Visiting Cyprus and want to drive? An EU licence is valid as it is. Most other licences are valid for 30 days, or for your whole stay with an international driving permit. Cyprus drives on the left, and if you plan to cross to the north you will usually need separate car insurance. This guide covers licences for visitors, renting a car and driving across the Green Line.
Last checked: 19 October 2026, against the Driving Licence Law (Law 94(I)/2001, article 45) on CyLaw, the Road Transport Department's (RTD) licence pages, the EU Green Line Regulation's list of crossing points and the UK government's travel advice for Cyprus.
Can I drive in Cyprus with a foreign licence?
Yes, for a limited time. It depends on who issued your licence:
| Your licence | How long you can drive on it |
|---|---|
| EU country | As long as it is valid |
| Country on the exchange list, such as the UK, the US, Canada or Russia | Up to 6 months |
| Any other country | Up to 30 days, or your whole visit with an international driving permit |
Your licence must be valid and cover the type of vehicle you drive. Renting a scooter or motorbike? See motorcycle licence categories. Not sure which group your country is in? Check it here:
Can I exchange my licence?
Choose the country that issued your driving licence to see which rule applies
Do I need an international driving permit in Cyprus?
You need an international driving permit (IDP) if your licence is not from the EU or the exchange list and you will drive for more than 30 days. With an IDP you can drive for your whole stay, as long as the permit is valid.
- Get it at home, before you travel. An IDP is issued in the country that issued your licence.
- Carry both. The IDP is a translation of your licence, so it is valid only together with your national licence.
Moving to Cyprus? The rules are different
The limits above are for visitors. Once you live in Cyprus, you need a Cyprus licence:
- EU licence: keep using it. You can exchange it after six months if you want to.
- Exchange-list licence: valid for your first six months, then exchange it. You can apply once you have lived here for 185 days.
- Other licences: an IDP does not replace a Cyprus licence for residents. You need to take the theory exam and the practical test.
Our guide to exchanging a foreign licence explains the documents and fees. If you have to take the tests, see the learner licence guide and practise the road signs with the free signs test. The theory exam is oral: the examiner shows you signs and you say what they mean.
Renting a car in Cyprus
- Age. The minimum age is set by each rental company, not the law. Many set it at 25 or charge younger drivers extra.
- Red plates. Rental cars have red number plates, so other drivers can tell. See Cyprus number plates explained.
- Driving on the left. Cars are right-hand drive and roundabouts go clockwise. Read our guide to road rules and priority before your first drive, and see the Highway Code and road signs.
- Limits. 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside them and 100 km/h on motorways, and a strict alcohol limit. See speed and alcohol limits.
- Accidents. Call 112 if anyone is hurt, then the rental company. Our car accident guide covers each step.
Driving to the north of Cyprus
You can drive between the Republic of Cyprus and the north through the official crossing points (οδοφράγματα) on the Green Line.
Crossing points open to cars:
- Agios Dometios (Άγιος Δομέτιος), Nicosia
- Astromeritis–Zodia (Αστρομερίτης–Ζώδια)
- Kato Pyrgos–Karavostasi (Κάτω Πύργος), also called Limnitis
- Lefka–Apliki (Λεύκα–Απλίκι)
- Deryneia (Δερύνεια), near Famagusta
- Pergamos (Πέργαμος) and Strovilia (Στροβίλια), in the British Base Area of Dhekelia
Ledra Palace and Ledra Street in central Nicosia are for pedestrians.
Take your passport or EU ID card with you.
Car insurance for the north
Car insurance from the Republic of Cyprus often does not cover the north. Check your policy. If it doesn't, you need a separate policy for the time you are there.
- Buy it at the crossing. Insurance for the north is sold at some crossing points, including Agios Dometios.
- No insurance, no crossing. According to the UK government's travel advice, you will not be allowed through a crossing without the correct insurance documents.
- Rental cars. Cars rented in the Republic often have no insurance cover in the north, and some rental companies don't allow them there at all. Ask before you book, and get the permission in writing.
Emergency numbers
Call 112 for the police, an ambulance or the fire service anywhere in the Republic of Cyprus. 199 also reaches the police.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists drive in Cyprus with a foreign licence?
Yes. EU licences are valid as they are. Licences from countries on the exchange list can be used for up to six months, and other licences for up to 30 days, or for the whole visit with an international driving permit.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Cyprus?
Only if your licence is not from the EU or the exchange list and you will drive for more than 30 days. Carry it together with your national licence.
Which countries' licences are valid in Cyprus?
EU licences, for as long as they are valid. Licences from Australia, Canada, China, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the United States and Zimbabwe are valid for up to six months. Any other licence is valid for 30 days, or longer with an international driving permit.
Can I drive a rental car to North Cyprus?
Only if the rental company allows it and you have insurance for the north. Many Republic of Cyprus rental cars have no cover there. You can buy insurance for the north at some crossing points.
Do I need separate car insurance for the north of Cyprus?
Usually, yes. Insurance from the Republic of Cyprus often does not cover the north. You can buy a policy at some crossing points, including Agios Dometios, and you can be turned back without it.
Which crossing points to the north are open to cars?
Agios Dometios, Astromeritis–Zodia, Kato Pyrgos–Karavostasi, Lefka–Apliki, Deryneia, Pergamos and Strovilia. The two Ledra crossings in Nicosia are for pedestrians.