Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Andreas KAKOURIS
Embassy: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 462-5772
Fax:(202) 483-6710

Consulate(s) General are in:
New York
13 E. 40th St.,
New York, NY 10016.
(212) 686-6016

Note: Representative of the Turkish area in the US is Namik KORMAN, office at 1667 K Street NW, Washington, DC, telephone [1] (202) 887-6198
US Diplomatic Representation:

Ambassador: John M. Koenig
Embassy: Metochiou & Ploutarchou Street Engomi - 2407 Nicosia Cyprus P.O.Box 24536
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 4536 APO AE 09836
Telephone: 357-22 39 39 39
FAX: 357-2-780944


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Cyprus
Embassy of Cyprus in Washington DC, U.S.A.
Embassy of the United States of America in Nicosia, Cyprus


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Cyprus in 1960 following its independence from the United Kingdom. Shortly after the founding of the republic, serious differences arose between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities about the implementation and interpretation of the constitution. The 1960s and early 1970s saw intercommunal violence and foreign intervention by Greece and Turkey. Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided de facto into the Republic of Cyprus controlled two-thirds of the island and the remaining one-third of the island, which is administered by Turkish Cypriots. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriots declared an independent "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" ("TRNC"). The United States does not recognize the "TRNC," nor does any country other than Turkey. United Nations peacekeeping forces have maintained a buffer zone between the two sides.

The United States regards the status quo on Cyprus as unacceptable and supports efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Successive U.S. administrations have viewed intercommunal negotiations under UN auspices as the best means to achieve a fair and permanent settlement. The United States has urged all parties to intensify their work on behalf of peace and progress.

The United States works closely with Cyprus to advance our shared transatlantic priorities both bilaterally and in the context of our strategic partnership with the European Union, which Cyprus joined in 2004. Our bilateral partnership continues to grow in areas of common interest, such as promoting peace and security in the region, fostering opportunities for greater trade and investment, and protecting cultural heritage. A mutual legal assistance treaty and a Proliferation Security Initiative agreement on ship boarding facilitate bilateral cooperation.

U.S. Assistance to Cyprus

The U.S. goal in Cyprus is to build regional stability through a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus dispute. U.S. assistance focuses on creating conditions conducive to the resolution of the dispute by promoting mutual understanding between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities through support for activities that bring them together to design Cypriot solutions to common problems. U.S. assistance also seeks to address economic disparities between the two communities and promote expanded business and economic relationships between them.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union. The EU's body of common rights and obligations (acquis communautaire) is suspended in the area administered by Turkish Cypriots pending a Cyprus settlement. U.S. exports and projects involving U.S. investment are primarily in the energy, financial services, tourism, logistics, and consumer goods sectors. There may be additional opportunities for investment in Cyprus’ growing energy sector. U.S. imports from Cyprus include agricultural products, salt, and minerals. Bilateral business ties also encompass a healthy exchange in services.

Cyprus's Membership in International Organizations

Cyprus and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Cyprus also is an observer to the Organization of American States.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus is John M. Koenig; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Cyprus maintains an embassy in the United States at 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-462-5772).

More information about Cyprus is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Cyprus Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Cyprus Page
U.S. Embassy: Cyprus
USAID Cyprus Page
History of U.S. Relations With Cyprus
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Commercial Service's Market Research Library
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Cyprus check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (CYP) Cypriot Pound, (TRL) Turkish Lira
Electrical 240 Volts
Telephones Country Code 237, City Code Nicosia 22+6D, Famagusta 23+6D, Larnaca 24+6D



Climate and Clothing: Climate is comparable to the southern Atlantic states. Clothing and shoe requirements are similar to those in Washington, DC. December through March are rainy; summer temperatures often exceed 380C (1000F) with low humidity.

Health: Medical facilities are available. Tapwater is safe.

Telecommunications: Telephone and telegraph communications within Cyprus and to international points are good. There are few telephone links between north and south Cyprus. Nicosia is seven time zones ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Larnaca International and Paphos International Airports, and the ports of Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos are the only legal ports of entry and exit to the Republic of Cyprus. Ships carrying cargo and passengers call regularly at Larnaca and Limassol, the principal southern ports. Ercan and Gecitkale Airports in the Turkish Cypriot area are served by Turkish Airlines but are not recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Visitors arriving in the north are not permitted to visit the Republic of Cyprus in the south. Visitors arriving in the south from abroad can often obtain permission from the Government of Cyprus and from Turkish Cypriot officials to visit the north, but travelers with luggage and those suspected of intending to depart Cyprus from the north probably will be prohibited from crossing. The American Embassy in Nicosia is able to advise travelers of current requirements. Buses and taxis are the only forms of local public transportation. There are no trains on the island. In Nicosia, good taxi service is always available at moderate prices.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco....................200 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250 Grams of tobacco

Liquor.......................1 Litre of Spirits; 750ml of Wine

Perfume....................300ml of Perfune and Eau de Toilette

Goods.......................Excluding Jewellery up to c£50

Cameras...................No Restrictions

Film..........................Reasonable for Personal use

Gifts..........................Duty Free Up To the Amount of Cyl 25

Agriculture items......Refer To Consulate

Prohibited items.......Fruits and Fresh Flowers



Back to Top