Health risks

Cyprus is a developed Mediterranean island nation divided "de facto" into two areas. The government of the Republic of Cyprus is the internationally recognized authority on the island but, in practice, its control extends only to the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island. The northern area operates under an autonomous Turkish-Cypriot administration. In 1983, this administration declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which is only recognized by Turkey. Facilities for tourism in the Republic of Cyprus are highly developed. Most facilities in north Cyprus, while adequate, tend to be smaller and less modern.

CRIME: Cyprus has a low rate of crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is available at a combination of government hospitals and private clinics. Many of the private-sector doctors have been trained in the United Kingdom or the United States.

Water- and foodborne diseases:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Brucellosis
  • Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

  • Hepatitis B

Vaccination recommended:

  • Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
  • Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
  • Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
  • Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
  • A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
  • Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
  • Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
  • Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
  • Do not travel at night
  • Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
  • Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
  • Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.

Reciprocal health: Participant in E111 system which allows visitors on short-term stays to other member countries to use the public health care sector on the same terms as a local resident and provides all covered visitors with emergency and necessary care. Form E111 is being replaced by the EU Health Insurance Card, please contact relevant health authorities for further details.

Compulsory vaccinations: none.

Recommended immunisations: none, however check travellers have up to date tetanus & polio immunisations, long-term visitors should consider hepatitis A immunisation.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

  • Malaria: No
  • Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
  • Sub Saharan Africa: No
  • West Nile Virus Risk: No
  • Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Cyprus
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Cyprus and prevention before arrival at Cyprus.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Cyprus.