Travelling to North Cyprus from the south has its rules. South and North Cyprus are like two different worlds, divided by the Green Line – here you will find what applies when crossing between the two parts.
South and North Cyprus are divided by the so-called Green Line, which is closely guarded by military forces. The situation can be more complicated than it seems.
Before you set off by car from the south to the north, make sure your car hire company allows the crossing. Usually it does not, because once you cross, the insurance stops being valid, including your travel insurance. If nothing unexpected happens in the north, you will pass through customs and return without any problems. But if you need medical treatment or have a road accident, things can get complicated, because European health cover is not valid in North Cyprus.
Before you travel, check the current entry requirements for Cyprus on the official Cyprus tourism website.
Crossing usually not allowed
European health cover not valid in the north
EU roaming does not apply in the north
Be careful about road accidents in North Cyprus. According to the experience of Czechs who have lived in Cyprus for a long time, tourists can end up at a disadvantage when an accident is being dealt with, and it may not be easy to prove who was really at fault. That does not mean, however, that a tourist is automatically to blame for every accident.
When you cross the border, your mobile tariff, which in the south works under EU roaming rules, also stops applying.
Check the hire company’s conditions and the validity of your insurance, and always document any accident carefully.
In the north it is worth turning off mobile data – EU roaming does not apply there.
Although travelling between South and North Cyprus can be complicated, there is a simple alternative for the curious: the pedestrian crossing on Ledra Street in the centre of Nicosia.
The main street, Ledra Street, full of cafés, restaurants and shops of well-known brands, leads you to the border crossing. Then you enter another world, where the atmosphere and the look of the city change dramatically. After the crossing you lose your health cover and your European mobile tariff, but in a few hours nothing is likely to happen to you.
At the crossing you will need a valid travel document.
If you have ever dreamed of travelling to another world, don’t be afraid to try crossing into north Nicosia. It is not literally like stepping through a Stargate, but it still has its charm.
On the northern side, be sure to visit the caravanserai with its mosque, Büyük Han, where you can enjoy Turkish tea or a meal at reasonable prices.
Don’t forget to have a look at the little shops on the gallery – you will find great local products there.
One of the unforgettable experiences in north Nicosia is a visit to the Selimiye Mosque, the former Gothic Cathedral of St Sophia, which was converted into a mosque. The combination of architectural elements makes an incredibly fascinating impression.
Stay in the tourist area and follow the rules for entry.
Take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
Another way to visit part of North Cyprus without stress is an optional excursion to the charming harbour town of Kyrenia (Girne) and the magical Bellapais Abbey, which tour operators usually offer as standard.
If you would like to get to know both the southern and the northern part of Cyprus, don’t hesitate to set aside a separate holiday for each side. With a tour operator you can be sure your trip will go smoothly.
On an excursion with a tour operator you don’t have to deal with a car, insurance or the border.
The south and the north are so different that each side deserves a trip of its own.
Trips I recommend as a tour rep. You book through GetYourGuide and the guides mostly speak English.
With a tour operator your flight, transfer and insurance are sorted – to the south and to the north.
Only if the hire company explicitly allows it. Usually it does not, because once you cross, the insurance stops being valid.
No. European health cover (EHIC/GHIC) is not valid in North Cyprus – check the territorial cover of your travel insurance before you travel.
On foot through the crossing on Ledra Street in Nicosia, with a valid travel document.
No, EU roaming does not apply there. It is worth turning off mobile data.
An optional excursion with a tour operator to Kyrenia and Bellapais Abbey.
The south and the north of Cyprus are two different worlds – with a little preparation you can enjoy both.
