23 years of crossings: Cyprus approaches record stagnation with no new checkpoints

Cyprus marks the 23rd anniversary of the opening of the first border crossing point, yet the island finds itself on the brink of the longest period without expanding its checkpoint network since 2003. No new crossing points have been opened since 2018, and if the situation does not change in 2026, this stagnation will set a record.

Despite this, movement through existing points remains active. According to police data, over 7.6 million entries and nearly as many exits were recorded in 2025. Peak loads traditionally occur during the summer months, when the number of crossings exceeds 730,000.

At the same time, noticeable shifts in flows are observed. The number of Greek Cypriots heading north is declining: from over 3 million in 2023 to 2.4 million in 2025. This downward trend has continued into the early months of 2026. Experts attribute this to the rising cost of living, which has reduced the economic appeal of the north.

Simultaneously, the number of Turkish Cypriots crossing south is growing: from 425,000 in 2024 to over 511,000 in 2025. This figure is expected to increase even further this year.

The issue of opening new points remains a subject of sharp political disagreement. Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides insists that new checkpoints must benefit both communities, suggesting routes convenient for the south as well. In turn, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman views such an approach as restrictive and warns of the risk of delaying the process.

Although the parties agreed in Geneva in 2025 on the possible opening of four new crossings, implementation is progressing slowly due to differences in priorities and technical details.

Thus, despite the sustained high level of crossings, infrastructure development has effectively halted, height which increases tension surrounding the issue of freedom of movement on the island.