About Cyprus

Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Mediterranean at the cross roads of three continents. The island's strategic location has shaped its history and civilization throughout the centuries.

Its excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, low cost of living and generous tax incentives attract people to the island from all over the world. Cyprus is an island of tradition, charm and romance.

With 9000 years of legend and history there is much to enchant you. Mountainous villages, crystal clear waters to tempt you, sandy beaches, green valleys and beautiful landscapes, all bathed in sunshine for 340 days each year.

Most important of all is the all-embracing warm hospitality of the Cypriot people - Kalosorisate - welcome to our island!

Traveling Documents

Entry formalities are very simple. All citizens of EU member countries may enter Cyprus on presentation of their identification card only. No vaccination is required when entering the island.

Cypriot Hospitality

Cypriots are a mixture of many trading nations on the Mediterranean. The people are open, frank and friendly to foreigners while being astute businessmen. They are among the most hospitable people on earth, always making you feel at home on the island.

Low Crime Rate

Cyprus enjoys a very low crime rate in comparison with other competitive Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Cyprus crime rate is only one tenth of the average rate of the other European countries (6% of United Kingdom). One will find that in residential areas, people rarely lock their cars, many times leave houses, windows or even doors open. This is all due to friendliness and honesty of the local population and the reason people return year after year.

International Relationships

During the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002, Cyprus officially confirmed the successful completion of the accession negotiations and was invited to join the European Union on 1st May 2004. The European Commission has facilitated the accession negotiations, organising the acquis communautaire into 31 Chapters. Cyprus begun its accession negotiations with the EU in March 1998 and has successfully completed them during the Copenhagen European Council in December 2002, where it officially confirmed the closure of the last three outstanding chapters, the ones of Agriculture, Financial and Budgetary Provisions and Other. The benefits to Cyprus as a whole from membership of the EU will be quite substantial, with the whole population of the island benefiting from political, economic, social, environmental and other advantages. Also, it is worth noting that the EU is Cyprus main trading partner accounting for approximately 50% of total trade, the United Kingdom being Cyprus' main export destination.

Further, Cyprus is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the British Commonwealth and also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.