For military wives, girfriends, partners and family

Life in Cyprus is very different from life back in the UK, or in Germany for that matter. While you will undoubtedly have ‘fun in the sun’, a tour here will be operationally focused for most people. There are important jobs to do, which will require commitment and dedication. We are quite a long way from home, some of the accommodation is pretty old and we can’t replicate all of the health and social welfare facilities available in the UK.

However, there are many compensations – great weather for most of the year, plenty of opportunities for sport, hobbies and adventurous training, and many interesting places in the region to visit. There is much for everyone, no matter what age or inclination.

Within this web-site we have sought to provide you with a brief history of Cyprus, detailed information about the Sovereign Bases, housing, healthcare, schooling, etc. I trust that you will find it useful and that, should you be posted to Cyprus, you will have a fulfilling as well as enjoyable time.

If you have not already done so you should ensure that an Application for Married Quarter is submitted without delay. Your application will be acknowledged and you will be placed on the waiting list for a Married Quarter. In order to ensure a smooth passage to Cyprus for your family it is also essential that your Unit completes an “Application for Family Passage” on Form Mov 564 and sends it to the Joint Service Travel Centre (JSTC). Your partner will then receive a package from JSTC consisting of passport applications for your family, medical examination forms and agreement to travel forms. You must ensure that these forms are completed and returned without delay. As soon as a quarter is allocated and not before, a “Call Forward” signal will be sent to JSTC requesting an air passage for your family to fly to Cyprus. On rare occasions some families may have to wait before being able to join their spouses, this depends on the availability of quarters.

Your family will require passports that are in date as well as a status stamp (this is needed to register for employment) - the respective admin sections of the losing units can arrange this. Service personnel do not require passports but are advised to obtain one prior to departure from the UK. You will need one should you wish to visit Egypt, Israel etc.
Passports are also required for civilian flights in the event of compassionate travel.

You will also require a Medical and inoculation proforma for completion by your GP.
Scheduled trooping flights to Cyprus depart Brize Norton on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 0700 so you will need to be at the terminal by 0530 at the latest. Therefore overnight accommodation is normally a requirement rather than a suggestion. Free accommodation is available for duty passengers on production of a boarding card in the Gateway House.

GATEWAY HOUSE HOTEL - 01993 842551 Ext 320/321

You will be called from your room in time for breakfast and then to catch the bus to the terminal building.

You will need to check your baggage into the terminal the night you arrive so remember to keep back any overnight gear - especially towels - you may require in your hand baggage. Also bear in mind the recent ruling regarding having sharp objects in your possession on board the aircraft.

Hire car parking is opposite the Gateway House building. You cannot leave your car at the hotel or the terminal. Deposit the keys in the relevant box in the terminal building.

The terminal and hotel are manned 24 hours so do not worry about the time of your arrival.

On arrival at RAF Akrotiri it is customary that a member of the unit to which you are posted will meet you. If you are not met, there is transport available to Dhekelia, Ayios Nikolaos, Episkopi and Akrotiri. If you are in any doubt you should contact the clerk of the squadron or department to which you are posted, and they will be able to inform you of who your sponsor will be. Your sponsor will purchase essential items such as tea, coffee, sugar and milk which will be left in your Married Quarter or single accommodation.

Military personnel are to be in possession of their identity card (MOD From 90).

Dependants are to be in possession of valid passports.

NB You will require a full-page birth certificate if you wish to renew or obtain an individual child’s passport whilst in Cyprus (a short page certificate is not accepted in Cyprus).

Passports with an Israeli stamp should be replaced before arriving in Cyprus in order to enable travel in the Middle East. This cannot be done at public expense.