Staying Safe in Cyprus
Local Laws
Cyprus is split by a UN Buffer Zone, often called the Green Line. If you want to travel between the southern and northern parts, you'll need to use specific crossing points. Just so you know, Cypriot authorities view entering the Republic of Cyprus through any entry point other than Larnaca or Paphos airports, or the seaports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as illegal. This could mean facing fines or being denied entry or exit.
Please be aware that taking photos of any military areas, facilities, personnel, or anything considered a security concern is strictly forbidden. The legal age for drinking is 18, and it's not allowed to drink alcohol in streets or other public areas. Cyprus also has very firm rules against driving under the influence of alcohol.
When it comes to illegal drugs, Cyprus has a zero-tolerance approach, and you can face serious consequences for possessing, using, or dealing them. If you plan to visit religious sites, it's important to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. For women visiting mosques, you might also need to cover your head, and everyone needs to remove their shoes.
Given the island's division, it's best to be mindful when discussing its political situation, as it can be a sensitive topic. Also, buying fake or pirated goods is against the law.
If you're driving, remember that seatbelts are a must, using your mobile phone is prohibited, and the penalties for drunk driving are quite strict. While homosexuality is legal, social attitudes can differ, especially in areas away from the main cities. You'll likely find Cypriots to be very welcoming and they might strike up personal conversations with you.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Cyprus has made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, making it a generally safe destination for queer travelers. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1998, and civil unions, offering similar rights to marriage, have been legal since 2015. Additionally, conversion therapy was banned in May 2023, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal in areas like employment and public places.
Despite these legal advancements, social attitudes can vary, with more conservative views prevalent in rural areas, particularly influenced by the Greek Orthodox Church. While major cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca have growing LGBTQ+ scenes with gay-friendly establishments and annual Pride events, public displays of affection may still attract stares in less queer-friendly environments.
Overall, hospitality is a significant aspect of Cypriot culture, and visitors are generally treated well regardless of their sexual orientation, though vigilance and discretion are advised in some settings.
Scams
When traveling, it's wise to be aware of a few common tricks people might try to pull. One is the "shady cabaret" scam, where someone might invite you to a club, only for you to be hit with ridiculously high drink prices. If you don't pay, they can get quite intimidating.
Then there's the "picture scam." Someone might ask you to take their photo, then "accidentally" drop their camera, blaming you and demanding money for it. You might also run into the "bird poop" scam. Someone will deliberately get something white on you, and then a friend will offer to help clean it up, all while they're busy pickpocketing you.
Be cautious of street games too; they're often designed to distract you so someone else can steal from you. On the car rental front, some companies have been known to claim you caused damage that was already there when you return the car. It's also worth noting that scams over the phone and online are on the rise, often targeting people with fake investment opportunities or trying to trick them into giving up personal information.
Crime
While Cyprus is generally a safe place with very little violent crime, it's worth being aware of petty theft. Things like pickpocketing and bag snatching do happen, especially in busy spots where lots of people gather, like tourist areas, beaches, bustling markets, public transport, and places where people go out at night.
You should also be cautious about drink spiking, particularly in tourist hotspots and popular nightlife areas such as Ayia Napa and Limassol. This can unfortunately make people more vulnerable to theft or even sexual assault. Although rare, personal attacks, including sexual assaults, can occur. Recently, there's been a reported rise in home break-ins, particularly in the Nicosia area.
