Cyprus
Travel Destination – Cyprus
A jewel in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts ancient ruins, golden beaches, vibrant culture, and a mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences. Visitors can explore the walled city of Nicosia, swim in the clear waters of Ayia Napa, or hike the cool forests of the Troodos Mountains. The island’s cuisine is rich in fresh seafood, mezze, olives, and halloumi, which adds to its appeal as a year‑round destination.
Cyprus has a developed healthcare system with generally high standards of medical care, water quality, and food safety. Nevertheless, health and safety planning before travel remains crucial to ensure a smooth and healthy journey.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Cyprus, it is strongly advised that you book a consultation with a doctor to discuss any destination-specific health advice and help ensure you're up to date with routine immunisations.
Most travellers benefit from planning this consultation six to eight weeks before departure, which allows sufficient time for vaccines to take effect and for any multi‑dose schedules to be completed. If your trip is soon, a last‑minute appointment can still be valuable for essential advice on risk mitigation, prescriptions and key preventative health advice.
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation costs is also recommended.
Insect avoidance
In Cyprus, insects such as mosquitoes, sandflies and ticks are present, particularly in rural or vegetated areas during warmer months. While the risk of insect‑borne disease is low compared to tropical destinations, insects have been reported to carry infections in Cyprus, including lyme disease and leishmaniasis.
Preventive measures include using insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long clothing when outdoors, and performing regular tick checks after spending time in nature. These precautions reduce the likelihood of bites and exposure to possible insect‑borne infections.
Food and water hygiene
Cypriot cuisine is a Mediterranean delight, combining fresh fish, succulent meats, mezze platters, and hearty local produce that reflect the island’s rich heritage. Although food safety and water quality in Cyprus are closely monitored and generally high, travellers should maintain sensible practices to avoid gastrointestinal illness.
Choosing meals that are freshly cooked and eating at reputable eateries helps reduce the risk of food‑borne illness. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, or use alcohol based hand sanitiser if hand washing facilities are not available. Tap water in Cyprus is widely regarded as safe to drink, but travellers should remain mindful of personal hygiene and food handling standards to protect against infection, particularly in busy tourist settings or informal food markets.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Cyprus?
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols shed when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It causes fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash. Although Cyprus maintains high immunisation coverage and outbreaks are uncommon, measles can still circulate in Europe. International travel results in higher exposure risk for visitors in crowded or enclosed settings such as airports, transport hubs, and events. Ensure you have received two documented doses of a measles‑containing vaccine such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) before travel, as vaccination offers strong protection.
Influenza
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Influenza is a viral respiratory infection spread through close contact and droplets from coughs and sneezes, leading to symptoms including fever, muscle aches, cough, and fatigue. Influenza circulates seasonally in Europe, particularly during the cooler months, but transmission can occur year-round due to international travel. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for travellers aged six months and older, as it reduces the likelihood of infection and helps prevent severe outcomes, especially in older adults and people with chronic health conditions.
COVID-19
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COVID‑19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus and transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and close contact, especially in indoor or poorly ventilated spaces. Symptoms range from mild respiratory discomfort to severe disease and complications, particularly in older adults or those with underlying conditions. International travel can elevate exposure risk due to time spent in close proximity to others.
Travellers should be up to date with COVID‑19 vaccination in accordance with Australian immunisation guidance, including recommended booster doses six‑monthly for those aged 75 and over, and annually for those aged 65 to 74. Additional doses may be recommended when medically indicated, so discuss with your doctor whether this would be appropriate for you. In addition to vaccination, practising good hand hygiene, considering mask use in crowded settings, and avoiding travel when symptomatic help reduce risk.
Routine vaccinations
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Routine immunisations are fundamental to travel health even for destinations with robust healthcare systems like Cyprus. Diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio continue to circulate globally, and ensuring that your routine vaccines are current reduces your risk of these infections.
Discuss with your healthcare provider whether any boosters or additional vaccinations such as hepatitis A or hepatitis B are recommended. Vaccination recommendations may vary depending on individual risk factors, length of stay, and planned itinerary activities.
Cyprus
Other health risks in Cyprus
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, otherwise known as traveller's diarrhoea, may occur in Cyprus despite generally high sanitation and food safety standards. This condition is often caused by viral outbreaks or ingestion of food contaminated with bacteria. Symptoms typically develop within one to three days of exposure, and may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
Most people's symptoms can resolve on their own within a few days with rest and adequate hydration. Oral rehydration solutions may be appropriate and can help replace fluids and electrolytes. Travellers should seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or associated with dehydration, high fever, or blood in the stool. Preventive practices include consistent hand hygiene before meals and choosing foods known to be prepared under hygienic conditions.
Lyme disease
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Lyme disease is transmitted by infected ticks in grassy or brushy areas and can cause fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive skin rash. Although the risk in Cyprus is considered lower than in heavily forested parts of northern Europe, outdoor travellers should remain aware of tick exposure. Using insect repellent, wearing long clothing in rural areas, and conducting checks for ticks after outdoor activities are important precautions.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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The political situation in Cyprus can be volatile at times. Refer to the Australian government's Smartraveller website for current updates before departing and during travel.
Travellers are advised to avoid protests, monitor local developments, and follow the guidance of local authorities. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying high-value items unnecessarily.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long‑haul flights from Australia to Cyprus may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins due to prolonged immobility. Travellers can reduce risk by moving frequently during flights, performing simple leg exercises while seated, and maintaining adequate hydration. Individuals with additional risk factors may benefit from graduated compression stockings and should seek personalised advice from a healthcare professional before travel.