What to Do in a Medical Emergency in Cyprus
Knowing where to go before you need to is worth two minutes of reading. Here's the short version for Cyprus.
Call 112 for anything life-threatening
112 is the single emergency number for Cyprus — ambulance, police, and fire — free from any phone, and operators generally speak English. Call it for chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, signs of stroke, or any other symptom that feels life-threatening. Don't drive yourself or someone else to hospital in a genuine emergency — call an ambulance.
Government hospital A&E departments, by district
Every district has a government general hospital with a 24-hour Accident & Emergency department. See our full hospitals page for addresses and phone numbers for Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Famagusta (Paralimni).
When a pharmacy is enough
For minor ailments — a headache, a small cut, cold symptoms, advice on medication you're already taking — the on-duty pharmacy in your district is faster and more appropriate than an A&E visit, any hour of the day or night. Pharmacists in Cyprus are qualified to advise on many common conditions and over-the-counter treatment.
Poison or drug information
For suspected poisoning or a drug-related emergency, 1401 is Cyprus's poison and drug information line, in addition to 112 for anything acutely life-threatening.
Does 112 work from a foreign mobile phone or without credit?
Yes — 112 is a free, universal emergency number across the EU, including Cyprus, and works from any mobile phone regardless of carrier or balance.
Should I go to a private clinic or a government A&E?
For genuine emergencies, government A&E departments are equipped for critical care and are the standard first port of call — call 112 and let the operator or ambulance crew advise if needed. Private clinics can be faster for non-critical urgent issues but may require upfront payment, especially for visitors without GESY/EHIC coverage.