Cyprus Visa RequirementsFor United Kingdom passport holders
UK nationals can visit Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days. Cyprus is an EU member but is not part of the Schengen Area, so the Schengen 90/180-day rule does not apply to Cyprus. Days in Cyprus do not count against your Schengen allowance.
Great news! United Kingdom passport holders can enter Cyprus without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for UK passport holders visiting the Republic of Cyprus. Present your UK passport at the port of entry; entry stamps are issued at Larnaca and Paphos international airports. Note that entry through TRNC-controlled ports in northern Cyprus is not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus and may cause complications if you later attempt to cross to the south. It is strongly recommended to enter via Republic of Cyprus-controlled entry points.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
United Kingdom to Cyprus: What You Need to Know
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 but has not yet joined the Schengen Area, making it one of the few EU member states that maintains its own separate entry allowance for non-EU nationals. This is particularly relevant for UK nationals post-Brexit: your 90 days in Cyprus are entirely independent of your 90-day Schengen allowance. You can, in theory, spend 90 days in Cyprus and still have a full 90 days available for Schengen countries. The Republic of Cyprus controls the southern two-thirds of the island; the northern part is administered by the Turkish Cypriot administration (the TRNC), which is not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus or the EU.
Practical Tips
Cyprus uses the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. The climate is hot and dry in summer; sun protection and hydration are essential. The Republic of Cyprus and the northern TRNC are separated by a UN buffer zone; crossing is possible at designated checkpoints. Driving is on the left in Cyprus (as in the UK), making it one of the more familiar destinations in the Mediterranean for UK drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a visa for Cyprus?
No. UK passport holders can enter Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days. Cyprus is an EU member but is not part of Schengen, so your Cyprus days do not count towards your Schengen allowance.
Does time in Cyprus count towards my Schengen 90-day limit?
No. Cyprus is in the EU but outside the Schengen Area. Your days in Cyprus are entirely separate from your Schengen allowance. You can spend 90 days in Cyprus and still have a full Schengen allowance for use in EU Schengen countries.
Can I travel between the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus?
Yes, crossing is permitted at official checkpoints in the UN buffer zone. However, entering Cyprus first through a TRNC-controlled port (in northern Cyprus) is not recognised by the Republic of Cyprus and may cause complications. Always enter via a Republic of Cyprus-controlled entry point.
What passport do I need for Cyprus?
A valid UK passport is required. UK nationals must use a passport (not a national ID card) to enter Cyprus post-Brexit.