CYPRUS Issuing Authorities Cyprus High Commission 375 Marais Street, Brooklyn, 0181 Tel: (012) 346 3329 Fax: (012) 340 0024 E-mail: pretoriahighcommission@mfa.gov.cy Web: www.mfa.gov.cy/highcompretoria Consular section: Mon-Thur 0900-1000 collections and submissions http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 1 of 11
Visa Requirements Visas are required by SA Passport holders. Passport holders of the following countries Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi and Madagascar do not need to have permanent residence in South Africa to apply for a visa. Procedure for visa application submissions and collections in the Consular Section of the High Commission in Pretoria For your convenience, please prepare your application file in advance and bring all the necessary documents with you. When you submit your application successfully, you will receive a payment receipt with the collection date on it. In case your application does not have all the required documents, we will have to refuse to receive it and we will advise you in writing about the missing documentation. For collection of visas by a representative, an authorization letter duly completed and certified should be presented at the High Commission. A copy of the authorization letter can be obtained from the website of the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus ( www.mfa.gov.cy/highcompretoria). In case you can t present an authorization letter or it is not properly completed, we will be in the unpleasant position to refuse to deliver your passport. Please note that due to personnel shortage we do not have the capacity to answer visa related questions by telephone. Visa application forms, detailed list of required documents and information can be obtained from our website (www.mfa.gov.cy/highcompretoria). Any enquiries can be made by email to pretoriaconsulate@mfa.gov.cy. Submission of consular applications in the Consular Section of the High Commission : The Consular Section of the High Commission will be accessible by appointment only from Monday to Thursday between 10.30-12.30 for submission of consular applications (passports, identity cards, citizenship applications, consular legalizations and certifications). For appointments please contact us directly on 073 3695622, Monday to Friday, during the telephone hours of the Consular Section of the High Commission between 13:00-15:30. Each applicant must make a separate appointment. Couples and/or families are allowed to apply on a joint appointment. In this respect, you are kindly requested to indicate the exact number of http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 2 of 11
persons and applications to be submitted when you call for an appointment. Access to the High Commission is given only to the persons indicated on the list of appointments. Those arriving too late are not allowed to enter and must make a new appointment. You do not need an appointment to collect your Cypriot passport, identity card or citizenship. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Current passport valid at least three months from the date of departure from Cyprus. The passport should have been issued within the last 10 years from the day of entry into Cyprus. 2. Visa application form duly completed and signed by the applicant (parents or legal guardian in the case of minors) 3. Two recent colour photographs (not older than one month) 4. Provisional booking/itinerary showing legal port of entry. Airtickets should not be purchased before the visa is issued. 5. Hotel reservation on a letterhead from the hotel with the name of the applicant and the confirmation dates of stay. 6. Copies of the applicant`s bank statements for the past three months. 7. A recent (dated within one month only) official letter from the employer on a letterhead, addressed to the Cyprus High Commission with proof of the applicants wages / salary. If selfemployed, a letter from the solicitor, the accountant or the bank manager of the applicant. 8. If applicant is a student, an original letter from the school or University addressed to the Cyprus High Commission stating that the applicant is registered at the institution and for the period of registration. 9. If applicant is a minor an unabridged birth certificate should be submitted and in the case that one of the parents is not travelling with the minor, a certified letter of his/her consent at a police station should be presented with a copy of his/her passport. If parent has sole custody, court papers stating this should be presented. 10. If travelling on business or conference, an official letter of invitation on a letterhead with the contact details of the company 11.The Consulate may also ask for a copy of a bank guarantee letter from the host, throughout a visitor s stay in Cyprus, so as to cover the possible cost of repatriation. The authorization letter that can be downloaded off the Cyprus High Commission website is NEW. It must be signed by the applicant and certified. A certified copy of the applicants ID is also required. Previous expired passports may be requested. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 3 of 11
Non South African citizens should have a South African residence permit (or relevant visa) valid at least for three months after departure from Cyprus. Applicants may be requested to personally attend an interview at the Cyprus High Commission Offices Additional supportive documents may be requested by the Consular Officer to verify the validity of the application. If visiting friend or family (additional visa requirements): 1. Assumption of responsibility form fully completed, signed by the host and certified by the local municipal authorities or a certifying officer in the Republic of Cyprus. 2. Certified copy of hosts passport or ID 3. Letter of invitation with full addresses and contact details of host. 4. If host is supporting applicants trip financially, proof of income of host for past 3 months or bank certificate is necessary. 5. Bank guarantee letter, valid for one month. The bank guarantee letter should be stamped as well by the Migration Department in Nicosia (if requested) Note: If application is incomplete for any reason the visa may not be issued or released. The granting of a visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Republic of Cyprus. PLEASE NOTE: *The visa application, the fees and the requested supporting documents, can be submitted with a courier company or through any other person. For the collection of the passport, an authorization letter signed by the applicant should be presented by the person who is collecting. * Remember the applicant may have to come in personally though. *The visa fees are only for the evaluation and the processing of a visa. In case of a rejection of the application, the visa fees are non-refundable. Payments can be made only in cash at the Consular Section of the High Commission (No EFT, no bank deposit and no cheques) http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 4 of 11
