There are two distinct ways of flying to North Cyprus, either ‘directly’ via Turkey, or alternatively via South Cyprus and crossing through the border.
Ercan Airport, located just outside the capital city Nicosia, currently serves over 4 million passengers annually, and major carriers include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines as well as several charter flight carriers.
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.
Touristic visitors that will stay at hotel or rented accommodation can be issued a visa for a maximum of 30 days. If they can submit documents showing that a prior payment has been made for lengthier accommodation, a visa up to 90 days may be granted.
A visa up to 90 days may also be issued to those who come for official visits, business meetings, conferences, seminars, meetings, festivals, fairs, exhibitions, sporting events, cultural and artistic events, health tourism and similar purposes.
Citizens of the European Union and Schengen Area Countries travelling to North Cyprus can show a National Identity Card, whereas citizens of other countries are required to present a valid Passport.
Upon arrival to Ercan, visitors fill out their personal details on a small white slip which will be stamped on entry and should be retained throughout your visit.
Citizens of countries that do not have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus or that are not members of the EU must have a passport valid for at least 6 months to be able to enter the country.
Citizens of countries that do have an Embassy, Consulate General, Consulate or Representative Office in North Cyprus or citizens of EU countries must have a passport or travel document valid for at least 2 months to be able to enter TRNC.
It is worth noting that visitors transiting Turkey en route to Ercan, may decide to leave the airport in Turkey to visit for a few hours or days, in which case they will have to purchase a visa available upon exit through passport control.
If you intend to travel to NCY via South Cyprus, you can cross the border at one of the many Turkish Cypriot passport controls points, and the same conditions apply. There are no restrictions on how many times you cross, border crossings are open 24 hours a day.
There are limitations on the volume of goods you can cross the border with, especially duty-free items such as cigarettes and alcohol or contraband. Any person found to be violating these restrictions often result in the goods being confiscated and a fine can also be imposed.
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