If you’re wondering “is Cyprus safe“?, the answer is yes! Cyprus ranks 70th on the Global Peace Index, which indicates its low levels of violent crime, political stability, and effective law enforcement. Most safety concerns for visitors are limited to petty theft in busy tourist areas, while violent crime and organized crime are uncommon. Law enforcement is well-organized, and public safety measures are in place nationwide. Still, it is always wiser to take safety precautions.
This article will guide you through everything you need to stay safe in Cyprus, including important emergency contacts, travel and safety tips, health considerations, and more.
Here is what we will cover:
Is Cyprus Safe?
Yes, Cyprus is a safe destination for travellers. According to Numbeo, the country has a national Crime Index of approximately 33.7 out of 100 and a Safety Index of 66.3, indicating low to moderate crime levels. In cities like Nicosia, crime is slightly lower, with a Crime Index of 31.5 and a Safety Index of 68.5. Most crime is limited to petty theft or property-related offenses, while violent crime is rare.
Cyprus has clear laws in place to protect its residents and visitors. Law enforcement is organized and includes the Cyprus Police, supported by regional courts. The police actively maintain public safety, particularly in tourist areas, and operate programs to assist visitors, including a Tourist Police unit that provides information and support for travellers.
Globally, Cyprus ranks 70th on the Global Peace Index, Cyprus ranks 70th which is another reflection of the country’s low levels of violent conflict and effective governance. When it comes to the quality of life, Cyprus also ranks 44th globally, based on the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions.
The most common issues are petty theft, bag-snatching, and minor scams in crowded areas. Visitors can explore cities, beaches, towns, and all the things to do in Cyprus safely, but should always keep an eye on their belongings.
| Metric | Value / Rank for Cyprus | What This Means for Safety & Quality of Life |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Index | ≈ 32.7 / 100 | Lower score means less overall crime suggests that crime levels are relatively low compared with many countries. |
| Safety Index | ≈ 67.3 / 100 | Higher score means people generally feel safe, a good sign for both locals and visitors. |
| Global Peace Index ranking | ≈ 70th globally out of ~160 countries | Indicates Cyprus enjoys moderate-to-high stability, low violent conflict, and overall societal safety. |
| Quality of Life Rank | 15th globally (score ~79.7) | Reflects good living standards, decent infrastructure, and a generally comfortable environment for residents or long‑term visitors. |
Essential Emergency Service contacts in Cyprus
As a traveler, you do not want to find yourself dialling any emergency number, but it is always wise to be prepared for any situation or crisis. These are some of the most important emergency service contacts in Cyprus.
| Service / Purpose | Phone Number(s) | What It Does / When to Call |
|---|---|---|
| General emergency (police, fire, ambulance) | 112 or 199 | For any serious emergency such as crime, fire, medical emergencies, or accidents. |
| Non-emergency police / public enquiries | 1460 | For non-urgent police matters, complaints, or general information. |
| Tourist police / help for travellers | 1460 | Assistance for visitors with lost documents, theft, or minor disputes. |
| Poison / chemical emergencies | 1401 | Guidance and support for suspected poisoning or chemical exposure. |
| Drug abuse / narcotics information | 1498 | Reporting or getting information about drug-related issues. |
| Forest fire / wildfire reporting | 1407 | Report forest or wildfires in rural or mountainous areas. |
| Air/sea rescue (coast guard) | 1441 | For maritime or aviation emergencies requiring rescue services. |
| Social support / mental health / crisis helplines | Mental health: +357 1410 | Helpline for any crisis, mental health problems, social support needs. |
| Domestic violence: | 1440 | Assistance for psychological support, domestic violence emergencies, or other social issues |
9 Travel Tips for Staying Safe in Cyprus
01/ Civil unrest and protests
Protests sometimes take place in Cyprus, especially in Nicosia and near the UN Buffer Zone (Green Line). The Green Line is the UN-controlled buffer zone that separates the Republic of Cyprus in the south from the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island.
Most protests are peaceful, but some have become tense, especially around political events or major sports matches. These gatherings can block roads or disrupt travel plans.
How to stay safe:
- Avoid protests, marches, and gatherings near the Buffer Zone.
- Follow local news and updates from your accommodation.
- If your plans are affected, speak to your airline, hotel, or tour operator.