Visa Processing Time Applications should be submitted at least 15 working days before travel. Approx. 10-12 working days NO Emergency visas are issued. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 5 of 11
Visa Validity As per dates on application form. PLEASE NOTE : The High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus informs that visas will not be granted to applicants with itineraries including illegal entries from ports and airports situated to the part of the Republic of Cyprus which is occupied by the Turkish troops since 1974. It is noted that the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only recognized Government on the island -member of the EU since 1.5.2004, as well as member of the UN and other International organizations. As a result of the Turkish military occupation, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is not in a position to exercise effective control over the occupied areas of the Republic. The so-called "TRNC" has been condemned and declared illegal and invalid by the whole International Community through Security Council Resolutions 541/83 and 550/84. With the sole exception of Turkey, no state in the world or International Organization recognizes this secessionist entity. Presently, it is possible for foreign tourists who visit the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, to cross to the occupied areas through the 7 crossing points, at their own risk as the area is not under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus. Staying in Greek Cypriot owned hotels in the occupied areas, which are being illegally exploited, would put you at great risk of possible legal action on the part of the owners. Travelers entering the Republic of Cyprus via the illegal / closed airports and ports (i.e. all the airports and ports in the occupied areas), are in breach of the international law of the Republic of Cyprus. Therefore, you are urged to travel via the recognized ports of entry, so as to avoid any possible problems (provided that a visa has been granted to you). The legal ports of entry into the Republic of Cyprus are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos, which are situated in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. Any entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus via any other port or airport in the area of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic does not exercise effective control (Turkish occupied area) is illegal. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 6 of 11
Visa Cost (non-refundable) EURO20.00 Single entry visa (1-90 days) EURO60.00 Multiple entry visa (1-5 years) http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 7 of 11
SA Representative Representation accredited from Athens, Greece. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 8 of 11
Travel Health Compulsory: Recommended Travel Vaccines: None Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio It s easy to fall in love with Aphrodite's isle, where legend has it the goddess of love arose from the waves, and discover ancient sites, wonderful beaches and crystal clear waters. The best holiday beaches are found around Ayia Napa and Protaras, where warm turquoise seas lap gently shelving sands. Water sports, including water skiing and even kite-surfing are offered at the main resorts along with fun-filled water parks and boat trips. Celebrate the feast of Kataklysmos (the Greek Orthodox Whitsun); although celebrated throughout Cyprus, there is special enthusiasm in Larnaca, where crowds throng the shore for water sports, singing, dancing, eating and drinking. Recommended beaches include Geroskipou, Dasoudi, Larnaca, Governor's, Dassoudi Beach and Germasogeia (the latter two are at Limassol). Capital: Currency: Language: Nicosia (NIC) Euro (EUR) Cypriot Greek and Turkish. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas. Dialling code from SA: + 357 Time Zones: Daylight Savings Time: Public Holidays 2018: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) Jan 1, 6; Fe 19; Mar 25; Apr 1, 6, 9; May 1, 28; Aug 15; Oct 1, 28; Dec 25, 26 Side of the Road: Best Time to Go: Left April - May and September - October http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 9 of 11
Best for: Plugs: Drinking Water: Health: Customs: Local Offences / Laws: Travel Tips / Warnings: Greco-Roman Architecture, Mosaics, UNESCO World Heritage Sites 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Square 13-amp three-pin plugs (UKtype) are used Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is available. There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however they are expensive and visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. Normal social courtesies. Beachwear should be reserved for the beach / poolside. Respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. If visiting a Muslim area, women should dress conservatively. Do not photograph military installations or personnel. A licence is required to photograph museum artefacts (this can be purchased from the museum desk). No flash photography is allowed in buildings with murals. There may be limited acceptance of debit and credit cards outside of hotels, due to controls imposed on banks. It is preferable to carry cash. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 10 of 11
Duty Free: Cyprus is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. There are no longer any allowance restrictions on these tax-free items. If you are arriving from a non-eu country, the following goods may be imported into Cyprus by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 1L of spirits (over 22% volume) or 2L of fortified wine or sparkling wine. 4L of still wine. 16L of beer. Goods in addition to the above up to the value of 430 (reduced to 175 for travellers under 15 years of age). Prohibited Imports: Prohibited Exports: Drugs, obscene materials, flick knives and daggers, counterfeit and pirated goods, goods used for illegal hunting of game, and firearms and ammunition. Restricted goods requiring authorisation include plants, animals and animal products, meat, fish, cheese, honey, precious metals, hunting guns and cartridges, sporting pistols and telecommunications equipment. All items prohibited from import are also prohibited from export. Restricted exports include antiquities and wild flora and fauna. http://www.thegsa.co.za/visa-and-country-info/2676-cyprus-country-guide&print=1 Page 11 of 11