Traveling to and from Ayia Napa – Protaras
Traveling to and from the Famagusta Region is a fuss-free affair, but we will do our best to answer any questions you may have in mind, through this FAQ post.
Whether you’ve just landed at Larnaca or Paphos Airport, planning for your first visit to Cyprus and Famagusta Region, or getting ready to depart from our sunny island, this guide will provide tips for you to use if needed.
Getting to Cyprus and Famagusta Region
By Air
Larnaca International Airport is the main and busiest airport of the Republic of Cyprus and only a 30 minute ride to Ayia Napa and Protaras tourist area. There are various ways to reach Famagusta Region when arriving at Larnaca Airport. You can use the Kapnos Airport Shuttle Bus leaving from the bus station, only a few steps from the Arrival gate of Larnaca Airport. You can also use a taxi or even rent your own car before arrival or even upon arrival at Larnaca Airport.
Paphos airport is the second airport of the Republic of Cyprus and lies at a distance of approximately 140 kilometers from Famagusta Region. The easiest way to enjoy your holidays in Famagusta Region when flying to Cyprus at Paphos airport, is renting a car, in order to have the convenience of touring all the beauties of the island. You can also use a taxi to Ayia Napa and Protaras, but the ride duration will be around 2 hours and will cost more than 100 euros. There is no direct bus connection between Paphos Airport and Famagusta Region, but you can use the Kapnos Airport Shuttle from Paphos Airport to Larnaca Airport and then get on Kapnos Shuttle Bus from Larnaca Airport to Ayia Napa and Protaras. You can also use Paphos Bus service and Intercity Buses, but keep in mind that all bus alternatives from Paphos Airport to Famagusta Region will take up to 5 hours.
By Sea
You can also reach the Republic of Cyprus by sea, through the Port of Limassol or Larnaca. During the past few years significant cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celestyal cruises e.a depart or use Port of Limassol as a port of call for their luxurious cruises in the Mediterranean.
If you live in an EU country and want to include Cyprus in your Road Trip vacation, you can drive your car to Piraeus, Greece and embark on the ship that connects Athens (Piraeus) with the Port of Limassol, during summer months.
Important note: In Cyprus, we drive on the left-hand side of the road like in the UK and overtake on the right.
Language
The language everyone speaks in Cyprus is Greek, but almost all are fluent in English as well. You can also find people working in the tourism industry that speak German, French, Russian e.a.
Currency
As a member of the European Union and the Eurozone, the currency in the Republic of Cyprus is Euro. You can always exchange any currency into Euro, in various places all over Ayia Napa and Protaras.
Do I need a visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus?
Most countries do not require a visa for entry in the Republic of Cyprus. For a list of countries that require a valid Visa for entry, you can check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website. You can also check out countries which do not need to have a Visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus, here.
VAT Tax Refund
If you are leaving the European Union and live outside it, you are entitled to a refund on the value-added tax paid on all merchandise purchased within the EU. Make sure when you purchase items, to request for a tax refund check. Note that there is a limited amount per receipt to be entitled to a refund.
For merchandise carried on board
On your way to the gate, please stop at the Customs Office, which is near the Boarding Pass Control point. After obtaining the required Customs stamp, you can get your VAT refund (minus a service fee), at either Global Blue or Planet Tax Free offices, which are located before the Passport Control booths (Immigration).
For merchandise carried within your checked luggage
Before you check-in your luggage at your airline’s counter, make sure you visit the Customs Office to obtain the necessary Customs stamp. The Customs Officer may request to check the items you have purchased.
The VAT refund can be collected at either Global Blue or Planet Tax Free offices, as mentioned for merchandise carried on board.
For more information, please contact:
Global Blue
Tel.+357 24 008760 / +357 96638878 (Russian speaking)
Email:info@global-blue.com
Planet Tax Free
Tel. +357 24 008715 / +357 24 828484
Email: office.cy@planetpayment.com
Power Plug
In Cyprus, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type G are used(three rectangular prongs that form an isosceles triangle). The standard voltage is 240 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
Accessibility
Cyprus caters to diverse tourist needs such as the elderly, wheelchair users and people with disabilities.
