Cyprus General Information

By | February 23, 2022

Tours to Cyprus have always been very popular. Endless skies, 330 sunny days a year, snow-white sand, an abundance of fruits, the best beaches in the Mediterranean – all this makes a holiday in Cyprus a dream for many. Anyone who has ever visited this fabulous place, again strives here to once again succumb to the charm of this island.

This country can be visited both alone and with a family or a big noisy company. Here everyone will find something to their liking: quiet harbors with endless sandy beaches, diving and surfing, shopping and excursions, the majesty of medieval castles and architecture of the ancient world. Tourists love to relax in such famous resorts of Cyprus as Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol and Paphos.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. It impresses not only with its beauty, but also with the many secrets that envelop it. Greek mythology says that Aphrodite was born in Cyprus. It is not surprising that the goddess of beauty chose this particular place on earth to be born. The surrounding atmosphere is amazing: citrus and olive groves, multi-colored carpets of meadows, majestic mountain peaks, snow-white yachts against the backdrop of the azure sea and the dizzying aroma of coniferous forests.

If you have chosen a vacation in Cyprus, then, once in this amazing place, you will not regret for a minute that you visited the island. In addition to relaxing sea baths, a comfortable Mediterranean climate, ancient sights, you will enjoy amazing cuisine and cozy hotels that will open their doors to everyone.

Tours to Cyprus from Minsk are distinguished by a wide variety for every taste. The flight to the island from the capital of Belarus lasts a little more than three hours. Our company will help you choose the right hotel and organize your trip so that you have only the best memories of it.

DESCRIPTION OF CYPRUS

Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus, the home of Aphrodite (the mythological goddess of Love and Beauty who was born in the foam of these warm seas), attracts travelers who come here from all over to pay their respects to her. An island of legends that basks in the warm Mediterranean sun all year round, Cyprus embodies the ideal weather of the Mediterranean region.
The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus, with its unique position in relation to Europe, Asia and Africa, has been conquered many times by countless civilizations and peoples. Since the Greeks settled here over 3,000 years ago, the island has seen the Phoenicians, Romans, French, Venetians, Crusaders and other conquerors who have left an indelible mark on the history of the island. Here, knight’s castles coexist with ancient vineyards, and monasteries are buried in olive groves.
Thanks to its mild, healthy climate, Cyprus has become a destination for mass tourism and many choose to holiday in Cyprus. The most demanding lovers of antiquity have something to see: the ruins of ancient cities with theaters and temples coexist with ancient monasteries and medieval fortresses.

General information
Capital – Nicosia
Currently, Cyprus is an independent sovereign republic with a presidential form of government.
The island of Cyprus is located between 34-35 degrees north latitude and 32-34 degrees east longitude in the northeastern part of the Mediterranean basin at a distance of 380 km. from Egypt, 105 km. from Syria, 800 km. from mainland Greece. This third largest island in the Mediterranean has an area of ​​9,251 sq. km. Its maximum length is 240 km. from east to west and a maximum width of 100 km. from North to South.

Climate
It has one of the healthiest climates in the world – an intense Mediterranean climate. Cyprus is registered as the sunniest island in the Mediterranean (up to 340 sunny days a year) with the warmest sea water, ranging from 16 degrees in January to 32 degrees in August. Dry hot summer from mid-May to mid-September and changeable winter from November to mid-March.
The average rainfall from January to February is about 60% of the island’s annual rainfall. Snow falls almost every winter at altitudes above 1000 m, usually from the first week of December to mid-April.

Customs regulations
In Cyprus, a six-month quarantine is provided for the importation of pets. Therefore, importing for a short period of time does not make sense. When importing into the country more than $1,000 per person, the money must be declared.

Sanitary standards
It is not recommended to drink tap water, in any supermarket you can buy water in plastic bottles.

Entry visa
From January 1, 2004, to enter Cyprus, it is necessary to issue a visa for all citizens of the CIS and Russia. A tourist can be called for an interview, so his presence in the country of residence is required for this period.
The visa is issued in 3-4 working days.

Money

The country’s official currency is the euro ( Euro, € ), equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins of 1 and 2 euros, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Banks and currency exchange.