02/ Petty crime
Cyprus is considered safe, but petty theft still happens in tourist hotspots, beaches, nightlife areas, and busy bus stations. Thieves often look for easy targets or unattended belongings.
Most common issues include, pickpocketing in crowded areas, bag-snatching near beaches or busy promenades, theft from rental cars and stealing bags left on the beach or in cafés.
You can stay safe by doing these things:
- Keep your bag zipped and held in front of you.
- Never leave belongings on the sand while swimming.
- Keep passports and valuables in your hotel safe.
- Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or quiet areas at night.
03/ Road crime
Rental cars are easy to spot in Cyprus, and this makes them a common target for opportunistic thieves. Break-ins tend to happen in quiet car parks, nature trails, beach parking areas, and popular scenic viewpoints where tourists leave the car for a short time. Thieves usually act quickly, smashing windows or opening unlocked doors if they see bags, phones, or luggage inside.
How to stay safe:
- Don’t leave anything visible inside the car, even small items can attract thieves.
- Lock doors and close windows whenever you leave the vehicle.
- Use secure or guarded parking areas when available.
- Be cautious of strangers who approach your car unexpectedly, especially in isolated areas.
04/ Credit card fraud and scams
Credit card fraud in Cyprus is not extremely common, but card skimming and overcharging in tourist areas do happen, especially in busy nightlife zones, petrol stations, and small shops that use older payment machines. Some travellers have also reported extra charges added after paying or duplicate transactions.
How to stay safe:
- Use ATMs located inside banks, malls, or hotels, where tampering is less likely.
- Avoid standalone street ATMs, especially at night or in very touristy areas
- Cover the keypad whenever you enter your PIN.
- If a card machine looks damaged or suspicious, ask for another one or pay in cash.
- Always check the amount on the terminal before tapping or inserting your card.
- Keep receipts so you can compare them with your bank statement later.
- Monitor your bank account while travelling and after returning home.
05/ Drink spiking & nightlife safety
Drink spiking has been reported in nightlife areas, particularly in Ayia Napa during the summer. Some incidents also involve low-quality or unsafe alcohol.
How to stay safe:
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Buy drinks only from reputable bars or clubs.
- Go out with friends and stay together.
- Seek medical help immediately if you suddenly feel unwell.
06/ Fake alcohol/methanol risk
A small number of bars, mostly in low-quality tourist areas, may serve illegally distilled or watered-down alcohol. Methanol poisoning is rare in Cyprus but it can happen in the wider Mediterranean region, so travellers should stay alert.
When you are out, make sure to take these safety precautions:
- Choose sealed bottled drinks or well-known brands.
- Avoid extremely cheap shots, all-inclusive drink deals, or mixed drinks in places that look unsafe.
- Stop drinking immediately if something tastes unusual.
- Watch your drink being poured whenever possible.
- Seek medical help quickly if you experience dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion.
07/ Cyber safety
Public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, and airports can expose your information, and Cyprus also has strict rules about posting political content related to the Green Line.
To stay safe, simply try to avoid accessing banking apps or sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN for safer browsing and do not post political comments about Cyprus or the Green Line on social media. Remember to also keep your device updated and use strong passwords.
08/ Climate and natural disasters
Cyprus faces several natural hazards depending on the season. These include forest fires that are common from May to October, mild earthquakes from time to time, strong winter storms that can cause local flooding, and snowstorms in the Troodos Mountains during winter.
This is how you can stay safe:
- Follow local weather alerts and wildfire warnings.
- Avoid forest areas during high fire-risk days.
- Follow instructions from local authorities during storms or earthquakes.
- Keep essential documents and emergency contacts protected and easy to reach.
- Check road conditions before visiting the Troodos Mountains in winter.
09/ Swimming and beach safety
Cyprus has beautiful beaches, but some areas have strong currents, especially when the sea is rough or unsupervised.
How to stay safe:
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards
- Follow the flag warning system (red = do not swim)
- Avoid rocky shorelines with strong waves.
- Check sea conditions before entering the water.
Health Considerations and Tips for Travelling to Cyprus
When planning your trip to explore Cyprus tourism, it’s best to prepare for any health-related emergencies.
Travel insurance
Before travelling to Cyprus, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should cover all medical costs overseas, including emergency medical evacuation. Without insurance, you could face thousands of dollars in upfront medical bills.
