Can a trip to Northern Cyprus really prevent entry into the southern part?

Understanding the rules for crossing the border between Northern and Southern Cyprus can be difficult — there are too many myths and conflicting information. Below are clear and simple explanations.

• History of Cyprus division
• How foreigners can cross the border
• Rules for EU and UK citizens
• Crossing the border with a Schengen visa
• If you arrived in the North via Turkey
• Important to know
• Where to get advice

There are many rumors and assumptions about relations between the southern and northern parts of Cyprus. Most of them are exaggerations, often from people who have never crossed the border between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
In reality, the situation is much calmer and easier to understand.

Historical background: why the island is divided

For many decades, Cyprus was a subject of disputes between Turkey and Greece — both countries wanted to annex the island. The indigenous population of Cyprus has always consisted of two communities:

• Greek Cypriots (Orthodox),
• Turkish Cypriots (Muslims).

For a long time they lived peacefully, uniting against British rule: until the mid-20th century, Cyprus was part of the British Empire. After the British left, conflicts arose between the communities, leading to military intervention and the division of the island.

Because of the war and mutual grievances, Greek Cypriots do not recognize the TRNC. Today there are two de facto independent states:

• Republic of Cyprus (southern part, EU member)
• Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (officially recognized only by Turkey)

The South is a sovereign state, official language — Greek. The North is a separate administration, but with close support from Turkey.

Despite political disagreements, life on the island has long been established:

• Greek Cypriots travel north daily for shopping, entertainment, and affordable goods;
• Turkish Cypriots work in the south and freely use EU passports, which most locals hold.

Connections between the two parts of the island are strong, and crossing between them has long become normal.

For foreigners: how to cross the border

Entry rules depend on your passport and route.

Passports from EU countries and the UK

You can freely travel between the two parts of the island every day. It is allowed to use any airport, regardless of your arrival side.

With a Schengen visa

You can cross the “green line” without restrictions.
The only rule: you must depart from the part of the island where you originally arrived.

If you arrived in Northern Cyprus via Turkey

And you do not have a Schengen, Bulgarian, Cypriot, Romanian, Irish visa, etc., but only a passport from a CIS country:

• You cannot cross to the southern part — it is EU territory.
• To avoid questions from Republic of Cyprus border guards in the future, you can have your entry stamp in Northern Cyprus placed on a separate slip, not in your passport (this is common practice).

Important

Visiting Northern Cyprus does not affect the ability to obtain a Schengen visa or visas for other countries — this is officially confirmed practice.

Where to get advice

For all questions related to visa extension or obtaining a residence permit in Northern Cyprus, you can contact our manager on Telegram: @dejurecy