Cyprus Pharmacy Guide for Tourists 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Getting sick or running out of medication while on holiday in Cyprus is stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Cyprus has a well organised pharmacy system that serves millions of tourists every year, with English speaking pharmacists and 24/7 night pharmacy coverage across all major resort areas.

This complete guide tells you exactly what to expect, what to bring, and how to find a pharmacy at any hour in any part of Cyprus.

Does Cyprus Have 24 Hour Pharmacies?

Not in the traditional sense, there are no permanently open 24 hour pharmacy chains. Instead, Cyprus operates a rotating on call system (εφημερεύοντα φαρμακεία) where different pharmacies take turns being "on duty" each night.

This means:

At least one pharmacy is always open in every major region, 24/7, 365 days a year
The on call pharmacy changes daily, tonight's pharmacy may not be on duty tomorrow
All resort areas are covered, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paphos harbour, Germasogeia, Finikoudes in Larnaca

To find which pharmacy is open right now, use CyNightMeds.com, select your region and it shows the current on call pharmacy with address, phone, and directions.

What Tourists Need to Know About Prescriptions

EU/EEA Citizens

If you're from an EU or EEA country, your prescription from home is valid in Cyprus. Bring the original document. If possible, note the generic (chemical) name of your medication, not just the brand name, the same drug may be sold under a different brand name in Cyprus.

UK Citizens (Post Brexit)

UK prescriptions are generally accepted by Cypriot pharmacists, but for controlled substances (strong painkillers, anxiety medications) you may need to see a local doctor. Most pharmacists handle this situation regularly and will advise you.

Non EU Visitors (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.)

Non EU prescriptions are not automatically honoured. For prescription only medications, you'll need a local doctor's prescription. In practice:

Over the counter medications (pain relief, cold remedies, antacids, antihistamines), no prescription needed, just ask
Prescription medications, visit a private clinic or the nearest hospital emergency department to get a local prescription, then fill it at the night pharmacy

Can I Use My EHIC Card in Cyprus?

Yes, if you're an EU citizen with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you're entitled to state provided healthcare in Cyprus at the same cost as Cypriot residents.

However, EHIC at pharmacies works only for medications prescribed by a GESY (Cyprus NHS) doctor. If you get a prescription from a private clinic or a doctor outside the GESY system, EHIC does not reduce your pharmacy costs.

Practical tip: For urgent prescriptions, go to the nearest government hospital emergency department, doctors there are GESY registered and can issue subsidised prescriptions. Night pharmacy medications with a GESY prescription cost just €1 per medication.

UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card): UK visitors can use their GHIC card in the same way as EHIC for medically necessary treatment.

How Much Does Medication Cost Without Insurance?

Medication prices in Cyprus are government regulated and identical day and night, there is no tourist surcharge. As a rough guide:

Medication	Typical Cost
Paracetamol / ibuprofen (box)	€3 to 6
Antihistamine (hayfever/allergy)	€5 to 10
Antibiotics (course)	€15 to 30
Antifungal cream	€8 to 15
Rehydration sachets (6-pack)	€5 to 8
Sunburn/aftersun lotion	€6 to 15
Children's fever syrup	€6 to 10

Over the counter items are paid in full. If you have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, keep your receipt, most insurers reimburse pharmacy costs with proof of purchase.

What's Available Without a Prescription?

Cyprus pharmacists are highly qualified and can sell a wide range of medications over the counter that may require a prescription in your home country. You can buy without prescription:

Pain relief: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin (various strengths)
Allergy: Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine)
Stomach: Antacids, anti diarrhoeals, rehydration salts
Cold & flu: Decongestants, throat lozenges, cough syrups
Skin: Antiseptic creams, hydrocortisone (mild), antifungal creams
Eye drops: Basic lubricating and antihistamine eye drops
Children's medications: Paracetamol and ibuprofen suspensions, teething gels
Contraception: Emergency contraception available over the counter
Travel: Motion sickness tablets, insect repellent, altitude sickness

By Resort Area: What to Expect

Ayia Napa & Protaras (Ammochostos)

The most tourist intensive area in Cyprus. Night pharmacies here are well stocked for:

Hangover remedies and rehydration (Ayia Napa's club scene)
Sunburn and heat related products
Jellyfish sting treatments (common in summer)
Family medications for Protaras's hotel resort guests

Pharmacists in Ayia Napa speak fluent English and are very experienced with tourist needs. → Find Ammochostos pharmacies

Paphos

Large British expat community means pharmacists are extremely familiar with UK brands and NHS prescriptions. Excellent for British tourists, many pharmacists have worked in the UK or have UK pharmacy training.

Areas covered: Kato Paphos harbour, Geroskipou, Coral Bay, Peyia, Ktima (upper town). → Find Paphos pharmacies

Limassol (Tourist Strip)

The Germasogeia hotel strip has dedicated night pharmacies for resort guests. Staff speak English, German, and Russian. Well stocked with European medication brands.

→ Find Limassol pharmacies

Larnaca (Airport Area)

Critical for late arrivals at Larnaca International Airport. The suburb of Aradippou is just 5 minutes from the airport and often has the on call pharmacy. If you land late and need medication, you can stop on the way to your accommodation.

→ Find Larnaca pharmacies

Nicosia

Less tourist heavy but with the island's most comprehensive pharmacy network. If you're visiting the capital for cultural tourism or a conference, night pharmacies are easily accessible. English widely spoken.

→ Find Nicosia pharmacies

Common Tourist Pharmacy Situations

"I forgot my regular medication at home"

Check if it's available over the counter in Cyprus (many are)
If prescription only: call your GP at home and ask them to email/fax a prescription, some pharmacists will accept this for non controlled medications
For controlled medications: visit a local private doctor (€50 to 80 consultation) to get a Cypriot prescription

"My child has a fever at 11 PM"

Children's paracetamol (Calpol equivalent) and ibuprofen suspensions are available over the counter at all night pharmacies. No prescription needed. The pharmacist can advise on correct dosage for your child's weight.

"I need antibiotics but have no prescription"

You need to see a doctor first. Options:

Government hospital A&E: Free with EHIC, wait times vary
Private clinic: Fast, costs €50 to 100 for consultation + prescription
Some minor infections (e.g., UTIs) may be handled by a pharmacist recommending OTC products if symptoms are clear

"I had an allergic reaction on the beach"

Antihistamine tablets and hydrocortisone cream are available without prescription. For severe allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty), call 112 immediately, this is a medical emergency, not a pharmacy situation.

"I lost my insulin / asthma inhaler"

Bring the original packaging or box that shows the medication name. Pharmacists can usually supply emergency quantities of insulin and common inhalers without a new prescription in genuine emergencies, using professional judgement.

Practical Tips for Tourists

Before You Travel:

Pack enough medication for your entire trip plus a few extra days
Bring a list of your medications with generic names, not just brand names
Download or bookmark CyNightMeds.com on your phone

At the Pharmacy:

Always call ahead if travelling more than 10 minutes, confirm they're open and have your medication
Bring your passport as ID (sometimes asked for prescriptions)
Have Euros or a card ready, most accept cards, but some smaller pharmacies are cash only at night

Emergency Numbers:

112, European emergency number (ambulance, police, fire)
199, Cyprus emergency services
Night pharmacies: use CyNightMeds.com to find the current one

Find Tonight's On Call Pharmacy in Your Resort Area

Use our live duty schedule finder, updated daily from the official Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association schedule:

Night Pharmacies Nicosia (Λευκωσία), capital & suburbs
Night Pharmacies Limassol (Λεμεσός), city & hotel strip
Night Pharmacies Larnaca (Λάρνακα), near the airport
Night Pharmacies Paphos (Πάφος), harbour, Coral Bay & Geroskipou
Night Pharmacies Ammochostos (Αμμόχωστος), Ayia Napa & Protaras

Always call ahead to confirm the pharmacy is open and has your required medication.