MOVING TO CYPRUS

TRAVEL & TRANSPORT

GETTING THERE

There are a plethora of reasons that make Cyprus a very attractive destination. Many who come to visit, have been entranced by the island’s legendary beauty and tranquillity, its rich cultural history coupled with its modern cosmopolitan cities, low cost of living, Mediterranean climate and idyllic lifestyle, and return over time to stay.

Once you have committed to the move, you need to decide on how to get to Cyprus.

Cyprus hosts 2 International Airports, Larnaka and Pafos. There are close to 40 airlines directly connecting Cyprus to most European and Middle-East countries. The Island is 1hour flight from Athens and Egypt, 3 hours from Moscow, 4 hours from London and most European destinations.

Cyprus Airways is the flagship airline and flys from both Heathrow and Gatwick to Larnaca and Paphos.

Please note that the Air Travel market is in constant change, therefore we recommend to contact flight companies for an updated version of flight destinations, timetables and fares. Click here for more information.

DISTANCE BETWEEN MAJOR TOWNS
FROM/TO	Nicosia		Limassol		Paphos		Larnaca
	km	m/s	km	m/s	km	m/s	km	m/s
Nicosia	-	-	82	51	150	94	44	28
Limassol	82	51	-	-	68	43	66	41
Paphos	150	94	68	43	-	-	134	84
Larnaca	44	28	66	41	134	84	-	-
Troodos Mountains via Limassol	78	49	46	29	114	71	112	70
Ayia Napa	80	50	107	67	175	109	41	26
Polis	185	116	103	64	35	22	169	106
Main Airport - Larnaca	49	31	70	44	139	87	5	3
Airport - Paphos	146	91	63	39	15	9	129	81

PASSPORT VISA & CUSTOM REGULATIONS

UK and EU Citizens traveling to and from Cyprus require a valid passport however are not required to apply for a visa. [link to the consulate in London]

It is currently not a requirement for travelers to have vaccinations in order to enter Cyprus.

Click on Consulate General link in UK

 

PLANNING YOUR MOVE TO CYPRUS

The temptation to return to Cyprus and make the experience a permanent one can be very strong.

Once you have made the commitment to immigrate to a foreign country, the very prospect of turning the dream into a reality can be quite daunting. However, with elements of careful forward planning the task can be considerably easier where you can achieve minimal financial and emotional trauma with moving. At the end of the day a satisfactory move will depend on how carefully you plan and organise the process.

We have provided a number of tips and pointers in order to assist with your move.

REMOVALISTS

• Contact several established removal companies and invite them to quote for removal of your goods. [provide link to removalist company ie British Association of Bar Movers Click here

• Arrange an appointment to meet with accredited removalist assessors to discuss your requirements. It is worth going to considerable lengths to locate a reputable firm. It is worth to pay a little more for a professional team to move you. However be sure to shop around.

• Once you have carefully considered all written all quotations and then selected your preferred removalist company, sign and return the acceptance agreement and confirm dates for removal in advance. Removalists costs are normally based on the distance and manpower used for the move, the amount to be moved, number of items requiring special handling, difficulties in parking access throughout the house.

• Carefully peruse the contract before signing and once you agree to all terms and conditions, sign and return the contract along with payment.

• Notify your removalist well in advance of the exact moving date. Keep him informed should the date change.

• There are a number of items that your removalist cannot move for you. Your removalist can provide you with a comprehensive list before you move which will include the following:

• Flammable Gases and Goods

• Explosives

• Toxins and PoinsonsFirearms

• Corrosives

• Radio Active Materials

• Whilst extreme care is taken wherever possible in the handling of goods, there are occasions where goods have been damaged. It is strongly recommended that you arrange appropriate insurance cover. Be sure to check the policy carefully. If the goods require storage expect to pay additional insurance for each month of storage. Most removalist companies will be able to assist with arranging insurance.

• Arrange to cancel all rental agreements, contracts and main services well in advance, ie telephone gas, water, electricity, TV License, IT Connection, milk, newspapers etc.

• Redirect all mail to your new forwarding address.

• Notify banks, doctor, dentist and relevant government departments.

• If you have a pet, contact your vet to arrange all relevant pet passport, documentation along with vaccinations and quarantine requirements. for more information Click here

• Run down food content in pantry and freezer.

• Notify all creditors, friends and relatives and provide forwarding address.

• Supply removalist with directions and street location map, along with any parking restrictions and entrance difficulties that may occur at both locations.

• Arrange for access entry and key to be provided at other end should you not be available at the time.

• Separate all-important documents and valuable items that you intend to take as hand luggage.

• Take down any curtains and or light fittings that you intend to pack.
• Arrange for keys to be provided to the purchaser of your property and also as a courtesy provide the purchaser with a list of primary contacts ie gas company, electrical authority, milkman, news agency etc.

  TAKING YOUR PET ABROAD

  It is possible to take your dog and cat to Cyprus.

  All dogs and cats imported into Cyprus must be subject to six months home quarantine and have had the premises approved by the Department of Veterinary Services, provided that the animal has been transported in a box sealed by an authorized Veterinary Inspector at the Airport of export and accompanied by a certificate that the animal has been kept six months or more prior to shipment where no outbreak of rabies has occurred during the past two years.

