Driving from Northern Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus
As of January 2026, it is possible to drive a car from Northern Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus if the driver and passengers have the right to cross (visa/status) and the vehicle meets border regulations. For the trip, you usually need: a TOM document (issued at the Metehan checkpoint in Nicosia) and insurance for the southern part of the island. TOM processing hours: Monday–Friday 09:00–13:00. Insurance cost — 25 EUR for 1 month.
- Crossing the border by car
- Crossing the border with a rental car
- Obtaining a TOM permit
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Crossing the border by car
For traveling to the southern part of the island by car, you usually need:
- TOM — a permit allowing entry into the Republic of Cyprus by car from the northern part of the island;
- insurance valid in the Republic of Cyprus — without it, entry is generally not permitted.
According to the rules indicated in the source material, crossing the border by car is usually allowed only if the vehicle belongs to a Turkish Cypriot, a EU citizen, or a UK citizen.
The driver and passengers must also have the right to cross the Green Line and enter the Republic of Cyprus according to their status/visa. The material notes that a Cyprus visa may be acceptable, but only if you initially entered the island through the southern part.
If you arrived in Northern Cyprus via Ercan Airport or the northern seaports, authorities on the Republic of Cyprus side may ask additional questions about your entry route to the island, as these entry points are not considered official by the Republic of Cyprus.
Crossing the border with a rental car
Not all rental companies allow travel to the southern part of the island, but some do: they issue a separate permit. Contacts for local rental companies can be found here:
Obtaining a TOM permit
The TOM document is issued only at the Metehan checkpoint in Nicosia. Present vehicle documents and your driving license at the kiosk next to the insurance company booths.
The booth operates weekdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
After checking the documents, you will receive the TOM document. Then go and purchase insurance. Insurance cost: 25 EUR for 1 month.
Useful: all Northern Cyprus checkpoints on the map.
How to do it
- Plan your visit to the Metehan checkpoint in Nicosia on a Monday–Friday to access the TOM processing window 09:00–13:00.
- Bring vehicle documents and your driving license.
- First, obtain the TOM at the kiosk next to the insurance booths, then purchase insurance for the southern part of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What driving licenses are needed for traveling to the southern part of the island?
International driving permits (IDP) are also required, but recently national licenses may also be accepted. Turkish Cypriots can enter using Northern Cyprus driving licenses.
Through which checkpoints can you enter the southern part of the island?
For obtaining a TOM and buying insurance, the source material mentions the Metehan checkpoint in Nicosia. Returning, you can generally use other checkpoints.
What are the operating hours of the TOM booth?
Monday–Friday 09:00–13:00.
How much does insurance for a car in the southern part of the island cost?
25 EUR for 1 month.
For more information, you can visit the Auto Chat of the largest Telegram forum in Northern Cyprus, where participants share practical experiences of crossing.
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