Can I set off fireworks in Cyprus?
No for individuals — and firecrackers are banned entirely. Firecrackers are banned in Cyprus: importing, transporting, using or storing them is illegal. Possessing and using fireworks without the necessary permits is a criminal offence under the Explosive Substances Law. A permit to use fireworks is issued only after Fire Service approval; if the site is within 2 km of a forest, the Department of Forestry must also approve. 2025 legislation extended liability to event organisers and the owners/managers of premises. In short: no without a permit.
📋 The rules
- Firecrackers are banned entirely
- Fireworks without a permit = criminal offence
- Permit only after Fire Service approval
- Within 2 km of a forest: also Forestry approval
- Liability also on organisers & venue owners (2025)
🔓 Exceptions
- Licensed professional displays (e.g. municipal) are legal
- Easter: intensified police operations against firecrackers
- Easter bonfires near forests: separate Forestry restrictions
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Under the stricter legislation approved by Cabinet in June 2025, fines range from €5,000 to €50,000, applying not only to users but to event organisers and venue owners/managers. Enforcement is split between the Police and the Mines Service. Beware a myth: "small firecrackers for Easter are a harmless tradition" is false — all firecrackers are banned, and using them without a permit is a criminal offence carrying fines up to €50,000. Tip: leave fireworks to licensed professionals.
📎 Official sources
- Cyprus Mail · fines up to €50,000 →
- businessincyprus.gov.cy · Explosive Substances Law →
- Cyprus Police →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I set off fireworks as an individual?
No without a permit. Possessing and using fireworks without the necessary permits is a criminal offence. A permit is issued only after Fire Service approval, and if the site is within 2 kilometres of a forest, the Department of Forestry must also approve.
Are firecrackers allowed?
No. Firecrackers are banned entirely in Cyprus. Importing, transporting, using and storing them are all illegal. At Easter, police run intensified operations against illegal firecrackers.
Who is liable for illegal use?
Under the 2025 legislation, criminal liability was extended beyond the user to event organisers and the owners or managers of the premises where fireworks are used illegally.
How big are the fines?
Under the stricter June 2025 legislation, fines range from €5,000 to €50,000. They apply to users, organisers and venue owners. Enforcement is split between the Police and the Mines Service.
Are there legal events?
Yes. Properly licensed professional displays, for example municipal or festival events, with Fire Service approval, are legal. For Easter bonfires near forests, separate Forestry restrictions apply on fire-risk grounds.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “fireworks cyprus law”
- “firecrackers ban cyprus”
- “fireworks permit cyprus”
- “fireworks fine cyprus”
- “fireworks easter cyprus”
- “firecrackers fine 50000”