The Republic of Cyprus is a fairly smoking country. Statistics from the last ten years show figures between 30% and 35% — meaning roughly one-third of the adult (or almost adult) population smokes. Of course, smoking is harmful and negatively affects health, but this article is not about that.
Traditions vs. Legislation
Historically, Cypriots have had a relaxed attitude toward smoking. About half of men over 15 are regular smokers, and others see nothing wrong with it. In many ways, Cyprus can be “loosely associated” with the Balkans — especially in mentality. And Balkan countries smoke a lot.
It’s no surprise that the smoking ban in Cyprus was initially met with resistance — or rather, ignored altogether. Once Cyprus became a part of the EU, European laws began to apply to the island, including restrictions on tobacco use in public places. But Cypriots continued to ignore these laws until the government significantly increased fines. Today, Cyprus is similar to Russia: people may not harshly judge smokers, but laws must be followed.
Laws Restricting Tobacco Use
In general, Russians will not encounter any unfamiliar restrictions. Some rules may even seem more relaxed than back home. So, where is smoking prohibited in Cyprus (including vapes)?
- All indoor public spaces: cafés and restaurants, hospitals, airports, etc.
- All places where children are present: schools and their grounds, playgrounds, and similar areas.
- The inside of a car if a child under 14 is present.
Smoking and selling tobacco products to individuals under 18 is also prohibited, but that’s so obvious it barely needs mentioning.
Now, where is smoking allowed (some points may be surprising):
- Any places that do not have at least one wall: beach bars and open-air cafés.
- Areas adjacent to smoke-free zones, if separated by a solid wall with or without a door.
- Beaches and areas near entertainment venues.
- Streets and parks, as long as you stay away from playgrounds.
- Special designated smoking areas in hospitals and similar institutions.
- Hotels, but not inside rooms — only on balconies or in designated areas.
- Casinos, but only in specially equipped smoking rooms.
Overall, the rules are easy to understand. And if in doubt, you can simply follow the example of local smokers or ask a local. Cypriots are friendly and will gladly help a tourist with such a small question.
Fines and Other Penalties
The smoking ban law includes penalties for violations. Currently, the one-time fine is €85 — not a huge amount, but only if you get caught the first time. After that, things can become more serious.
For repeated violations of Cyprus’s smoking laws, a much higher fine may be issued, and foreign nationals may even face deportation and a ban on entering the Republic (following a court decision). So it’s better not to take risks and follow the rules — especially since they are not particularly strict.
Cost of Cigarettes and Tobacco
Cigars and cigarettes in Cyprus are indeed very expensive — not only compared to Russia but even to many European countries! It’s surprising that a third of the population continues to smoke and dedicates a significant portion of their household budget to this habit.
The average price of a pack of cigarettes is €4.5–€5.
Other tobacco products, interestingly, are cheaper. For example, loose tobacco is relatively inexpensive in Cyprus, which is why it’s very popular — many Cypriots prefer roll-your-own cigarettes, easily made with a filling machine. Vape liquid is also not very expensive and is widely available, so you can simply bring your device and refill it here.
Should You Bring Cigarettes With You?
Since cigarettes in Cyprus are expensive, it makes sense to bring some with you — but you must follow import limits!
If you purchase cigarettes within the EU, you may bring:
- 800 cigarettes (4 cartons)
- 400 cigarillos (each weighing no more than 3g)
- 200 cigars
- 1 kg of tobacco
For those entering Cyprus from outside the EU, the limits are reduced fourfold:
- 200 cigarettes (1 carton)
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250 g of tobacco
These limits apply per person over 17 years old, so a minor child can legally help by carrying an additional allowance.
Usually, one carton of cigarettes is enough for the average smoker on vacation, but if you need to bring more, the only legal option is to ask a non-smoking fellow traveler to pass through customs with the extra carton.
There is no real need to bring tobacco or vape liquid, as both are widely available in Cyprus and reasonably priced.
Tip:
If you want to try Cypriot tobacco, it’s best to buy rolling machines and papers at home, as they tend to be cheaper there.
Illegal Stories Involving Cigarettes in Cyprus
It’s important to know the tricks violators use — and avoid them — to stay out of trouble with the law.
Scenario #1: Counterfeit Cigarettes
If you check the news on any Cypriot TV channel or website, you’ll notice that reports about confiscated counterfeit tobacco products appear quite often. Almost every week, police detain people who bring untaxed cigarettes onto the island. Needless to say, the quality of such products — despite being cheap — can be low or even harmful to your health.
Scenario #2: Splitting Cigarettes Between Hand Luggage and Checked Baggage
To bring more cigarettes than permitted, some tourists try a trick: they go through customs first with their checked luggage containing one carton, and then again with their hand luggage where they hide another carton. This is, of course, illegal and can lead not only to a large fine but also to more serious consequences.
So, cigarettes in Cyprus are very expensive, and on holiday it’s worth either reducing your usual consumption or bringing a small supply with you. Just remember the local laws and do not break them. They are quite lenient, and overall, smoking in Cyprus is widespread — nobody condemns smokers or “wages war” against them.
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