Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cyprus
Cyprus is known for its beaches, archaeological sites and its delicious food.
Along with its beaches, the island has a mountain range perfect for skiing and other winter sports, and one of the world’s top 10 shipwreck diving sites is located off its Eastern coast. The countryside is dotted with ancient ruins, castles, and cathedrals. With so many different attractions to visit, Cyprus is the perfect vacation destination.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cyprus?
Do I Need a Visa for Cyprus?
What is the Climate Like in Cyprus?
How Safe is Cyprus?
Visiting History at Ancient Kourion
What Should I Pack for Cyprus?
Canadian Embassy in Cyprus
Do I Need Vaccines for Cyprus?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cyprus. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cyprus: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cyprus |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cyprus |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
There are hospitals and private clinics available all around the island. In the northern region, controlled by Turkish Cypriots, medical care is sub-average.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Cyprus?
With a valid passport, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for business and tourism stays under 90 days. If you require a visa to enter the Schengen Zone, then chances are you may need one to enter or travel through Cyprus. A visa for Cyprus is not a valid Schengen Zone visa, they are 2 separate visas you must apply for.
Cyprus Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cyprus? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Cyprus and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Entering the country in the northern region controlled by Turkish Cypriots is not considered legal entry. To visit Cyprus, enter only through the Larnaca and Paphos airports or through the Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos seaports.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Cyprus?
Cyprus has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures year-round. The summers are long, from May to October, and have low humidity with plenty of sunlight. Winters tend to have a higher humidity, and rain rains are more common.
On the central plain and coastline average summer temperatures are around 29 degrees Celsius. Often, in coastal areas, there is a cool breeze to offset the warmth, especially at night. During the winter, the temperature in this region is usually around 10 degrees.
Cyprus also boasts a mountain range called the Troodos Mountains. Here, the summer temperatures are more likely to stay around 24 degrees. In winter, snow and cold weather are common. The mountains are the only place in Cyprus where you might experience winter snow.
How Safe is Cyprus?
Cyprus is a relatively safe country. There is a threat of pick-pocketing, especially for tourists or the visibly affluent. Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, and avoid isolated areas. Crime is more prevalent in nightclubs. Foreigners may be forced to pay inflated prices or be otherwise swindled.
Due to conflict with Türkiye, there is a U.N. buffer zone between the Turkish and Cyprian parts of the country. Never cross this zone, except at designated crossing points.
Visiting History at Ancient Kourion
The remains of an ancient Cyprus city, Kourion is one of the most-visited archeological sites in Cyprus. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of its best-known structures are the theater and the House of Eustolios, which have well-preserved mosaics.
The site is large enough that it could take hours to explore. Situated on a coastal cliff, the site offers views of the Cyprus countryside and the Mediterranean. The combination of the history and the beauty of the location makes this a top tourist spot in Cyprus.
To visit Kourion, you should start from the city of Limassol, 12 kilometres away. This city has its own cultures and history to explore as well, especially the old town district.
What Should I Pack for Cyprus?
Before you travel to Cyprus, you should make sure you have all the essentials to make your trip as fun as possible.
- Modest Church Outfits – If you’re planning on visiting any of the beautiful historical churches in Cyprus, you’ll need to dress modestly. Wear something that covers shoulders, and avoid wearing shorts or short skirts.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses – The sun shines for 11 hours a day during Cyprus summers. It’s important to take measures to protect your eyes and skin.
- Mosquito Repellent – There are plenty of biting insects on Cyprus. Good bug spray can help prevent itchy and painful bites.
- Beach Shoes – Some popular Cyprus beaches are rocky rather than sandy. Keep your feet safe with a pair of shoes that you can wear into the water.
- Local Currency – Having local currency on hand before travelling is a good idea in case of minor emergencies. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus’ official currency is the Euro. Dollars can be exchanged for Euros in most major banks.
Canadian Embassy in Cyprus
Before travelling, consider enrolling in the Smart traveller Enrollment Program to notify the embassy of your arrival and ensure that you receive all essential travel updates about Cyprus.
Honorary Consulate of Canada in Nicosia, Cyprus
Margarita House,
15 Themistoclis, Dervis Str. Suite 402,
4th Floor, 1066 Nicosia, Cyprus
Tel.: (357-22) 775-508
The Turkish Cypriot government controls the northern region of the country. This area is a self-declared state, but is only recognized by Türkiye. There is no official Canadian presence in Northern Cyprus.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cyprus
“I went to this clinic because I was short on time, and needed a Typhoid vaccine for my trip to Cyprus and the Med. The RN who did my consultation was knowledgeable, friendly, and understanding of my fear of needles. She got right to the point, and didn’t over-prescribe vaccines. They look at where you’re going, what you’re doing, how long you are there, as well as your vaccination history. The RN told me exactly what I should get, and what I should think about but don’t necessarily need. She gave me options and didn’t pressure me into getting more than what was reasonable. Would definitely go back for future travel vaccinations.”
“Great experience. The staff is very knowledgeable and provided excellent service. I received all the info I needed and explained everything for Cyprus very well and even learned more while I was there. I will recommend to others.”