Blessed with a strategical location in the Eastern Mediterranean and rich natural resources, the coveted island of Cyprus was successively under the rule of several ancient major powers. Countless extraordinary tombs, ruins, castles and monasteries bear witness today to the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman past of the country. Mostly visited for its year round sunny beaches, Cyprus is far more than just a lazy seaside town. From the Greek culture of the South to the Turkish taste of the North, take a deep plunge into a country offering stunning mountain ranges covered by dense pine forests, enchanting vineyards landscapes, a highly hospitable population and exquisite food.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
CYPRUS – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In Cyprus, health care is usually of good quality if you go to private clinics. But public medical establishments globally provide less good care. Most of the doctors working in Cyprus have been trained in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Nicosia, the capital, hosts quality medical establishments, such as the Limassol General Hospital, the Larnaca General Hospital and the Paphos General Hospital. They provide reliable health care but are very expensive.
In case of emergency in Cyprus, call 199 or contact the emergency services of the Nicosia General Hospital at 22-604000.
The Dena Karacosta Pharmacy, located in the suburban area of Nicosia, is the best address to find medicines of high quality and covered by health insurances. But always bring your own first aid kit.
SECURITY ABROAD
The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the internationally recognized authority, controls the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island. An autonomous Turkish Cypriot administration controls the northern area.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
For police or emergency roadside assistance, dial:
- 199 in the Republic of Cyprus
- 155 in the Turkish Cypriot area
