From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Cyprus
Date: 13 Oct 1992 14:19:01 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Cyprus
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Cyprus - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus is located at the 
corner of Therissos and Dositheos Streets, Nicosia, near the Cyprus 
Hilton Hotel.  The Consular Section may be reached at (357)(2) 
465-151.

Country Description: 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 administrative zone supported by 
Turkish troops.  In 1983, this section declared itself the "Turkish 
Republic of Northern Cyprus", which is recognized only by Turkey.  
Facilities for tourism in the southern sector are highly developed; 
those in the northern Turkish-controlled zone, while adequate, tend 
to be smaller and less modern.

Entry Requirments: Tourist and business visas are issued at the 
port of entry for a stay of up to three months.  Proof of an AIDS 
test is required of certain entertainers.  For other information 
concerning entry requirements for Cyprus, travelers can contact the 
Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus at 2211 R Street N.W., Washington, 
DC 20008, tel: (202) 462-5772, or the nearest consulate in San 
Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, or New York.

Medical Facilities: Good medical facilities are available in 
Cyprus.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the 
United States.  Travelers have found that in some cases, 
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  Further information on health matters can be 
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Cyprus has a low rate of crime. U.S. citizens 
can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip 
Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage.  The 
pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Terrorist Activites: While civil disorder is uncommon in Cyprus, 
demonstrations sometimes occur, and there have been occasional 
violent incidents along the "green line".  Terrorist groups from the 
Middle East have occasionally used Cyprus as a site for carrying out 
acts of terrorism against third country targets.

Dual Nationality:  U.S. citizens whom the Cypriot government 
considers to be Cypriot citizens could be subject to compulsory 
military service and other aspects of Cypriot law while in Cyprus.  
Those who may be affected can inquire at the Cypriot Embassy 
regarding their status.  In some instances, dual nationality might 
hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.

Other Information: Since 1974, the Cyprus government has designated 
Larnaca and Paphos international airports, and the seaports of 
Limassol, Larnaca, and Pahos as the only legal points of entry into 
and exit from Cyprus.  These ports are all in the 
government-controlled southern part of the island.  Entry or exit 
via any other air or seaport is not authorized by the Cyprus 
government.  It is possible for visitors to arrive at non-designated 
air and seaports in the northern sector, but they should not expect 
to cross the United Nations-patrolled "green line" to the government 
controlled areas in the south.  Such travel is not permitted by the 
government of Cyprus, even for transit purposes.  Visitors arriving 
through designated ports of entry may be able to cross into the 
north for short day trips.  Policy and procedures regarding such 
travel are subject to change.  The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia can 
inform travellers of current requirements.

Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the 
Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within 
the area.

 No. 92-013