Travel alerts & warnings
Cyprus driving guide.
Cyprus has good motorways between its main cities, while village streets and mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Driving is straightforward outside busy town centres, but crossing between the Republic of Cyprus and the island’s north requires extra insurance and rental checks.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- April to June…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
- Cyprus is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- United Nations Buffer Zone
- Do not try to enter the United Nations buffer zone anywhere other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.
- Armed Conflict
- Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there were significant disruptions to commercial flights.
- A drone struck a building on the British Sovereign Base Area on Cyprus on March 2, 2026.
Driving there
Your permit in Cyprus
- Cyprus honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Cyprus
Road rules
Seat belts are compulsory, and using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited. The usual blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, with a lower 0.02% limit for certain drivers, including those licensed for less than three years; avoid alcohol before driving.
Speed limits
In the Republic of Cyprus, standard limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on other roads and 100 km/h on motorways, unless signs say otherwise. Motorways also have a 65 km/h minimum speed under normal conditions. Speed cameras operate, including at urban junctions.
Tolls and motorway travel
There are no road tolls in the Republic of Cyprus. Motorways connect Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and the Ayia Napa area, but roadside motorway services are limited; plan fuel and rest stops near exits.
Fuel
Unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available in towns and along main routes. Many stations have automated payment terminals for use outside staffed hours. Fill up before exploring the Troodos Mountains or remote western areas, and confirm your rental’s fuel type.
Rentals, documents and police checks
Carry your original driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit, identification, rental agreement and insurance documents for police checks. Rental age and licence-holding requirements vary. Before crossing the Green Line, obtain the rental company’s permission and confirm insurance: additional third-party cover for the north does not necessarily cover damage to or theft of your rental car. Use authorised crossing points.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Cyprus
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park
Paphos · About 10–15 minutes from central Paphos.
Explore outstanding Roman mosaics and ancient ruins beside the harbour; park nearby and continue on foot.
Kourion
Limassol district · About 25–30 minutes from central Limassol.
A spectacular ancient theatre and mosaic-filled buildings overlook the coast, with parking near the archaeological site.
Troodos Square and Mount Olympus area
Troodos Mountains · About 60–75 minutes from Limassol to Troodos Square.
Pine forests, mountain viewpoints and walking trails offer a cooler alternative to the coast; winter snow can bring road restrictions.
Pano Lefkara
Larnaca district · About 35–45 minutes from Larnaca.
A traditional stone village known for lace and silverwork; use parking at the village edge rather than entering its narrow lanes.
Cape Greco
Famagusta district, near Ayia Napa · About 50–60 minutes from Larnaca.
Coastal viewpoints, sea caves and walking trails make this a rewarding peninsula drive; stay on designated roads and away from cliff edges.
Larnaca Salt Lake and Hala Sultan Tekke
Larnaca · About 10–15 minutes from central Larnaca.
Combine a lakeside walk with a visit to the historic mosque; flamingos are most likely during the wetter winter months.
Heading to Cyprus?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.