About the Cyprus Tourism Organization, CTO
The Cyprus Tourism Organization, CTO, was established in 1969 by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. CTO's objective, according to law, is to organise and promote tourism within the Republic by using all possibilities and resources available.
The CTO provides assistance to professional bodies, companies and individuals who have an interest in Cyprus' Tourism. But as a semi-governmental and non-commercial organisation, it does not perform the functions of a travel agent.
CTO, Central Offices:
Address: 19, Lemessos Ave. 1390 Lefkosia (Nicosia)
Tel: 00357 22 691 100
Fax: 00357 22 33 16 44
E-mail: cytour@cto.org.cy
Website: www.visitcyprus.com
  
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
1. “Cyprus-Legal Ports of Entry”
Due to the 1974 Turkish invasion and the occupation of 37% of the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus, the Government of Cyprus has designated, since then, as legal ports of entry the following ports and airports:
AIRPORTS
- International Airport of Larnaca
- International Airport of Pafos
PORTS
- The port of Limassol
- The port Larnaca,
- The port Pafos and
- The port of Latsi.
Note: Arrival in Cyprus via any other airport and/or port which is located in the Turkish occupied area of Cyprus and which is not under the effective control of the legitimate Government of the Republic of Cyprus, is illegal and must be avoided
2. Warning to foreign citizens visiting the occupied part of Cyprus, 5.7.07
Ownership status of hotels and other accommodation facilities in the occupied part of the Republic of Cyprus
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus hereby publishes a list of hotels situated in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus. The majority of these hotels belong to Greek Cypriot displaced persons who were forced to leave their properties following the Turkish invasion of 1974 or have been built illegally on properties belonging to displaced Greek Cypriots, in violation of the latter’s property rights and without their consent. More...
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Cyprus is a member of the European Union since 1st May 2004
- Visas: No visas are required for entry into Cyprus by nationals of most European Countries. Nationals of other countries should contact the nearest Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus
- The importation, possession and use of narcotics and psychotropic substances are strictly prohibited by law
- Vaccination: None required
- Tap water is drinkable
- The currency of the Republic is the Cyprus Pound (CYP) which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued in £20, £10, £5 and £1 denominations. (Note: As from 1 January 2008, Cyprus will introduce the euro (€), 1€ = 0,5852 CyP).
- Banks in Cyprus open for the public from 08:30 to 13:00. Automatic Exchange Machines and ATM Machines operate on a 24 hour basis. Certain banks in tourist areas open during the afternoon
- The voltage on the island is 240. Socket outlets are of flat 3-pin type
- All international brands of medication are available in well stocked pharmacies all over Cyprus
- Telephones: Cyprus’ automatic telephone dialing system reaches over 200 countries. Telecards can be purchased from Post Offices, kiosks and souvenir shops.
- It is forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea, or to take them out of Cyprus without a special export license.
- Visitors should respect ecclesiastic traditions and avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless garments in churches and monasteries.
- Short cruises to the Greek islands, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria can be taken on one of the many comfortable cruise ships which offer full-board accommodation and entertainment at very reasonable prices.
- Tipping in restaurants, taxis, etc is optional but always welcome
- A reasonably priced delicious meal popular with the locals is “souvlaki stin pitta” – kebab in a pitta bread.
  
Getting around the Island
- Driving is on the left hand side of the road
- All resorts are connected by modern highways
- Shared daytime service-taxis at a very reasonable price link the main town of Lefkosia (Nicosia), Lemesos (Limassol), Larnaka and Pafos. A very reasonably priced option for travelling around
- Petrol stations in all coastal areas and major towns are equipped with automatic pumps, accepting bank notes and international credit cards, operating on a 24 hour basis
- A number of experienced tourist companies organize efficiently – run day trips, excursions and tours, in modern air-conditioned coaches with multilingual guides.
- Yacht charter is available, with or without crew.
|