Bulgarian citizens who intend to reside in the Republic of Cyprus for more than 90 days and/or to start work are required to have a European Health Insurance Card.
Specifics of the local legislation:
The Republic of Cyprus is a full member of the EU, but the country is still divided, with the self-proclaimed so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus-TRNC’ considered an occupied territory and not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus and the Bulgarian government. Bulgarian and other foreign nationals entering the Republic of Cyprus through the territory of the TRNC shall be considered by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus as having entered through an illegal and illegitimate border check point. It is possible that Bulgarian and other foreign nationals who have initially entered the territory of the TRNC not to be admitted to the territory of the Republic of Cyprus or they may be admitted to the Republic of Cyprus after being fined for illegal entry.
The authorities in the TRNC do not provide information to the Bulgarian authorities and the Bulgarian Embassy in the Republic of Cyprus concerning Bulgarian citizens arrested or in distress in the TRNC. Even if the Embassy becomes aware of an arrested or distressed Bulgarian citizen in the TRNC, the TRNC authorities will not provide the Embassy with information about the whereabouts and condition of the Bulgarian citizen and the Embassy will not be able to provide adequate consular protection to arrested or distressed Bulgarian citizens. Bulgarian citizens entering the TRNC are more vulnerable and at greater risk, so the Embassy recommends that Bulgarian citizens refrain from visiting the TRNC.
The Republic of Cyprus does not recognise documents issued by the administration of the so-called ‘TRNC’. The purchase and acquisition of immovable property in the TRNC is considered illegal and the title deeds acquired by foreign nationals will be confiscated during their visits to the Republic of Cyprus controlled areas and foreign nationals who have purchased immovable property will be questioned and summoned to appear in court.
Customs requirements:
Customs requirements for the Republic of Cyprus can be downloaded from HERE.
Bulgarian citizens who cross from the territory of the so-called TRNC in the Republic of Cyprus should bear in mind that the customs authorities of the Republic of Cyprus strictly control goods and items purchased in the TRNC, including alcohol, cigarettes and pirated branded products. The police or the customs authorities of the Republic of Cyprus may confiscate such goods and items or impose fines for carrying more than the authorised limit.
Republic of Cyprus and the TRNC apply food quarantine rules, i.e. a ban on exports and imports of certain categories of food.
Road traffic:
Drivers and pedestrians should note that driving in the Republic of Cyprus is in the left lane.
Bulgarian citizens who visit the Republic of Cyprus as tourists can use their Bulgarian driving licences.
Long-term and permanent residents in the Republic of Cyprus, who are Bulgarian citizens can use their Bulgarian driving licences for up to 6 months, after which they are obliged to replace these licences with Cypriot driving licences. It should be borne in mind that Bulgarian driving licences can only be renewed in the Republic of Bulgaria and that this could not be done at the Consular Office with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Nicosia.
The driver in the Republic of Cyprus can be fined if driving without a seatbelt or riding a motorcycle without a safety helmet. Heavy fines are imposed if the driver uses a mobile phone or is under the influence of alcohol while driving. Before hiring a vehicle, it is advisable for the driver to check that the vehicle is fully roadworthy and has adequate insurance cover and safety equipment.
Detailed information on the fines and penalties imposed in Cyprus for non-compliance with the country's traffic law can be found HERE.
During the summer months, forest fires often occur in Cyprus due to the dry and hot weather. Forest fires are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. The Bulgarian citizens visiting the Republic of Cyprus should be particularly careful when visiting or driving through forest areas. Fires may only be lit in designated areas. In the event of a fire, you should immediately call 112 or 1407. Wildfires may cause temporary travel disruptions in some areas.
Bulgarian citizens who visit the Republic of Cyprus, should avoid taking photographs near military sites and other potentially sensitive areas and establishments.
Local currency:
Euro (EUR)
Travel papers and visas
Valid Bulgarian identity card, passport or Emergency Travel Document.
All Bulgarian citizens with a valid passport or identity card can enter, transit and stay in the Republic of Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days without registering on arrival.
Bulgarian citizens who intend to stay in the country for more than 90 days and/or start working are obliged to:
- apply for an Alien Registration Certificate within eight (8) days of their arrival at the relevant Immigration regional offices;
- apply for a Residence Permit, the application must be submitted before the expiry of the 3-month period from the date of application for civil registration; the said Residence Permit is issued within six months from the date of application and submission of the necessary documents by the applicant (documents required — valid passport or identity card, 2 photos, fee of EUR 8.54);
Note: if applying for a family member, the applicant must submit a legalized and translated into Greek or English marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, identity documents.
- apply for a social security number to work in Cyprus (if employed or self-employed).
In case of non-compliance with the above requirements, the persons shall be subject to an administrative sanction — a fine of EUR 2,562.90.
Bulgarian citizens who are residents of the territory of the so-called. ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ are served only at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Nicosia.
The Embassy does not recommend Bulgarian citizens to travel through the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’!
Competitive service
Bulgarian identity documents:
The Consular Office with the Embassy in Nicosia has the technical capacity to capture biometric data. Only passport, identity card and Emergency Travel Document documents are accepted.
Legalization and certification:
Bulgaria and Cyprus are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, therefore documents/acts drawn up in each of the two countries should bear the Apostille stamp of the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs.