Is It Possible to Request a 60-Day Visa Upon Entry to Northern Cyprus

When entering Northern Cyprus in 2026, you may ask the border officer for a stay of up to 60 days; however, in practice, in most cases 30 days are stamped in the passport. Despite the fact that the law provides for a limit of 90 days within each 180-day period, the actual duration is determined by the border service at the discretion of the officer.

• Length of stay under the law
• What periods are actually granted at the border
• Where to extend a tourist stay
• Summary
• If you need help with a residence permit

Length of stay under the law

According to the current entry rules for Northern Cyprus, a foreign national is entitled to stay up to 90 days within each 180-day period. This is an overall limit, not a guaranteed period that is automatically granted upon entry.

The border service has the right to set any length of stay within this limit.

What periods are actually granted at the border

Previously, during passport control it was possible to ask for and receive a 60-day stamp. In 2025–2026, the practice has changed.

• in most cases, 30 days are granted;
• even with a verbal request for 60 days, the period is often not increased;
• the decision is made individually by the border officer.

A 60- or 90-day stamp is possible, but rare and usually linked to additional grounds.

Where to extend a tourist stay

If a short period (for example, 30 days) was granted upon entry, it can be extended only at the central police department in Lefkoşa (Nicosia).

An extension is possible if there are valid grounds, such as:

• long-term rental of housing;
• ownership of real estate;
• preparation of documents for a residence permit.

Extensions are not issued at the border or at regional police departments.

Summary

• By law: up to 90 days in each 180-day period.
• In practice upon entry: most often 30 days.
• You may ask for 60 days, but this is not guaranteed.
• Extensions are processed only in Lefkoşa.
• Longer periods are possible if you own property or are preparing for a residence permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you officially demand 60 days at the border?

No. The border officer makes the decision independently within the established limit.

If 30 days were granted, is this a violation of the law?

No. The law sets a maximum limit, not a mandatory duration.

Can the stay be extended immediately after entry?

Yes, but only through the central police in Lefkoşa and with valid grounds.

Do property owners receive more days?

Yes. Owning property increases the likelihood of a longer stay, but does not guarantee it automatically.

If you need help with obtaining a residence permit

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

• Phone: +90 539 119 05 55
  
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