Cyprus (Republic of)

History of Relations | Diplomatic Representation | Travel Info | Health Requirements | Climate Info | Currency Info | Trade Statistics | Visits and Meetings | Agreements | Interest Groups/ Organisations

History of Relations

Political Relations between South Africa and Cyprus

Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Republic of Cyprus were established on 10 December 1993. The South African Ambassador to Athens is accredited as the non-resident High Commissioner to Cyprus and South Africa has appointed an Honorary Consul in Cyprus. A Cypriot Consulate General was established in Johannesburg in March 1994, and it was elevated to the status of an Embassy at the beginning of 1999. The first Cypriot High Commissioner to South Africa was accredited in April 1999.

South Africa has aligned itself with the international law on the “Question of Cyprus”, and it recognises the Republic of Cyprus as a legitimate government.

South Africa has excellent and long standing bilateral relations with Cyprus. It has maintained strong ties with the country also due to the large and influential Greek Cypriot community in South Africa. This Community serves as a link between South Africa and Cyprus in both the political and economic fields.

Structural Bilateral Relations

MoU on Political Consultations – signed 2012. A number of drafts MoU are to be concluded.

High Level Visit

During her visit to Cyprus in 2012, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane signed MoU on Political Consultations with Cypriot Foreign Minister.

Minister of Education, Dr Blade Nzimande visited Cyprus and held meetings with his counterpart, Minister Kostas Kadis, in September 2017.

Cyprus Minister of Education and Culture, Costas Hampiaouris visited South Africa in March 2019, and met with her counterpart (then) Minister Naledi Pando to discuss guidelines and measures for enhanced Cooperation in Education.

Trade between South Africa and Cyprus

Cyprus lifted trade sanctions against South Africa at the end of 1993. Normal trade relations between the two countries commenced immediately and the Cypriot business community took a very keen interest in South Africa as a business partner. Trade with Cyprus has increased steadily. Cyprus offers many advantages to the international business sector from countries with which Cyprus has an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation.

Cyprus is an EU member state and adheres to the South Africa- EU Free Trade Agreement. The gradual reduction of customs duties will have a positive impact on South African exports to Cyprus. As a result, the SA/EU TDCA will shortly be binding on Cyprus too.

Current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Cyprus, can be obtained on Cyprus website and DTI (TISA).

Diplomatic Representation

South African Representation in Cyprus 

There is no South African representation in Cyprus, but the South African Ambassador to Athens, Greece is accredited to Nicosia on a non-resident basis.

H E Ms B R Sisulu
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

South Africa also has an Honorary Consul in Nicosia to facilitate consular and other affairs between the two countries: February 2019:

Mr John George Mavrokordatos (from February 2019)

Priamus Audit Ltd
One World Parkview House
75 Prodromou Ave, 2nd floor
2063 Strovolos
Nicosia, Cyprus

South African Embassy

Cyprus Representation in South Africa

Vacant
High Commissioner

Cypriot High Commission

Travel Info

Visa Requirements for South Africans

For more information contact the Cypriot High Commission in Pretoria.

Health Requirements

None for South African travellers.

For COVID specific requirements, please visit www.pio.gov.cy/coronavirus.

For further information go to Travelers' Health, or refer to the Note Verbale from Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs and transmitted to the Desk on 5th March 2021.

Climate Info

Cyprus has an intense Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers from mid-May to mid-September and rainy, rather changeable winters from mid-November to mid-March which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Annual rainfall is 500mm.

For up-to-date weather information click here.

Currency Info

The monetary unit of the currency is the Euro.

For current exchange rates click here.

State and Official Visits / Bilateral Meetings

No Information

Bilateral Agreements

If you have any queries with regard to treaties please contact the Treaty Section of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) at 012 351 1000.

Trade Info

Latest trade information could be obtained from the Mission’s Annual Plan for 2021-2022.

For current information on trade statistics between South Africa and Cyprus, visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa.

Interest Groups and Information

Cyprus-South Africa Business Association

7 38, Grivas Digenis Ave. & 3, Deligiorgis Str.,
P.O. Box 21455,
1509 Nicosia

P: +357 22 889800

E-mail: info@cysaba.org.cy

The Cyprus Brotherhood of South Africa

10, Concorde Road, Bedfordview, Gauteng, South Africa

Tel: +27 -11 827 9925
Fax: +27 -11 827 4187

E-mail: cyprussa@speedweb.co.za

Hellenic Cyprus Brotherhood, Bedfordview

10 Concorde Road
2008 Bedfordview

Tel: +2711- 6157813
Fax: +27-11-8254102,+2711-6166107

E-Mail: cyprussa@speedweb.co.za