Why a Northern Cyprus stamp in your passport can be problematic and how to avoid it

The entry stamp for Northern Cyprus usually does not cause problems when traveling to most countries. Risks arise if you plan to apply for a national visa, residence permit/permanent residency, or citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), or if you are applying for a Schengen visa through Greek consulates: having such a stamp may trigger additional questions and checks. To reduce risk, upon entering Northern Cyprus, you can request that the entry be recorded not in your passport but on a separate form.

• Stamp in the passport or separate form
• What risks a stamp can create
• How to request a form and correctly record your entry
• Important things to know
• Glossary
• Frequently asked questions
• If you need visa and status consultation

Stamp in the passport or separate form

Upon entering Northern Cyprus, border control officers often place an entry mark directly in your passport. However, there is an alternative option: record the entry on a separate form (sheet/card), which is filled out and submitted along with the passport.

The separate form is usually available from the officer at the booth. You need to take it, fill it out, and submit it with your passport to complete the entry procedure.

What risks a stamp can create

Visiting Northern Cyprus, as a rule, does not affect travel or visas to most countries. However, there are situations where a stamp (or entry mark) may draw extra attention.

1) National visa of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part) and residence permit/permanent residency

When applying for a national visa or resident status of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), having an entry stamp for Northern Cyprus may trigger additional questions and complicate document checks.

2) Applying for citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part)

When reviewing documents for citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), an entry stamp for Northern Cyprus may lead to extra checks and delay the process.

3) Schengen visa via Greek consulates

If you plan to obtain a Schengen visa through Greek consulates, a passport with an entry stamp for Northern Cyprus may create unnecessary complications. In such cases, it is usually recommended to use a separate form upon entry into Northern Cyprus.

How to request a form and correctly record your entry

How to do it

1. Approach the passport control window and before handing over your passport request that your entry be recorded on a separate form (not in the passport).
2. Take the form from the officer (or from next to the booth if it is on a counter).
3. Fill out the form (usually passport details and basic trip information).
4. Submit to the officer your passport + the completed form.
5. Keep the form until departure: it may be requested when leaving Northern Cyprus.

Important things to know

• For most countries, the entry stamp for Northern Cyprus does not cause problems either upon entry or when applying for visas.
• If you plan in the future to apply for a national visa, residence permit/permanent residency, or citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), it is wiser to use a separate form instead of a passport stamp.
• If a stamp has already been placed, this does not automatically prohibit travel or visas. The risk depends on where and for what purpose you will apply next.
• Practices may vary depending on the control point and officer: if it is crucial for you to avoid a stamp, make the request in advance, before handing over your passport.

Glossary

• Northern Cyprus stamp (TRNC/TRSK) — an entry/exit mark sometimes placed in the passport when crossing the Northern Cyprus border.
• Separate form — a paper form on which an entry mark can be placed instead of a passport stamp; it is filled out and presented together with the passport.
• "Green Line" — the demarcation line and control regime for movement between the Northern and Southern parts of Cyprus.

Frequently asked questions

Can I officially request not to have a stamp in my passport?

Yes. Upon entering Northern Cyprus, you can request that your entry be recorded on a separate form instead of a passport stamp.

Do I need to keep the form until departure?

Yes. It is best to keep the form until leaving Northern Cyprus, as it may be requested at control.

Does the stamp create problems for all countries?

Usually not. In most countries, the stamp does not affect entry or visa issuance. Risks are more often associated with applications to the Republic of Cyprus (southern part) and, in some cases, with Schengen visas via Greek consulates.

If the stamp is already present, what should I do?

Assess your future plans: if you intend to apply for a national visa, residence permit/permanent residency, or citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), it is sensible to discuss document strategy with a specialist in advance. For subsequent trips, the separate form option can be used.

If you need visa and status consultation

You can contact our legal partner — the company DeJure for a consultation with a licensed lawyer in Northern Cyprus.

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