Practical North Cyprus Information

If you’re considering visiting beautiful North Cyprus for the first time you may have a number of general questions about what to expect from the island.

Often we’re asked about passport and visa requirements, the currency, crossing the border to the South, health requirements etc.: this article should cover these points and more for the benefit of all those considering visiting this stunning Mediterranean haven.

These details are believed to be correct at the time of publishing this article but may be subject to change.

Passport & Visa Requirements

If you’re a British passport holder with at least 6 months left to run on your passport you can enter Northern Cyprus. When you arrive at the airport or the Green Line you can fill in a small visa form with your name, nationality and passport number and this can be stamped. If you don’t fill in this visa form your passport will be stamped.

Some people say that if you have a stamp from Northern Cyprus in your passport you will be unwelcome in Greece or The Republic of Cyprus. We have no evidence that this was ever the case and it certainly is not the case today. Just as the Turkish Cypriots are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, so the Greek and Greek Cypriot people are welcoming too.

If you’re a resident of another European Union country you will be allowed to enter Northern Cyprus with a valid passport but do remember that at the moment those who fly to Ercan have to land at a Turkish mainland airport first, and Turkish passport and visa requirements may differ.

Other nationalities may require a visa to enter Northern Cyprus.

You can get complete and up to date information from the offices of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in London, telephone 020 7631 1930 or from the Turkish Tourist Office for Turkey, telephone 020 7629 7771.

Health Requirements

If you’re visiting Northern Cyprus from the UK or another European country you do not need any special vaccinations or inoculations before you come. There are some mosquitoes and other annoying bitey insects in North Cyprus just like there are in any hot destination. These are not malaria carrying and can be dissuaded from biting with insect repellant! If you want to have official confirmation of this information speak to your local GP, he should be aware of any updates to this information if the situation ever changes.

Drinking the Water

From personal experience I would neither recommend you drink tap water in North Cyprus, but neither would I say it will kill you if you do! Stick to drinking bottled water and you will avoid any potential health problems, but don’t be afraid to clean your teeth with tap water.

The Currency

The currency is the Turkish Lira...in 2005 Turkey and North Cyprus knocked off a whole load of zeros from the currency and the NEW Turkish Lira was born! Exchange rates fluctuate but on the whole the currency is now very stable.

If you arrive with just sterling, euros, US dollars or even Cyprus pounds you’ll find that most business owners will happily take the currency and give you any change in Lira. Some people even try to confuse the situation by paying in about three different currencies - don’t worry, the business owner won’t mind too much but the person behind you in the queue might! You’ll probably get better exchange rates at any of the many banks and exchange offices in North Cyprus though.

Credit Cards & Cash Point Machines

The larger shops, businesses and restaurants will usually accept most major credit cards but you will likely be charged a small fortune in commission. There are many cash point machines all over the main towns in North Cyprus from which you can draw cash with all major credit cards as well as Switch, Maestro and the like. It is mainly a cash economy and if you’re making a large purchase you’ll get a better deal if you pay in cash.

Disabled Visitors

Some of the larger more established hotels have some facilities for disabled visitors but most only stretch as far as having wheelchair access and lifts to higher floors. Many Northern Cyprus pavements and roads are in need of a facelift to allow for the easy use of wheelchairs or for those who find walking difficult. Money is being invested heavily into this beautiful part of the world to make it more accessible to all, but at the moment it can be difficult for the less physically able visitor. Having said this, you will meet so very many people willing and keen to assist you that you may be overwhelmed with their kindness and this may make up for things a little.

Crossing the Green Line

There are several places all along the border that you can cross backwards and forwards between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. The main ones are in Famagusta and then at Ledra Palace and Metehan in Nicosia (or Lefkosia). EU passport holders can enter the South with a valid passport, other passport holders will need to contact the Cypriot or Greek embassy or consulate in their country of domicile.

You will have your passport checked on the Turkish Cypriot side of the Green Line and you will sometimes have your passport checked on the Greek Cypriot side depending on who is on duty! There are limits to the amount of ‘stuff’ you can import or export...limits are placed on cigarettes, alcohol etc., but if you are simply crossing to visit the shops or do some sightseeing you are unlikely to be affected by this limit.

Crossing is very easy to do, if you’re driving over you’ll need insurance which can be bought at the crossing on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis...whatever you need.

Religious Considerations

Yes, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is officially Muslim - according to the local people though, they are Muslim-lite! You are free to drink alcohol in North Cyprus, women can do everything men are allowed to do! You even see people sunbathing topless on the beaches. Visitors should respect the local people and their beliefs and customs but you will not find your western/Christian ways are affected!

Come to North Cyprus and experience the delights of this stunning Mediterranean island paradise.