Tourists from Israel, Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries are freely entering the Republic of Cyprus, gambling in casinos in the occupied north, and declaring their winnings to customs authorities without issue, it emerged today.
The revelation came during a session of the House Institutions Committee, which discussed the potential lifting of currency restrictions for tourists visiting to gamble within Republic-controlled areas.
According to officials, visitors currently face a €10,000 cash limit, but many choose to gamble in casinos located in areas not under government control. During the parliamentary discussion, it was highlighted that gamblers can leave with winnings by presenting certificates from casinos in the self-declared state when departing through Larnaca airport.
This became clear following questions from MPs Zacharias Koulias, Andreas Pashourtides, Nikos Georgiou and Demetris Demetriou to the Customs Department representative, Mary Charalambous Kliriotou.
Kliriotou explained that money is declared to customs officials by visitors during their exit and entry to Cyprus via Larnaca airport, where they must justify the source of funds. She clarified that tourists can declare winnings from casinos in the occupied territories by presenting relevant certificates.
“There is free movement of capital, as long as they declare it properly,” Kliriotou stated during her presentation.
However, the proposed law amendment to lift the €10,000 cash restriction for visitors to Republic-controlled casinos appears unlikely to gain support.
Pantelis Christofides, a legal expert who chairs the Cyprus Bar Association’s committee on preventing money laundering and sanctions violations, said any exemption for gamblers would create inequality and violate the constitutionally guaranteed principle of equal treatment.
The meeting was attended by Grant Johnson, general manager of City of Dreams Mediterranean and C2 Casinos, along with Pieris Hourides and Haris Tsangarides, chairman and director of the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Authority, respectively.
All three officials provided assurances during parliamentary questioning that there is full compliance with the law, alignment with due diligence rules, and that all measures are taken to prevent money laundering.
Read more:
