There are some important laws that tourists in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, need to know and remember during their time here.
These include the laws surrounding driving after consuming alcohol or drugs and the age of consent in Cyprus.
Read on because Share Ayia Napa has all the details you need!
Drink Driving or drinking under the influence of drugs in Ayia Napa.
In Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the police are empowered to carry out random breath tests, and anyone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol (0.05% / 50mg per 100ml and over) or drugs may be subjected to a blood test.
In terms of alcohol, anything more than a tiny beer can put you over the limit.
Driving while over the limit can mean a significant fine of €100 upwards. Due to this, our advice is to avoid driving at all if you are drinking. This includes all road vehicles, including beach buggies, quad bikes, and mopeds.
We also recommend not riding a push bike either after drinking.
Texting while driving in Ayia Napa
As in all European countries, it is dangerous and illegal to text while you are driving in Ayia Napa.
That said, we know it’s tempting, but please don’t!
Keep in mind there are so many people crossing the roads while at the same time, most people are tourists who are probably not concentrating as much as they would at home.
In addition, other drivers and even yourself may not be familiar with driving on the left-hand side of the road (which we do here in Cyprus!).
You’ll end up with a nasty fine if you are caught texting while driving and if you hit someone, then things will get very serious, very quickly!
Know the law when it comes to drugs in Ayia Napa.
It’s important to know that there is a very low tolerance for drugs in Cyprus.
Due to this, it’s not hard to find yourself behind bars, even for tiny quantities of drugs such as cannabis and coke.
Even a minimal amount of drugs can lead to severe “possession with intent to supply” allegations against you.
In addition, drug-related custodial sentences in Cyprus are much harsher than in places such as the UK, even for a first offence.
The use of a controlled substance in Cyprus is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
What about “Birthday Balloons”?
If you don’t know, “Birthday Balloons” are filled with nitrous oxide.
These are often sold to people partying in Ayia Napa, and while they may not seem too serious, they can be very dangerous.
This explains why the authorities in Ayia Napa are trying their best to clamp down on the sale and use of these items.
In 2023, Cyprus warned all visitors about a new law which could land them in prison for the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Age of consent in Ayia Napa and sexual offences.
Possibly, the most important laws for tourists in Ayia Napa are related to sexual harassment and the age of consent.
It’s interesting to note that the age of consent in Cyprus varies depending on where you are on the Island!
For example, in the areas of Cyprus that are still under British jurisdiction (the areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, where the British bases are located) and also in Northern Cyprus, the age of consent is 16, but in the Republic of Cyprus, the age of consent is 17.
Therefore, since Ayia Napa is in the Republic of Cyprus, the age of consent is 17.
