How Many Cigarettes Can You Take from Cyprus?
Recently, more and more tourists departing from Cyprus, have been caught smuggling cigarettes.
Most often (almost always), this is premeditated, but just in case, we remind you of the regulations for exporting tobacco products and explain why this is happening.
Why Cigarettes are Smuggled from Cyprus
In Cyprus, cigarettes are generally cheaper than, for example, in the United Kingdom, which accounts for the majority of flights. Some enterprising citizens try to profit from this.
Here are some examples from the past month:
- Two People Detained at Paphos Airport for Smuggling Cigarettes to the UK
- Cigarette Smuggling from TRNC to England Foiled at Larnaca Airport
- Romanian and British Citizens Caught with Contraband Cigarettes at Larnaca Airport
- Two Turkish Cypriots Caught Smuggling Cigarettes from Larnaca to London
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that a lot of tobacco products are smuggled into the Republic of Cyprus from TRNC — where excise duties are not paid, making tobacco and cigarettes even cheaper. In addition, the health warning labels do not comply with EU standards.
How Not to Become a Smuggler
To avoid this, first, comply with the export regulations, and second, do not export non-EU-certified products.
Tobacco Export Limit from Cyprus
The figures below follow an either-or principle; you cannot carry everything together.
- 200 cigarettes (a standard block of 10 packs of 20 cigarettes each)
- 100 cigarillos
- 50 cigars
- 250 grams of tobacco
Tobacco Import/Export Limits for TRNC
If you are crossing the “Green Line” — the border between the Republic of Cyprus and TRNC — the rules are stricter: only 2 packs or 40 cigarettes are allowed.
It is also important to note that it is prohibited to import or export tobacco heating devices, cigars, cigarillos, as well as cigarette and hookah tobacco.
Customs Questions in Cyprus
Are There Any Restrictions on Alcohol?
There are no restrictions on exporting alcohol from Cyprus, but almost every country you fly to have its own regulations. It's better to check at the arrival point. Generally, you are allowed to bring 3 liters of strong alcohol duty-free and another two liters with duty paid.
How Much Cash Can You Take from Cyprus?
The limit is standard for many countries — 10,000 euros. If you are carrying more, you will need to declare it when entering or leaving.
Where to Find Contact Information for Cyprus Customs?
- Customs Department Page on the Government Portal
- Customs phone numbers: +35722601672, +35722601872, +35722601657
- Email: [email protected]
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Author
Born and raised in Yekaterinburg, visited more than 40 countries, lived in the USA for some time, and in 2022, moved to Northern Cyprus. Education: Ural State University (now Ural Federal University), Faculty of Political Science and Sociology. Professional Experience: Since 2008, worked in the…
