Health Care & Safety in Cyprus
Pre-Departure:
Travellers heading to Cyprus do not need to obtain any compulsory vaccinations prior to their departure for the country, as it does not have any dangerous or infectious diseases. However it is recommended that visitors have been vaccinated against tetanus.
Insurance: It is important to take out an extensive travel insurance plan for the duration of your trip, as only in the event of a medical emergency is health care free. Make sure to purchase a policy that has a high level of medical cover (at least £1,000,000 as medical care can be extremely expensive when not subsidised) and one that also covers repatriation if you need to be flown home for treatment.
On Arrival:
Water: According to the Cyprus Ministry of Health, the drinking water is of a high quality and is safe to consume. If you are worried about the standard and wish to err on the side caution, then drink only bottled water.
Emergencies: In the case of a medical emergency, the free care for tourists is also only available at government-run hospitals or clinics. The emergency number for the ambulance service is 199, 112. Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you (available at most post offices) and it will entitle you most forms of emergency treatment free of charge.
Should travellers require in-patient or out-patient doctor visits (in non-urgent medical situations), then they will be required to pay for treatment. If you require a local doctor, check out your local newspaper, which lists the names of duty doctors as well as pharmacies in each area. Alternatively, if you are holidaying in the following areas, dial these numbers for a private doctor: Ammochostos – 1433; Larnaka – 1434; Lefkosia – 1432; Lemesos – 1435; Pafos – 1436.
Safety, warnings and advice:
Travel warnings issued by the British High Commission are reviewed regularly. Head to the website www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk prior to your departure, and check out any current warnings.
In general, the commission says that Cyprus “shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism”, and that attacks could be indiscriminate. However, in saying that, it is considered a relatively safe place to travel where crimes against tourists are rare. Take the usual precautions of keeping your possessions, money and valuables safe.
British nationals are advised only to enter the country from the south (through the Republic of Cyprus). People entering from the north (through the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) are considered to have entered illegally.
Cyprus Guide
