Northern Cyprus Travel Guide
Although much of the world recognises the Republic of Cyprus as an authority over the whole island, Northern Cyprus has declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and is vastly different in culture and tradition. The culture of Northern Cyprus is a blend of Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern, which is evident in the music, food and historical attractions.
The tourist infrastructure of Northern Cyprus, the area beyond the 'green line', is less developed than the south and the unspoilt countryside and numerous historic sites make a visit worthwhile for those adventurous enough to explore. Historic Gazimagosa (formerly known as Famagusta) on the east coast, for example, dates from 285 BC and has held an important place in Mediterranean history through the ages. The Medieval walls still stand and the remains of some ancient buildings are visible in the old city.
Girne (Kyrenia) on the north coast has an interesting castle and picturesque harbour as well as a Shipwreck Museum, which houses the oldest trading ship yet found and raised from the sea bed, having sunk around 300 BC. Gazimagosa has some modern tourist resort hotels, offering luxury accommodation and safe swimming or diving in the Mediterranean Sea, while the dramatic harbour of Kyrenia is the most popular tourist destination in Northern Cyprus.
Travelling to Northern Cyprus from the south involves a bit of paperwork. Tourists in Northern Cyprus need to pass through TRNC immigration, which is separate from the visa requirements for the Republic of Cyprus, and the recognised currency in Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira. Getting to Northern Cyprus is not difficult, however, as there are regular flights and ferries from Cyprus and the mainland.
Things to do in Northern Cyprus
Cyprus travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 240 volts, 50Hz. UK-style three square-pin plugs are used.
Language
The majority of Cypriots speak Greek, and a small percentage speaks Turkish. The Greek Cypriot dialect differs from mainland Greece. English, German and French are spoken in tourist areas.
Money
The official currency is the euro (EUR). Money can be exchanged at banks, which are open from Monday to Friday. ATMs that operate 24 hours a day are spread throughout the island; major credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is levied in hotels and restaurants so a tip is not obligatory, but small change is always welcome. Taxi drivers and porters appreciate a small tip.
Health
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are always recommended for travellers by health authorities. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medical fees are reasonable in Cyprus, but supplies are expensive and it is probably a good idea for visitors to bring any important prescription medications they may require (with the appropriate notes from their doctor to get them through customs).
Safety
Crime against tourists is rare and the area is generally safe.
Local customs
Visitors should avoid taking photographs near military establishments. Religious customs such as Ramadan should be respected, particularly in the north where most of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslim; travellers should avoid eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum in public during the holy month. Women should dress modestly.
Doing business
Business in Cyprus is best conducted face-to-face, as developing a working relationship based on trust is important. Business is conducted formally, and dress should be smart and conservative (a suit and tie are the norm). Greetings are usually made with a handshake, and business cards are exchanged. It is common for women to hold high positions and they are generally well respected in the business world. Punctuality is important, but meetings may not begin on time. Business hours can vary according to the season, but are usually 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday in summer, closing at 5pm in winter.
Duty free
Travellers to Cyprus over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits with higher than 22 percent alcohol volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with less than 22 percent alcohol volume, or 2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine, 4 litres of still wine, or 16 litres of beer.
Communications
The international access code for Cyprus is +357. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local SIM cards for their phones and WiFi is increasingly available in many cafes, restaurants and airports, and at most hotels, especially in the south (the Republic).
Passport & Visa
Travellers, except EEA nationals, should hold an onward or return ticket and documentation necessary for that journey, as well as sufficient funds for the period of intended stay in Cyprus. It is also advisable to have a hotel reservation. Extensions are available to visa-exempt nationals. Travellers should note that foreigners entering Cyprus north of the UN-patrolled 'green line' are deemed by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have entered illegally, and can be fined when crossing to the south (EU). Policies and procedures are subject to sudden changes, and visitors should check on the current situation before departing for Cyprus. It is highly recommended that visitors' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Cyprus. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days.
British passports must be valid three months beyond period of intended stay. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Australian nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
South African nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. A visa is required, except for those carrying multiple-entry Schengen C visas that have already entered the Schengen area or been issued by Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania or a Schengen Member State. This exemption lasts for 90 days.
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid upon arrival. No visa is required.
New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Useful contacts
Cyprus Tourist Organisation, Nicosia: +357 22691100 or www.visitcyprus.org.cy
112 (General Emergency Helpline)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Cyprus Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 5772.
Cyprus Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7321 4100.
Cyprus Consulate General, Toronto, Canada: +1 416 944 0998.
Cyprus High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6281 0832.
Cyprus High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 3298.
Cyprus Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 676 3060.
Embassies / consulates in Cyprus
United States Embassy, Nicosia: +357 2239 3939.
British High Commission, Nicosia: +357 96 390076.
Consulate of Canada, Nicosia: +357 2277 5508.
Australian High Commission, Nicosia: +357 2275 3001.
South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Cyprus): +30 210 617 8020.
Irish Embassy, Nicosia: +357 2281 8183.
New Zealand Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Cyprus): +39 (0)6 853 7501.