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Writer's pictureAlexandros Xanalatos

Is my knife illegal in Cyprus?

Updated: May 6, 2022

A knife is an everyday life tool that all of us use not only for food but for activities like arts and crafts, construction, fishing, hunting or decoration. To regulate this widespread use, the law of Cyprus has categorized certain knife uses as criminal offences and deems some types of knives as illegal under the Cyprus Penal Code carrying fines or even jail time.

So, what are the criminal offences regarding knives?


1) Double-edged knives including swords

Regarding double-edged knives, it is a crime to

  • import them,

  • sell them,

  • display them for selling, or

  • carry them outside of your residence or yard.

Sentence: 1-2 years imprisonment (or any lesser sentence that the court sees fit)



2) Knives outside of your residence

It is a crime to carry both pointed and not pointed knives outside your residence or yard.

Sentences for a knife that is not pointed: (maximum) 1 year imprisonment

Sentence for a knife that is pointed: (minimum) 6 months - (maximum) 1 year imprisonment



3) Knives in festivities, establishments and stores.

It is a crime to carry a pointed knife in weddings, fairs, brothels or bar/liquor stores.

Sentence: 1-2 years imprisonment (or any lesser sentence that the court sees fit)



4) Locking knives

It is a crime to carry a folding knife that transforms through a spring or any other mechanism into a double-edged knife or into a knife with a fixed blade that locks in position. These knives fall under the categories and sentences listed earlier.




If you are found guilty of any of these crimes, any knife that was linked to them will be confiscated!


Of course, simply carrying or using a knife does not make you a criminal! Here is what the law allows regarding knives:


1) Small Folding Knives

a) It is legal to carry a knife that:

  • folds, but does not lock,

  • has a blade up to 4 inches, and

  • is not pointed.



b) It is legal to carry a knife that

  • folds, but does not lock,

  • has a blade up to 2.5 inches, and

  • is pointed.



2) Knives and double-edged knives with a reasonable purpose

  • Decorative knives

  • Knives of a collective or archaeological character

  • Knives dedicated by design or its nature for domestic, professional, educative, sports use or for hunting, fishing and other associated activities

  • Knives that are part of the uniform of any Armed Forces that are legally in Cyprus

  • Any other reasonable excuse that you were carrying the knife for a legal purpose


Please note that Efkolaw is not a law firm and it does not offer any legal advice. Any content hosted on our site is meant to be informative and does not constitute or substitute advice from a qualified legal professional.

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