Drive on the LEFT
RequiredCyprus drives on the left-hand side, the only EU country besides Ireland and Malta to do so: a relief for UK drivers but a hazard for mainland EU visitors.
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Country driving guide · 2026
Driving in Cyprus
Everything UK and EU drivers need before crossing the border into Cyprus: 8 legal requirements + 8 other things worth knowing.
8
Required
2
Recommended
6
Good to know
Tick before you go
Pre-departure checklist for Cyprus
8 legal must-haves. Print it, tick them off, throw it in the glovebox.
Drive on the LEFT
Cyprus drives on the left-hand side, the only EU country besides Ireland and Malta to do so: a relief for UK drivers but a hazard for mainland EU visitors.
Full driving licence accepted
UK and EU photocard licences are valid for visits up to 6 months; no International Driving Permit is required.
Passport and vehicle V5C if bringing own car
Carry passport, V5C logbook (or proof of ownership), and motor insurance certificate; UK-registered cars need a UK sticker on the rear.
Green Card insurance for own vehicle
A physical Green Card is required for UK and EU vehicles entering Cyprus. Check your insurer extends cover, as standard policies often give only third-party.
Speed limits
Motorway 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h), rural roads 80 km/h, urban areas 50 km/h: signs are in km/h, not mph.
Strict 0.5 g/L BAC alcohol limit
Blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers and professional drivers); random breath testing is common with on-the-spot fines.
Mobile phone use banned
Handheld phone use while driving carries an 85 EUR fine; seatbelts compulsory for all occupants and children under 5 need an appropriate child seat.
10,000 EUR cash declaration limit
Cash sums of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared to customs on entry or exit from the EU.
Driving rules
Speed limits
RequiredMotorway 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h), rural roads 80 km/h, urban areas 50 km/h: signs are in km/h, not mph.
Strict 0.5 g/L BAC alcohol limit
RequiredBlood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers and professional drivers); random breath testing is common with on-the-spot fines.
Mobile phone use banned
RequiredHandheld phone use while driving carries an 85 EUR fine; seatbelts compulsory for all occupants and children under 5 need an appropriate child seat.
Crossing the Green Line to Northern Cyprus
Good to knowHire cars from the Republic are usually NOT insured to drive into the Turkish-occupied north; you must buy separate short-term insurance at the crossing (around 20–25 EUR).
Emergency number 112
Good to knowDial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire from any phone: operators speak English.
Aggressive local driving style
RecommendedTailgating, sudden lane changes, and limited indicator use are common; rural roads can have potholes and free-roaming goats: drive defensively.
Documents
Full driving licence accepted
RequiredUK and EU photocard licences are valid for visits up to 6 months; no International Driving Permit is required.
Passport and vehicle V5C if bringing own car
RequiredCarry passport, V5C logbook (or proof of ownership), and motor insurance certificate; UK-registered cars need a UK sticker on the rear.
Green Card insurance for own vehicle
RequiredA physical Green Card is required for UK and EU vehicles entering Cyprus. Check your insurer extends cover, as standard policies often give only third-party.
Tolls
No tolls or vignette
Good to knowCyprus has no toll roads, no motorway vignette, and no electronic toll system: the A1–A6 motorway network is entirely free to use.
Required equipment
Warning triangle and hi-vis vest
RecommendedNot strictly mandatory for private cars but strongly recommended and required for rental vehicles; carry one of each plus a first aid kit.
Emissions / low-emission zones
No low-emission zones
Good to knowCyprus has no LEZ or environmental sticker scheme in Nicosia, Limassol, or any other city. No registration needed.
Money
Euro currency, fuel around 1.45 EUR/litre
Good to knowCyprus uses the Euro; unleaded petrol is roughly 1.40–1.50 EUR/litre and diesel similar: cards are widely accepted at fuel stations but keep some cash for rural pumps.
10,000 EUR cash declaration limit
RequiredCash sums of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared to customs on entry or exit from the EU.
Environment
Troodos mountain snow in winter
Good to knowRoads above 1,500 m in the Troodos range can close after snowfall (Dec–Mar); snow chains may be required on Mount Olympus access roads. Check forecasts before heading up.
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Drive on the LEFT
RequiredCyprus drives on the left-hand side, the only EU country besides Ireland and Malta to do so: a relief for UK drivers but a hazard for mainland EU visitors.
Speed limits
RequiredMotorway 100 km/h (minimum 65 km/h), rural roads 80 km/h, urban areas 50 km/h: signs are in km/h, not mph.
Strict 0.5 g/L BAC alcohol limit
RequiredBlood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for new drivers and professional drivers); random breath testing is common with on-the-spot fines.
Mobile phone use banned
RequiredHandheld phone use while driving carries an 85 EUR fine; seatbelts compulsory for all occupants and children under 5 need an appropriate child seat.