Travel Information
Travelling to Cyprus is very easy. The documentation required varies, depending on your nationality. A valid passport is required for a stay of up to 90 days for all bona fide tourists except citizens of European Union countries, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway who may enter Cyprus with their national identity card provided it bears a photo. Some non-EU third country nationals require a visa.
Cyprus is easily accessible as it is linked with numerous direct and connecting flights with all the main European cities, Middle East, Africa and Asian countries.
If you need assistance with flight itineraries and fares, please contact the Conference Secretariat, Top Kinisis Travel, who will be happy to offer their expert knowledge.
Travelling Documents
EU countries, Commonwealth countries and the USA do NOT need a visa. Schengen Visa holders are allowed to enter the Republic of Cyprus.
The Schengen Visa has made traveling between 25 member countries (22 European Union states and 3 non-EU members) much easier and less bureaucratic. Traveling on a Schengen Visa means that the visa holder can travel to any (or all) member countries using one single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas for each country. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen countries for a maximum stay of up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
For a list of countries whose citizens do NOT need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days, provided they are bona fide visitors, click here.
Arriving to Cyprus
The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos, which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (Turkish occupied areas) is illegal. The main airlines that fly to Cyprus are:
Aegean Airlines
Lufthansa
Emirates
British Airways
Air Malta
Gulf Air
Air France
Swiss
Alitalia
Etihad Airways
Ryanair
Easyjet
Monarch
Jet2
Blue Air
Cyprus Airways
Vueling
Accessibility
Paphos International Airport is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes drive (140 km) from the conference venue, while Larnaca International Airport is approximately 35 minutes drive (48 km).
Letter of Invitation
Delegates requiring a letter of invitation in order to attend the conference may write to the Conference Secretariat specifying the necessary details. Please note that this procedure aims at assisting the delegates who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the conference. It is not an official invitation covering fees or other expenses and does not imply any financial support.
Climate
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. See Cyprus Weather for more details.
Language
Greek and Turkish are the official languages. English is widely spoken. French and Russian are also spoken within the tourism industry.
Currency / Banking Hours / Credit Cards
The currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro (€). Banking hours for the public: Monday-Friday 08:00 – 13:30. There are many Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) outside most branches of banks in all towns and in the main tourist resorts. Hotels, large shops and restaurants normally accept credit cards and traveller’s cheques. Banknotes of major foreign currencies are also acceptable. Rates of exchange are published daily in the local press and are broadcasted via the media.
Tipping
Because of the 10% service charge levied in hotels and restaurants, a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi-drivers, porters, hairdressers etc., always appreciate a small tip.
Insurance
It is recommended that participants arrange insurance for medical expenses, loss and accidents occurring during the conference. The organizers cannot be held responsible for any losses, damages or injuries.
Electric Current – Voltage
The supply in Cyprus is 240 volts, a.c. 50Hz. Sockets are usually 13 amp, square pin in most buildings. Many hotels provide adaptors upon request from the reception.
General Shopping Hours
The summer period runs from April 1 to October 31; Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open between 07:00 and 09:00. For the period April 1st – October 31st shops close at 20:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday and, at 19:30 on Saturday.
Chemist Pharmacies / Drug Stores
They stay open during shopping hours. Late night chemists are listed in the daily papers.