The Protocol Department

The Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as the State Protocol for the Republic of Cyprus, and as such has a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including the following: 

― Oversees the application of diplomatic privileges and immunities, as well as of fiscal privileges afforded to foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions, International Organisations and their representations in Cyprus, as well as to their staff, on the basis of obligations emanating from international conventions, multilateral and bilateral agreements, international practice and national law. 

― Handles the granting of agrément to proposed Heads of Missions and arranges for the accreditation/registration of members of staff of foreign Diplomatic and Consular Missions and of International Organisation representations in Cyprus. 

― Organises accreditation and farewell visits by Ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary, including ceremonies for presentation of Credentials, in cooperation with the Mission concerned. 

― Renders assistance to foreign Missions in obtaining flight diplomatic clearances for overflight of State and military aircraft, passage of naval vessels, and in obtaining licenses for radio and firearms licences. 

― Plans and organises official and working visits made by foreign Heads of State/Government and by Ministers of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Cyprus, and assists as necessary with private visits and the visits of other foreign officials. 

― Is responsible for the application of diplomatic protocol and oversees the ceremonial part of activities involving the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and foreign Heads of States and Governments and diplomatic representatives accredited to Cyprus. 

― Advises on affairs relating to State Protocol and on issues pertaining to the observance of the order of precedence between foreign Heads of Missions to Cyprus.