Things to know about northern Cyprus before visiting

The birthplace of Aphrodite and the crossroads between three continents, Cyprus has a mystic charm. Even its name hints at the sun, whiff of salty sea air, and leafy trees. Famous for its dazzling beaches, the shimmering Mediterranean, and excellent cuisine redolent of platters of mezé and bottles of sweet chilled wine, Cyprus is simply seductive. Its controversial political situation only adds to its enigma and it is one Mediterranean island to add to your travel wishlist. However, owing to its political situation, it is a slightly confusing place to visit, and here are some facts to know about Cyprus (North Cyprus) before your trip.

One of the sights of Lefkoşa in north Cyprus

Table of Contents

Entering north Cyprus

The political situation in Cyprus is complex. Despite this, nearly 4 million tourists visit Cyprus each year, and only 10% venture across the border into northern Cyprus. The TRNC ( Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is now the de facto state to the north of the UN buffer zone i.e the Green Line. Turkey is the only country that recognizes the state, whilst the rest of the international community considers North Cyprus as part of the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey’s continued military presence as an illegal occupation.

The boundary of the UN buffer zone between south and north Cyprus as seen from the southern side

The last divided capital in the world

Nicosia, the capital city of Cyprus is the world’s only divided capital. It is divided by ‘The Green Line’, also known as the UN buffer zone. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded the north in response to a military coup on the island. United Nations troops still patrol the divide today. The most important airport in northern Cyprus is Ercan International Airport. Despite the embargo on international flights to this airport, there are air services available only via Turkey. The Cypriot government considers entering via Ercan airport illegal. That’s why most people who visit northern Cyprus land at Larnaca in the southern part of the island and cross the border.

Nicosia is Lefkoşa in north Cyprus

The three crossing points between the north and south

There are three official crossings between northern and southern Cyprus. These are namely: Pergamos/Pyla, Ledra Street in Nicosia (Lefkosa as it is called in northern Cyprus), and Markou Drakou or the Ledra Palace crossing. Since we were on an official tour, we had a pre-arranged transfer from Larnaca airport to our hotel in North Cyprus. We crossed over at Pergamos. First, we went through the British Sovereign Base Area (a British military base) before entering the UN Buffer zone. At the Turkish checkpoint, our papers were perused once before we were waved through. It was pretty uneventful and the most important thing to remember is to retain your transfer papers until you are back in south Cyprus.

The ruins of Bellapais Abbey, near Kyrenia

Differences between south and north Cyprus

Owing to the double governance of Cyprus, the island has an unusual monetary system in place. While northern Cyprus recognizes the Turkish Lira as the de facto currency, Euro is the official currency in the south. US Dollars, Euros, and British Pound Sterling are also widely accepted in the northern part. However, it is advisable to pay in Turkish Lira in the north. Card payments are also available and northern Cyprus has many ATMs.

Since Cyprus has two main ethnic groups, each vying for more important than the other, many towns and cities in North Cyprus are known by two names. One name is of Greek origin, while the other of Turkish. For example, Kyrenia is the Greek name of the Turkish town name of Girne. Similarly, Nicosia is also called Lefkoşa.

Inside the Agios Mamas Church, North Cyprus

Cyprus is rich in history

Cyprus has been coveted since ancient times. Numerous foreign invaders have left their marks on the island and its history is both tumultuous and multi-layered. That is why Cyprus’s landscape is strewn with archaeological riches belonging to different eras and cultures in history. There are Neolithic dwellings, Bronze Age and Phoenician tombs, remnants of once-mighty city-kingdoms, Roman mosaics, mountaintop castles, and Byzantine churches – embellished with renowned frescos – lying scattered through the countryside. While strolling the Cypriot cities, one can see the preserved architectural legacy of the Lusignan, Venetian, and Ottoman periods along with graceful British colonial buildings.

Kyrenia is called Girne in north Cyprus

Visas and entrance permits

British, EU and US passport holders do not need tourist visas for North Cyprus entry and up to a 90-day stay is permitted for visitors as per the conditions below. Passport holders from other countries can get detailed information at https://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations/