Travelling to Cyprus
For those of you attending the MED 2023 with a physical presence, and in order to facilitate your travel arrangements to Cyprus, you can view the list of countries of origin one can travel from (the list is re-evaluated weekly and countries can be added and removed based on the latest data available), as well as ensure the capture of all necessary information required by the Health authorities. The Republic of Cyprus has established an easy-to-use online portal through which you can view information and receive authorization for your travel. Note that the Cyprus government requires that Cyprus Flight Pass is completed within 24 hours before the flight to Cyprus.
“Better days are here” – Video by the Cyprus Tourism Organization
Situated at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean basin, Cyprus is the third largest island in the region. 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. The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Pafos (Paphos) and Larnaka (Larnaca) and the ports of Larnaka (Larnaca), Lemesos (Limassol), Latsi and Pafos (Paphos), which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
Travelling Documents
EU countries, Commonwealth countries and the USA do NOT need a visa.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) countries, as well as of Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway may enter Cyprus with their national identity card, provided there is a photograph.
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.
To visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus click here.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus – Consular Department
Presidential Palace Avenue, 1447 Lefkosia, Cyprus
Tel: (+357) 22 406 800 / (+357) 22 651 113
Fax: (+357) 22 661 881 / (+357) 22 665 313 / (+357) 22 665 778
Email: minforeign1@mfa.gov.cy
Letter of Invitation
All authors of accepted papers will have the option to request an invitation letter through the registration system. This letter can be used to obtain a travel visa if required. Please note that only conference registrants will be issued the standard confirmation letter. We regret that we are unable to provide customized letters.
Flying to Cyprus
The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaka (Larnaca) and Pafos (Paphos). Some of the major Airlines flying to Cyprus include:
| 1. Aegean Airlines | 14. Easyjet | 27. Monarch |
| 2. Aeroloft | 15. EgyptAir | 28. Norwegian |
| 3. Air France | 16. Emirates | 29. Olympic Air |
| 4. Air Malta | 17. Etihad Airways | 30. Qatar Airways |
| 5. Air Moldova | 18. Eurowing | 31. Ryanair |
| 6. Air Serbia | 19. Finnair | 32. Swiss |
| 7. Alitalia | 20. Germanwings | 33. Thomson Airways |
| 8. Austrian Airlines | 21. Gulf Air | 34. Ukraine International |
| 9. Belavia | 22. Jet2 | 35. Vuelling |
| 10. Blue Air | 23. KLM | |
| 11. British Airways | 24. LOT | |
| 12. Bulgaria Air | 25. Lufthansa | |
| 13. Czech Airlines | 26. MEA |
You may visit www.topkinisis.com to securely search, get instant availability, book and pay online for flights and any other travel-related service. For further assistance, you may contact the Top Kinisis Travel offices at callcenter@topkinisis.com.
Distances
- From Larnaca International Airport to Conference Venue (Limassol) – 56km (40’ drive)
- From Paphos International Airport to Conference Venue (Limassol) – 70km (50’ drive)
Airport Transfers
There are 3 options available for the participants’ airport transfers:
Option A: Airport Bus Shuttle Service (No reservation required, tickets purchased from bus driver)
With only €9 per adult and €4 per child (3-12 years) one way (including VAT and luggage), the Limassol Urban Buses Company transfers you from Larnaca or Paphos Airport to Limassol and return with daily schedules, including weekends and public holidays to serve the transportation needs of all travelers.
Reservations are not necessary.
Tickets are purchased from the bus driver.
The route from Limassol to Larnaca Airport takes about one hour.
The route from Limassol to Paphos airport takes about 45 minutes.
For further information please visit the official website of Limassol Urban Buses Company
Option B: Private Taxi (Booking and Payment in advance)
Around €60-90 per taxi per way, option1, and option2.
Option C: Public Taxis (Direct Payment to taxi driver)
Taxis are always available (24hrs) at both airports for your transfer to Limassol. Click here for the guide to the Taxi Services in Cyprus, as issued by the Ministry of Communications and Works.
General Information
Public Transportation – Getting to the City Center
Commuting to and from the City centre from the Hotel is easy, by using public bus transportation.
For the Limassol Urban Route #30 please click here.
For the Limassol Urban Route #30A please click here.
The single route ticket costs €1,50, the daily ticket costs €5,00, and the weekly ticket costs €20,00. For further information on the public bus routes visit their official site please click here
Climate
Cyprus enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. See Cyprus Weather for more details.
Language
Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken. French and German 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 a 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, losses, 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 reception.
General Shopping Hours
Shop opening times vary depending on their type and location, though shops normally open between 07:00 and 09:00. During the period November 1st – March 31st shops close at 19:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 15:00 on Wednesday, and at 19:00 on Saturday. 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.
