Is it possible to extend a tourist visa at a pedestrian checkpoint in Northern Cyprus?

When entering Northern Cyprus, it is important to understand correctly how long your stamp allows you to stay and how you can extend your stay on the island. Below is all the current information.

• For how many days the stamp is issued
• Extending your stay via the checkpoint
• Extending via the Ministry of Interior
• Frequently asked questions about visas

Upon entering Northern Cyprus, you are issued a stamp that allows you to stay on the island for a certain period. Its duration depends on the purpose of your visit and the border officer's decision — usually 30, 60, or 90 days.

Keep track of your stamp’s validity: if you plan to stay longer, you should arrange an extension or obtain a residence permit in advance.

For how many days the stamp is issued

In most cases, when entering Northern Cyprus, you receive a stamp allowing you to stay on the island for 30 days. This is the standard period applied to most tourists and business visitors.

In recent months, travelers increasingly report being granted 60 days — this period is becoming more common, although officially it depends solely on the border officer's decision.

Other durations are also possible

• 90 days — the maximum tourist stay within six months. It is issued very rarely, usually to those who own property in Northern Cyprus.

• 15 days — the minimum period. It occurs unexpectedly, sometimes even for property owners.

The duration is always determined by the border officer, and their decision cannot be challenged on the spot. Therefore, it is important to check the date indicated in your passport or on the document immediately and arrange an extension if necessary.

How to extend your stay via the checkpoint

Many try to extend their stay in Northern Cyprus using the so-called visa run — a short exit through a land checkpoint and re-entry.
However, in practice, this method almost always does not work.

In the vast majority of cases, border officers issue the minimum period — only 5 days, and sometimes even 1 day, after the buffer zone walk.

Here is what travelers write in the Northern Cyprus visas & residence chat.

When the chance to get more days is higher

If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can visit the Republic of Cyprus for a few days. In this case, the likelihood of receiving a longer period upon returning to the North is indeed higher — but there are no guarantees.

Important to remember:

• If you do not have a Schengen visa, but a Republic of Cyprus visa, and you arrived via Ercan Airport, — you will not be allowed to the south.

There are rare successful cases

Yes, sometimes tourists manage to get a long stamp via the land crossing. But this is the exception, not the rule.

Most experiences show: border officers are not willing to extend tourist periods via the checkpoint. Visa runs in Northern Cyprus are almost always ineffective.

How to extend your stay via the Ministry of Interior

Tourist visas are extended at the central police station in Nicosia (Lefkoşa).

Detailed extension conditions are described in this article. Usually, extensions are granted:

• If you own property in Northern Cyprus;

• Or if the owner is a close relative.

As of early 2025, there are isolated reports of ordinary tourists obtaining extensions. These cases are not officially confirmed yet, but the trend exists.

Frequently asked questions about visas

How to get a residence permit in Northern Cyprus?

The process is described in detail in this article.

What is a “white passport”?

The white passport (Beyaz Kimlik) is one type of residence permit with a special status. Criteria and conditions for obtaining it are described here.

How to get consultation?

For questions about visas and residence permits, contact us on Telegram: @dejurecy

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