Zypern

Cyprus has a strictly enforced zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs, including laughing gas and cannabis.

You should expect severe penalties such as a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Cyprus have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Republic of Cyprus and civil partnerships are recognised. However, they may not be as widely accepted as in the UK. Same-sex sexual activity is also legal in the north of Cyprus, but not widely accepted. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

If you are of Cypriot descent, even if you do not have a nationality card, authorities may consider you eligible for military service. If this happens, you could have difficulties when exiting Cyprus, and you might have to prove that you live outside Cyprus.

Under international law, the British High Commission cannot intervene with Cypriot authorities on behalf of those considered to be dual Cypriot-British nationals. If you might be eligible for any local obligations or duties that apply to dual nationals, such as military service, contact the Cypriot authorities or a local lawyer before you travel.

The British High Commission has lists of English-speaking lawyers in Cyprus and in the north of Cyprus. See Getting help.

The British High Commission cannot get involved in surrogacy arrangements.

The laws on surrogacy differ between the areas under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus and the north of Cyprus.

Surrogacy is strictly limited to cases where a woman is medically unable to carry a pregnancy. In all cases, court approval is required before any treatment begins. No form of financial compensation for the surrogate is allowed. Prospective parents and clinics may face criminal charges if they proceed without the appropriate approvals in place.

Pursuing surrogacy in the north carries risks as clinics are not regulated and there is no legal framework governing arrangements. Legal transfer of parenthood can be complex as the birth mother is given automatic parental responsibility. Obtaining birth certificates can also be complicated and may take a long time.

The British High Commission’s ability to provide any assistance in the north of Cyprus is limited.

Before entering into any surrogacy arrangements: 

• read FCDO and Home Office guidance on surrogacy overseas
• fully research hospitals and clinics to ensure they are safe and reputable
• seek specialist legal advice both in the UK and in Cyprus

Children born through surrogacy are not automatically entitled to British nationality. To bring your child born through surrogacy from Cyprus to the UK, you must apply for a full British passport for the child before you travel. The application process can take a significant amount of time, and even longer if supporting documentation has been issued in the north of Cyprus, due to the UK’s non-recognition of the authorities there. The maximum period you may be allowed to stay in Cyprus without a visa is 90 days.

Fertility treatment in the north of Cyprus carries risks as clinics are not regulated in the same way as in the UK. Make sure you conduct thorough research beforehand. Further information on fertility treatment abroad is available on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) website.

The authorities in the north of Cyprus do not act on British court orders. They will not share information with the British High Commission on children subject to UK court orders. This means the British High Commission cannot ensure that these children are properly safeguarded.

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive areas, such as military buildings. If you do, the authorities could arrest you.

There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires:

• follow the guidance of the emergency services
• call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

Get more information on wildfires from the Department of Forests website.

Cyprus experiences earthquakes and tremors. Make sure you know safety procedures and follow advice given by the local authorities.