Visa policy of Northern Cyprus
Overview
Most visitors to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) do not need to hold a visa before they travel and can receive a visa on arrival.
However, visitors from Armenia, Nigeria and Syria require a visa in advance of travel.
Length of stay
Visas are generally granted for 30 days.
For those visiting family in Northern Cyprus, a visa up to 60 days may be granted.
A 90 day visa may be granted if visitors have proof of payment for accommodation for a lengthier period. 90 day visas are also available for those travelling for business, conferences, sporting events, medical reasons and the like.
Visitors can stay for only 90 days in each 180 day period. For those who wish to stay longer a residence permit is required.
Visa on arrival
Visitors from countries other than Armenia, Nigeria and Syria are eligible for a visa on arrival.
The visa on arrival is little more than a small slip of paper. Although it is stamped on entry and exit, it is not attached to the passport.
Reports suggest that visas are not issued when arriving overland from the Republic of Cyprus.
Visa in advance
Armenian, Nigerian and Syrian passport holders must apply for a visa in person at a TRNC mission. A full list of missions is available here.
As it stands, there are no missions in any of those countries, so applicants would have to apply overseas.
The TRNC advises that travellers apply at least one month in advance of travel and can expect a decision within three working days.
Travel documents
Passports must be valid for six months to be able to enter Northern Cyprus.
Passport holders of countries who maintain a diplomatic mission in Northern Cyprus require only two months validity on their passport. It is unclear if this applies for visas longer than two months.
Citizens of Turkey, EU and Schengen area countries may enter with an ID Card.
Other requirements
The TRNC may require that travellers have sufficient funds at hand to cover the cost of their stay and trip home.
Travellers may also be required to present proof of accommodation for their stay, though reports suggests that border officials are unlikely to request this.
Travel between North and South
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is not recognised by most countries, including the Republic of Cyprus, which controls the southern part of the island.
In the past this has caused problems for individuals travelling between the north and south parts of the island.
Although it's not nearly as much of an issue as it once was, travellers should still be aware of the potential issues.
North to South: Since the Republic of Cyprus doesn't recognise the authority of the TRNC they view entering the island through its border checkpoints as illegitimate.
In practice this doesn't appear to cause problems for those travelling north to south, but the political situation may change quickly.
Passport holders from EU countries are especially unlikely to experience problems as they are legally entitled to enter Cyprus by virtue of its membership of the EU.
South to North: There are generally no issues travelling in this direction.
Passport stamping: The Republic of Cyprus doesn't stamp passports heading in either direction as it doesn't view the north-south checkpoints as international border posts.
The TRNC doesn't appear to stamp passports by default at north-south checkpoints, but travellers may be able to request one at the Ledra Street crossing point in Nicosia.
No extension of visa: Reports suggest that travellers arriving in the TRNC who then cross to the Republic of Cyprus and then back to the TRNC are not eligible to have their 30 day period renewed upon re-entry to the TRNC. The 30 days will be counted from first entry.
Looking for information specific to your passport?
See Northern Cyprus by passport to find visa requirements for you.
Official links
TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Last reviewed: 17 June 2024
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