Healthcare & Required Vaccinations Before Travelling to Cyprus


When planning a trip to Cyprus or any other island abroad, it takes some advanced preparation to ensure that you and your family will be safe and healthy and covering for any eventualities that could arise on holiday.

According to the world health organisation, there are no compulsory vaccines, however please see the below table for the recommended vaccinations. If you’re planning on travelling with your pets, please read our list of airline requirements here.

 

Vaccine Required for entry to Cyprus
Typhoid No
Yellow Fever No
Hepatitis A Yes*
Malaria No
Diphtheria No
Rabies No
Tetanus Yes*

While no vaccinations are required to enter the Republic of Cyprus, the World Health Organisation recommends 2 vaccines that are only advisable* while the rest are not necessary or even advised.

Healthcare

EU Citizens Travel Advice

Reduced cost or totally free emergency treatment is available from all public hospitals for EU nationals in possession of an EHIC card in the southern, Greek side of the island.

Please note that even emergency dentists are privately owned and if you get any work done it will not be covered by your EHIC card. Additionally, European Health Insurance Cards are not accepted in hospitals on the Turkish side of the island.

Non-EU Citizens Travel Advice

Third county nationals are advised to take out additional medical insurance for the duration of their stay on the island and are recommended to have access to sufficient funds to cover the cost of all eventualities and receipts are issued along with prescriptions in order to successfully claim the amount back.

There are many private medical centres where health and cosmetics treatments are generally available in main cities.

Eating & Drinking on Holiday in Cyprus

UHT and pasteurised milk are both widely available from kiosks and supermarkets. And despite the islands questionable water drainage during storms and heavy downpours; water is generally safe to drink. However, water dispensers and coolers are extremely commonplace, as many of the locals prefer to drink chilled and filtered water.

Following the EU regulations for food and drink standards means that the standards in restaurants and hotels in Cyprus is generally extremely high. Regardless, the official UK government advise for travel to any EU destinations to exercise caution, as with any country abroad: ensure that all meat and fish has been properly cooked, as souvlaki and lamb dishes are all staples in traditional tavernas.

We would recommend washing fresh fruit from supermarkets before consuming and store everything either in the fridge or airtight containers to avoid ants ruining your picnic.

 

Other Risks to Tourists

During the summer months, the suns rays can reach scorching temperatures. Taking a hat and sunscreen to survive the middle and hottest times of the day is a necessity if plan to visit between June and September.

While locals may like to tell you how much crime has risen in recent years on the island, it’s worth to bear in mind that they are comparing to a time when you didn’t have to lock your front door! Petty crimes are usually opportunist, such as pick-pocketing from an unattended bag etc. so having a cautious eye over your possessions will almost eliminate any possibility of petty thefts occurring on your trip.

Contact us for more information regarding any of the above information, & click to see our recommendations on the top things to see whilst visiting.


 

Read also