Check that your insurance:
- Covers the entire duration of your trip
- Includes travel to both southern and northern Cyprus
- Covers any planned activities or special medical care
Medications
Some medications that are legal in your home country may not be available or may be considered controlled substances in Cyprus. To avoid problems:
- Check the legality of your medication in Cyprus
- Bring enough medication for the entire trip
- Carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s letter stating what the medication is, the dosage, and that it is for personal use
Health risks
Cyprus has animals and insects that can carry diseases, including feral cats, rodents, bats, and mosquitoes. Outbreaks of food-borne, water-borne, and insect-borne diseases occasionally occur. West Nile Virus has also been reported in both south and north Cyprus, and there is no vaccine for it.
To protect yourself:
- Make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- Use insect repellent regularly
- Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing, especially outdoors
Extreme heat
Heatwaves are common during summer. They can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make sure to drink plenty of water, wear a hat and light clothing, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day if possible and be aware that shade can be limited in tourist areas
Air quality
Air quality in Cyprus can vary due to dust carried from North Africa and the Middle East, pollution from power stations, and forest fires. If you rely on medication for breathing, make sure to bring enough for your trip. Follow local media for updates on air quality and health risks.
Is Transport Safe in Cyprus?
Transport in Cyprus is safe, but safety standards differ depending on the type of transport. Roads are well-maintained in urban areas and on major highways, but some rural and mountainous roads can be narrow, winding, and poorly lit. Traffic rules are enforced, but speeding and occasional reckless driving can occur, especially in summer when traffic increases in tourist areas. As for public transportation, it is limited outside of big cities, so many travelers rely on taxis or rental cars.
| Mode of Transport | Safety Level | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental / private driving | Moderate to high | Roads in cities and highways are safe, but rural roads may be narrow and winding. Watch for speeding and occasional aggressive driving. |
| Buses (intercity and city buses) | High | Intercity buses are reliable, but schedules can be limited. City buses are safe, but overcrowding can occur in peak tourist season. |
| Taxis | High | Regulated and generally safe. Confirm the meter is on or agree on the fare before travelling. |
| Motorbikes / scooters | Moderate | Common in tourist areas. Helmets are mandatory, but accidents are possible due to inexperience or busy roads. |
| Bicycles | Moderate | Increasingly popular, but bike lanes are limited and drivers may not always give priority. |
| Walking / pedestrian areas | High | Safe in cities and tourist areas, but watch for traffic, especially in rural areas without sidewalks. |
| Ferries / boats | High | Regular ferry services operate safely along the coast. Only use licensed operators for excursions or private trips. |
Traveling to Cyprus: Useful Advice for Travelers
Visas and entry
Most travellers do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days within a six-month period. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a visa, Some long tern include the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, or the Cyprus Golden Visa for those considering permanent residency. Overstaying can lead to fines or legal issues. Entry requirements can change, so check with an embassy or consulate before travelling.
Legal entry points
The only legal entry to Cyprus is through:
- Larnaca and Paphos airports
- Seaports in Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi, and Paphos
Entering through airports or seaports in northern Cyprus (not under Republic of Cyprus control) is illegal. These include Tymbou (Ercan), Lefkoniko (Gecitkale), Kyrenia, and Famagusta. Illegal entry may prevent you from crossing into the south later.
- Sovereign Base Areas: There are two crossing points in the UK’s Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia: Pergamos (Pyla) and Strovilia (Ayios Nikolaos). Certain travellers cannot cross here. It is better to use other official checkpoints.
Crossing between North and South
Travel between southern and northern Cyprus is only allowed at official UN Buffer Zone checkpoints. Private vehicles can cross from south to north, but cars hired in the north cannot cross into the south. Always show valid car insurance that covers the area you plan to drive in.
Passport rules
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure. Keep it safe, as lost or stolen passports can cause serious problems. Some countries may not accept passports with an ‘X’ gender marker, so check with your embassy before travel.
Money
- The south uses the euro, while the north primarily uses the Turkish lira (some businesses accept euros).
- Declare cash or valuables over 10,000 euros when travelling to or from non-EU countries.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the south, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less common. ATMs are available in most towns.
Staying in Northern Cyprus
Hotels and accommodations in the north may not be legally recognised by the Republic of Cyprus. Staying in unapproved locations could lead to legal issues. Use your passport for all travel and avoid illegal entry points.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