Banks in Cyprus from May to August are open from Monday to Friday from 8.15 to 13.00. In September, they are open on Mondays from 8.15 to 13.00 and from 15.15 to 16.45, on other weekdays – from 8.15 to 13.00. From October to April, Cyprus banks are open on Monday from 8.30 to 13.00 and from 15.15 to 16.45, and from Tuesday to Friday from 8.30 to 13.00.

Tourists can exchange currency at any bank, ATM, hotel, as well as at the post office and some transport agencies.

To exchange foreign currency, you need a passport, sometimes you have to stand in long lines.

The currency exchange fee varies from institution to institution. Therefore, you should choose those bureaus and offices that charge a flat rate. It is usually 1-2%.

There are a number of round-the -clock ATMs that work with foreign currencies. However, the commission in them can reach up to 4%. All major airports have ATM or bank offices in international zones.

You need to know that banknotes of 100 and 200 euros can often be fakes. It is always better to have some change with you, because. Sellers can’t always find change.

If we are talking about the exchange of a small amount, then it is more profitable to make it in a private exchange office. In addition, exchange offices are open until 20.00.

In the Turkish part of Cyprus, you can exchange currency in banks and private exchange offices. No commission is charged. The exchange rate is practically the same.

Banks are open until 17.00, exchange offices until 20.00 (often until 22.00).

Almost all credit and debit cards are accepted for payment. American Express cards are not accepted. Some institutions set a certain tax on the use of credit cards – (5-7%). It is unprofitable to withdraw money from ATMs, because. while losing a significant amount. Large purchases are best made using non-cash means of payment.

Traveler’s checks are accepted in most large retail outlets, restaurants, rental offices, etc. Depending on the bank and the type of check, cashing it is taxed at a rate of 1.2 to 6 euros. Checks in euros or pounds sterling will avoid additional costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations.

Population The
population of Cyprus is 780 thousand people. Ethnic composition: Greeks – 80%, Turks – 18%, other nationalities – 2%. Many foreigners, including Russians, choose Cyprus as a place of permanent residence, which is explained by the relative cheapness of life, excellent climate, low crime rate, as well as the policy of encouraging offshore business.

Religion
Orthodoxy – 77%, Islam – 18%.

Language
Greek is the official language of the Republic, but English is widely accepted and understood almost everywhere. The use of French and German is growing in the tourism industry in Cyprus. Many hotels have Russian-speaking staff.

Transport

The British colonial authorities built a railway in Cyprus, which was opened in 1905. There were 39 stations and stops in total, including Famagustua and Nicosia. But in 1951-1952 it was abolished due to low payback.

The roads in Cyprus are among the best in the European Union. They are divided into main, auxiliary paved, country and motorways. Movement in the country is left-handed. But the rule ” interference on the right ” applies, as in right-hand traffic.

The main 4 roads of the island run along the south coast from Larnaca to Limassol. They lead to the capital. Tourists can rent a car. For this, a standard driver’s license is sufficient. Some companies may put forward an age limit.

Cars rented by tourists have red numbers that begin with the letter Z.

All drivers are required to give way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing.

Traffic jams are not uncommon in large cities, and it is difficult to find free parking spaces.

Traffic rules are the same as European ones on both parts of the island.

The presence of alcohol in the driver’s blood at a concentration of up to 900 mg / l is allowed. If the accident is committed by a driver in a state of intoxication, then the insurance is canceled.

The country has two international airports : in Paphos and in Larnaca. There is also an airport in Nicosia, but it is closed due to the Greek-Turkish conflict.

Larnaca Airport was opened in 1975, after the forced closure of the airport in Nicosia. It is partially located on the territory that was previously a British military base.

After the closure of Famagusta, Limassol and Larnaca are major seaports.

Buses are the only form of public transport in Cyprus.

Bus service is poorly developed. Between the cities of Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, only 5-6 buses run daily in each direction. Somewhat less in Paphos. Public transport does not operate on Sunday. The fare is relatively high.

In Northern Cyprus, passenger traffic is much better developed, all major cities are connected by 15-20 daily buses. Fares are much lower.

City buses and minibuses run in all major cities of both parts of the island. But on the Greek part, buses usually operate until 17:00 on weekdays, and on Saturday until lunchtime.

On the Turkish part of the island, the movement of city buses and minibuses on any day of the week ends at about 19.30-20.00.

