Border Crossing & Practical Information
Border Crossings (Green Line Crossings)
There are 9 official border crossings between South and Northern Cyprus. The most important for tourists:
| Name | Location | Type | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ledra Street | Nicosia Center | Pedestrians only | Most popular crossing, right in the old town |
| Ledra Palace | Nicosia West | Pedestrians + Cars | Oldest crossing (since 2003) |
| Agios Dometios/Metehan | Nicosia West | Cars + Pedestrians | Most convenient for drivers |
| Pergamos/Beyarmudu | East | Cars | For Famagusta from Larnaca |
| Strovilia/Akyar | East | Cars | For Famagusta from Ayia Napa |
| Astromeritis/Zodeia | West | Cars | For Kyrenia from Paphos/Troodos |
What You Need to Know
- Documents: ID card or passport. No visa for EU citizens.
- Duration: 2–5 minutes each way. Passport control on both sides.
- Opening hours: Pedestrian crossings 24/7. Car crossings partially restricted (6:00–24:00).
- Rental cars: South Cypriot rental cars have NO insurance coverage in the north. Buy short-term insurance at the crossing (approx. 20€/3 days, 35€/30 days).
- Goods: You may bring goods worth up to 260€ from the north to the south. Cigarettes: max. 40 pieces. No meat, no dairy products.
Money in the North
Official currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Euros are accepted almost everywhere — albeit at an unfavorable rate. ATMs in Kyrenia and Famagusta dispense Lira. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, often not in small establishments.
Tip: For a day trip, it's enough to bring 20–30€ in cash. In most restaurants and museums, you can pay directly in Euros.
Food in the North
The cuisine in the north is Turkish influenced: Kebab, Lahmacun, Pide, Börek, Ayran. But also Cypriot classics like Halloumi (here: Hellim) and Meze are omnipresent. Prices: A complete lunch with a drink for 8–15€ is normal.
Recommended Day Routes
- Half-day from Nicosia: Green Line → Büyük Han → Selimiye Mosque → Bandabulya Market → Lunch → back (3–4h)
- Full-day Kyrenia: Via Agios Dometios → St. Hilarion Castle → Bellapais → Kyrenia Harbor & Castle → Dinner at the harbor → back (8–10h)
- Full-day Famagusta: Via Pergamos → Salamis → Famagusta Old Town → Varosha → back (8–10h)
- 2 Days Karpaz: Day 1: Famagusta + Salamis. Day 2: Karpaz Peninsula → Golden Beach → Apostolos Andreas → back