  To qualify for the Pet Travel Scheme the animal must:

  - Be fitted with a microchip
  - Be vaccinated against rabies between 20 days to 11 months prior to entry into Cyprus
  - Be blood tested
  - Be issued with an official PETS certificate
  - Be treated against tapeworm and ticks

  For more information contact:

  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food email: pets@ahvg.maff.gsi.gov.uk
  Or call the Pet Helpline: 0807 241 1710 http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm
  Or Director of Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural resources and Environment, Nicosia Cyprus. +357 22 305235

  SETTLING IN
  TIME TO GET CONNECTED

Getting connected to essential utilities is more than often overlooked and can become frustrating when you reach your destination, Cyprus having not preplanned.

The local electricity, water, gas and telephone authority require applicants to apply in person and provide proof of identification. Remember to take a copy of your completed and stamped purchase contract in order for proof of ownership and fast-tracking the application process.

UTILITY AND ENERGY SUPPLIERS CONTACT LIST
Providor	Service	Contact	Details
AHK	Electricity	Nicosia	+357 22 48 2293
		Limassol	+357 25 84 9000
		Larnaca	+357 24 20 4000
		Paphos	+357 26 20 6000
CYTANET	Telephone & Internet Connections	Call Centre	80 00 8080 www.cyta.com.cy
WATERBOARD	Water Supply	Nicosia	+357 22 69 8000
		Limassol	+357 25 83 0000
		Lanarca	+357 24 82 2400
		Paphos	+357 26 30 6271
			www.wbl.com.cy

If you require gas connections in bulk or bottle refer to cytanet yellow pages on www.cytayellowpages.com for suppliers’ details.

GETTING SETTLED

Now that you have taken possession of your new home, it’s time to settle in and make the transition period as trouble-free as possible

Whether the removalists have delivered your shipment of goods from abroad or you are starting afresh with a totally new look home of furnishings, here are some helpful starting tips, which could shorten your acclimatising to Cyprus and ease you into your new surrounds.

Firstly, start before you leave home and come equipped. Necessities such as toilet paper and light bulbs are a good start, as more than likely you are entering your new home that is bare of all essentials. It is also a good idea to bring perishable foods such as cereals, pasta as well as basic cooking utensils and cutlery etc so as you can provide simple foods until you are properly set up with furniture, unpacked and sourced the local shopping precinct for when you can go out and do a proper pantry shop. Once you have arrived you should familiarize yourself with your home and explore all boundaries checking for any safety hazards.

A good way of settling in and getting connected with the locals is to join a local club and or gym. There is a plethora of gyms throughout Cyprus with comprehensive programs on offer. As a newcomer it is advisable to do a little research for comparative prices and membership offerings before you join in order to secure membership most suited to your requirements.

Here are a few further simple hints and tips once you have moved in:

SETTLING IN TO YOUR NEW HOME - CHECKLIST
	Visit the Local Council Chambers and the Cyprus Tourism Organization in order to obtain information about the local area
	Visit and locate your local shops and delis, compare prices for best buys
	Locate your nearest Post Office, Pharmacy and Medical Centre, it always helps to talk to locals for referrals
	Locate local associations, sports clubs and gyms within your area
	Take different ways to and from home to locate the easiest access and shortcuts

 

Pets

You will need to keep your pets in home quarantine for a period of six months after your arrival to Cyprus. Dogs can be walked on a leash during the quarantine period, provided that pet does not come in direct contact with other animals. It is best to keep your dog at home for the first one to two weeks after your arrival. This gives the dog time to settle into its new environment. You should then introduce your dog to the neighbourhood by taking it for frequent walks so it can familiarize itself with the surrounds.

Shopping and Furnishings

If you are starting from scratch to set up your new home with appliances and furnishings in Cyprus, it is advisable to undertake some research so you can save money and time in the process.

When considering the purchase of major equipment and appliances, it is always advisable to obtain more than one quote for price comparisons. You can source contact details for furnishing and electrical appliance retailers and wholesalers by clicking on the cytanet yellow pages. Cyprus Home Search can also assist you as helping you choose the right supplier is just part of the service we provide to purchase a home in Cyprus, just click on the Cyprus Home Search Contact Page to register your enquiry.

You should also ask questions in order to avoid disappointment at time of delivery, as electrical items such as stoves may not include installation and you will need to arrange an electrician, which will be an additional cost. You should also consider the option of purchasing from one major supplier to seek discounts on major goods purchases. You should make a note of the name of the salesperson you initiated the enquiry with and use them as your key contact point. Also make a note of your discussions and their responses and ask

The following questions are provided to assist you in the final purchase process:

SHOPPING AROUND FOR FURNISHINGS AND APPLIANCES
	Is delivery and Installation included in the purchase price
	Does the Item or Equipment come with a Warranty
	Who is Responsible to Repair the Item if Should Require Fixing
	Is a Deposit Required to Purchase the Item and is the Deposit Refundable
	Ask for a Written Quote and ask for the Time Period that the Quote is Valid for -

Once you have finalized the purchase of new furnishings and appliances, remember to update your insurance home and contents policy. Click on the Insurance Pages for details and for how Cyprus Home Search can assist you.