In the Greek part of the island , fixed-route taxis run daily between cities from 5.45 to 18.30 (until 19.30 in summer). On Sundays and holidays they run from 7.00 to 17.30 (until 18.30 in summer). They are a fairly cheap and convenient method of transportation. Shuttle taxis depart from anywhere in the city by prior arrangement.

Shuttle taxis do not go to and from airports. You can get to the airport by regular taxi.

A regular taxi can be stopped on the street or called by phone. If a taxi is required for sightseeing, then the amount of payment must be negotiated with the driver in advance.

Taxis are available in all major cities of Northern Cyprus : Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia. The cost of the trip usually depends on the agreement with the driver.

On both parts of the island, cases of cheating and cheating tourists are not uncommon. In a taxi, you should insist on turning on the meter.

There is no domestic air service on both parts of the island. But the sphere of pleasure flights on small planes is well developed. The bases for them are the airports of Paphos and Larnaca.

Voltage
Voltage 220V, 3-pin sockets. In many hotels and apartments, socket adapters are available at the accommodation service on deposit. You can also purchase an adapter in the store for 1-1.5 SUR.

Shopping
Handicrafts (Lefkarian lace and embroidery, ceramics, silverware, copper and silver chasing, reed items), Cypriot wine `Commandaria`, beer KEO. Also inexpensively you can buy good quality leather, furs, jewelry, shoes.

Tips
In a restaurant, the usual tip is 10% of the bill. In the hotel, it is customary to leave a few coins for the maids.

DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVELING TO CYPRUS

1. Questionnaire with a personal signature of a tourist and 1 clean one with a personal signature of a tourist (filled in strictly according to the model)

2. The passport:

  • not older than 10 years;
  • valid for at least 3 monthsafter the end of the trip;
  • the presence of 2 blank pages in the “visas” section
  1. Photocopy of the passport (30-33 pages);

4. 2 color cut out photos

  • format 3.5 by 4.5 cm;
  • on white background;
  • Photos not older than 6 months

5. Reference from the place of work :

  • on a letterhead with a phone number and address, an indication of the position held, the average monthly salary for the last 3 months (salary not less than 300 Belarusian rubles)
  1. Migration ruleswith the personal signature of the tourist (filled in) .

7. If the second tourist has a visa, provide a photocopy of the visa + a copy of the passport (30-33 pages)

8. Insurance

For citizens of Russia, Ukraine – a residence permit (copy + original) is MANDATORY!!!

Additional documents:

For students:

  • a copy of the student card and a certificate from the place of study;
  • sponsorship letter from next of kin;
  • a photocopy of the sponsor’s passport (30 – 33 pages);
  • documents confirming kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.);
  • certificate from the sponsor’s place of work for the last 3 months (salary not less than 300 Belarusian rubles)

For pensioners:

  • a copy of the pension certificate;
  • certificate of the amount of pension received for the last 3 months;

If the pension is less than 350 bel. rubles, you must provide:

  • sponsorship letter from next of kin;
  • a copy of the sponsor’s passport (30-33 pages);
  • documents confirming kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.);
  • certificate from the sponsor’s place of work for the last 3 months (salary not less than 300 Belarusian rubles)

For individual entrepreneurs:

  • a copy of the certificate of state registration;
  • an extract from the tax office on the payment of taxes;
  • documents confirming the availability of funds (account statement, income statement, etc.)

For the unemployed:

  • sponsorship letter from next of kin;
  • a copy of the sponsor’s passport (30-33 pages);
  • documents confirming kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.);
  • certificate from the sponsor’s place of work for the last 3 months (salary not less than 300 Belarusian rubles)

For children under 18:

  • if a minor flies to Cypruswith one of the parents or without parents, then it is necessary to provide the embassy with a NOTARIZED PERMISSION to leave from the second parent / from both parents with ENGLISH TRANSLATION!!! Remains at the embassy!!!
  • sponsorship letter from next of kin;
  • a copy of the sponsor’s passport (30-33 pages);
  • documents confirming kinship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.);
  • certificate from the sponsor’s place of work for the last 3 months (salary not less than 300 Belarusian rubles)

The cost of a visa is 30 euros (from each passport)

Processing time – from 5 working days, not counting the day of submission

Cyprus General Information