Australian High Commission

Cyprus

High Commission address: Level 2, 4 Annis Komninis Street, Nicosia - Telephone: 2275 3001 - Fax: 2276 6486

Services for Australians Overseas

What we can and cannot do

Assisting Australians overseas within limits, a link to the 'Smartraveller' internet site.

Travel information for Australians

Get the latest travel advisories and other traveller hints from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Passports

Apply for a passport online. Please call the Australian High Commission by calling +357 2275 3001 if you have any futher questions regarding Australian passports.

On-line registration for Australians overseas

We encourage use of this online registration service by Australians planning to reside overseas for extended periods, and those travelling to locations where there are security risks. The information you provide is held in the strictest confidence, and is primarily used in the event of an emergency.

Living in country

Purchasing property in northern Cyprus

Purchasers of property in northern Cyprus may face legal proceedings in the courts of the Republic of Cyprus due to claims by Greek Cypriots that much of the land and buildings belonged to them before the Turkish invasion of 1974. Under laws which came into effect in 2006, the Republic of Cyprus made it a crime to buy, sell or rent property in Cyprus without the consent of its owner. An international court case determined in January 2010 made it possible for Greek Cypriot owners of property in northern Cyprus to enforce judgements against purchases within the European Union (EU). Australians contemplating the purchase of property should therefore ensure that they obtain independent legal advice before signing any kind of contract.

Australians crossing from the north to the south may have their baggage searched at checkpoints by Republic of Cyprus authorities searching for, amongst other things, documents relating to property purchases in the north which it deems illegal. If found, the originals of such documents may be seized and used as evidence in legal proceedings against the bearer or others involved in the transaction. There are also strict limits on the value of goods purchased in the north which may be brought back to the south.

Elections

Victorian State Election

The Victorian State Election will be held on 27 November 2010. Further information is available at the web site for the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) at www.vec.vic.gov.au. Electors can also contact the VEC directly by e-mail (cpc@vec.vic.gov.au), or facsimile (+61 3 9299 0595).

Former residents

A gateway to information about Australian benefits, payments and services.

Centrelink International Services

Provides information about Centrelink International Services, the area of Centrelink responsible for delivery of social welfare payments to customers who are outside of Australia for 13 weeks or more.

Returning to Australia

Handy information for Australians or residents returning from a holiday or moving back to Australia.

Taking cats and dogs to Australia.