Driving to Cyprus

[philly]

Originally Posted by avington

Thanks for the info, I managed to put my case forward to a contact of mine in the EU, confirmed verbally that any form of taxes is illegal and most probably I am correct the taxes are certainly not directed to the government coffers!

I have raised the query and the following reply confirms they are taking it seriously ....

Case_ID: 0297123 / 402889] - DRIVING TO CYPRUS
Friday, 30 July, 2010 14:09

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In the meantime I will keep you all posted, I plan to arrive +/- 16th August at the port of Limassol, I have no intention of paying taxes ... bookmark this thread !

regards ..... avington

ps: If they think ... having been a veteran of the 1974 conflict, customs can line their coffers with my hard earned cash ..... they can think again

WOW I cannot wait to see the outcome of this

Go go go

[AradippouTales]

Originally Posted by avington

ps: If they think ... having been a veteran of the 1974 conflict, customs can line their coffers with my hard earned cash ..... they can think again

Ahh, the Cypriot equivalent of Godwin's law. I'll be stepping out around now.
Mands

[avington]

Originally Posted by philly

WOW I cannot wait to see the outcome of this

Go go go

Thanks will keep you all posted

ps: My car has 24hr video surveilliance (inside & outside) should make interesting video when I drive my car off the ship ... ooops

[avington]

As a follow up to my last comments, I have now received the official directive from the EU in regards driving to Cyprus ....

According to EU law (Directive 83/182/EC), you will not have to pay any tax on your car when going on holiday to Cyprus as long as:

1) you will be bringing your car to Cyprus for up to six months in any one year; and

2) you normally reside in the UK (or another EU Member State except Cyprus); and

3) the car is for your private use only and will not be used for business purposes; and

4) you do not sell or hire out your car while in Cyprus.

You can consult Directive 83/182/EC at
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/...0070101:EN:PDF

For more information on travelling with your car in the EU please see:

EU - Vehicles - Your Europe

We remain at your disposal should you have any further questions concerning your rights within the EU.

With our best wishes,

[Veronica]

Originally Posted by avington

As a follow up to my last comments, I have now received the official directive from the EU in regards driving to Cyprus ....

According to EU law (Directive 83/182/EC), you will not have to pay any tax on your car when going on holiday to Cyprus as long as:

1) you will be bringing your car to Cyprus for up to six months in any one year; and

2) you normally reside in the UK (or another EU Member State except Cyprus); and

3) the car is for your private use only and will not be used for business purposes; and

4) you do not sell or hire out your car while in Cyprus.

You can consult Directive 83/182/EC at
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/...0070101:EN:PDF

For more information on travelling with your car in the EU please see:

EU - Vehicles - Your Europe

We remain at your disposal should you have any further questions concerning your rights within the EU.

With our best wishes,

As long as you don't intend to use your car on Cypriot roads of more than six months a year Cyprus has never taxed. Anyone who lives here for 6 months and returns to the UK for 6 months normally puts the car into a bonded warehouse when they are not here. This has always been the case.
So if you are coming over for a stay of 6 months or less you will not be taxed.
When importing a car permanently you have 6 months to register it and get a Cypriot plate.

[AradippouTales]

Originally Posted by Veronica

When importing a car permanently you have 6 months to register it and get a Cypriot plate.

6 months to start the registration process, not to complete it.

If the authorities can not complete the process, despite the individual providing the appropriate documentation, then the C104 will be extended as required.

Mands

[avington]

Originally Posted by Veronica

As long as you don't intend to use your car on Cypriot roads of more than six months a year Cyprus has never taxed. Anyone who lives here for 6 months and returns to the UK for 6 months normally puts the car into a bonded warehouse when they are not here. This has always been the case.
So if you are coming over for a stay of 6 months or less you will not be taxed.
When importing a car permanently you have 6 months to register it and get a Cypriot plate.

I am sorry to differ with your answer, you might be correct that some individuals are able to drive across Cyprus borders without any problems, but I have heard from friends/associates that have had problems which have only been resolved with "payments" ranging from 200/500 Euros to Customs.

This has also been borne out by the Cyprus Shipping Agent comments "Expect to pay 200 Euros to Customs" Further evidence was borne out by my EU Associate confirming ongoing investigations of complaints from EU travellers having to pay "taxes" to "free" their vehicles from Customs.

So to state that there should be no problems when visitors arrive at the port of entry in Limassol, is somewhat stretching the truth somewhat.

My history with Cyprus goes back to 1972 - 1976 when my military service was extended during the Invasion of Cyprus. So my comments are not from someone who might be labelled as a newbie to Cyprus. Even my close Cypriot friend at the Customs confirm this practise goes on.

No doubt your comments are well intended, I am curious though that you have not commented sooner to my original thread "Driving to Cyprus". None of my writing was to do about importing my car to Cyprus.

I know its hard work Moderating these forums, none of my words are intended to make life harder for yourself, my comments are strictly mine and other distinguished associates, who are trying to make life easier for visitors to visit these beautiful shores of Cyprus, which us British fought so hard to make this land free.

regards avington

[avington]

PS: There is an ongoing challenge to the 6 month rule, as variations from different states range from 3mths to 12mths (UK) There is ongoing discussions to adopt changes to the directive to show 12 months as the norm

[Veronica]

avington

I am not disputing that some people may have been charged a 'tax' but this is not a 'legal' tax.
As I said if you are only importing for 6 months you SHOULD NOT be charged any tax.

Mands,
You are right that it is 6 months to start the process, that is what I meant but it didn't come across as I meant it to.

[avington]

Originally Posted by Veronica

avington

I am not disputing that some people may have been charged a 'tax' but this is not a 'legal' tax.
As I said if you are only importing for 6 months you SHOULD NOT be charged any tax.

Mands,
You are right that it is 6 months to start the process, that is what I meant but it didn't come across as I meant it to.

Thank you for your reply, as I said previously the purpose of this thread was to inform travellers to Cyprus, who wish to bring their cars, to be aware of the possibility of illegal demands for "taxes" at the port of entry.

Hopefully this thread has clarified certain issues that is going on in Customs, and to inform travellers not be frightened or intimidated and to voice their objections if such a problem arises.

avington