Driving regulations for Russian citizens on Cyprus

The Russian Consular Department has clarified driving regulations for Russian citizens in the Republic of Cyprus. Russian national driver's licenses are valid for six months from the date of entry into the country. After this period, residents must exchange their Russian license for a Cypriot one, which results in the Russian document being sent to Russian authorities via the embassy. While Cyprus is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, it has not signed the 1968 Vienna Convention. Although Russian licenses issued since March 1, 2011, comply with international format requirements, the six-month residency rule remains the primary policy for foreign license holders. Older licenses remain valid only until their expiration date. Drivers are advised that while international permits are recognized in conjunction with national licenses, the mandatory exchange procedure remains the standard requirement for long-term residents.