One of the most common question for first time visitors in Cyprus (second only to the best clubs in Ayia Napa) is how to cross from one side of the island to the other.
If you didn’t know that Cyprus is divided, you can get some clarity about Cyprus here.
Until 2003 it was not possible to visit the other side of Cyprus, unless with a special permission that was granted to very few. Entire generations grew up without the possibility to visit part of their country.
Nowadays, crossing is relatively easy for most Cypriots and foreigners from many countries. There are several crossing points along the island, some for pedestrians, some for cars.
What is a checkpoint?
Checkpoints are road blocks that connect the two sides of the Green Line, the de-militarized zone that cuts Cyprus in half, from east to west.
In Cyprus there are fixed checkpoints in specific locations, and it is not possible to cross the green line in any other point.
There are a total of 9 checkpoints currently operating on the island, a full list can be found here.
In the capital Nicosia there are 3 checkpoints:
- Ledra street / Lokmaci (pedestrian only).
- Ledra Palace (pedestrian. Diplomats and UN staff are allowed to cross by car).
- Ayios Dometios / Metehan (for cars mainly, but you will be allowed to cross if you go walking).
All the remaining checkpoints allow crossing by car but, in most cases, if you go walking you will be allowed to cross.
Consider though that in certain cases this is not practical, as there might be a long distance between the controls from the two authorities (suck as in Kato Pyrgos).
We should not forget that the Green Line is not considered a border by the Republic of Cyprus nor by the international community. However, it is considered a border by authorities of the self declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (internationally recognised only by Turkey).
Who can and cannot cross
Cypriots and European Union citizens can go to either side of the Green Line, as well as most third country nationals.
There are however people that cannot cross, third country nationals that do not have a visa for the Republic of Cyprus (when going to the south) or for the north (when going to the north), will not be allowed to cross.
And yes, there are people that were born and raised in Cyprus, and due to being children of third country nationals, cannot see the rest of their island.
It is interesting to notice that on such a small island many people choose to never cross to the other side as they do not agree with the current division.
How to cross a checkpoint
When crossing from one side to the other of the Green Line you will need to pass through two police controls, one of the Republic of Cyprus police and the other one of the Turkish Cypriot police. In the eastern part of the island, some checkpoints border with the Sovereign British Bases and controls are made by the SBA police.
Between the two police controls there is a no man’s land controlled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.
In each police control it is necessary to show a passport (or ID for Cypriots and Europeans). In few cases residence documents or visas are requested as well. Both police staff will scan your document and may ask you additional questions.
Do not forget to use the same document when entering and exiting the north.
More details on how to cross by car will be provided in a later article.
What you are allowed to bring
There are some rules regarding what you can and cannot bring through a checkpoint.
As a general rule, in all checkpoints you can bring up to:
- non-commercial goods whose total value does not exceed 260 €;
- 40 cigarettes;
- 1 liter of alcohol.
You cannot bring (among other products):
- fake brand products;
- plants and animal products;
- tobacco for the rolling of cigarettes or for narghile.
Police might check your bag and/or your car, and cases of fines are not rare.
The rules can be found here and are shown at each chekpoint.
It is also very important to remember that animals are not allowed to cross the green line from north to south. If you are travelling with your pet, this is not exception.
You might be wondering why cats move freely among the green line, while your pet cannot go with you. For this and many other questions, the answer is only one: “This is Cyprus”.
Disclaimer: Above information is based on personal experience, studies and contact with the local community. In no way it is intended to substitute official information and visitors shall always refer to official sources.
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