Is a trip from Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to Turkey considered leaving the country?

Many tourists mistakenly believe that Northern Cyprus and Turkey are one country. In reality, they are separate countries, each with its own visa regime and border rules.

• What this means in practice
• Important points to consider
• Summary

Therefore, a trip from the TRNC to Turkey is considered a full exit and a new entry — with a separate visa count.

What this means in practice

If a tourist is in Northern Cyprus on a tourist stamp, which usually limits stay to 90 days within 180 days, a trip to Turkey is recorded as an official exit from the TRNC.

Turkey has its own visa regime. For example:

• Russian citizens can stay in Turkey up to 60 days without a visa, and this period is not connected to their stay in Northern Cyprus.

Thus:

• you leave the TRNC → the stay count in Turkey begins;
• you return to Northern Cyprus → the tourist stay count in the TRNC starts anew.

Important points to consider

• TRNC and Turkey are separate countries with independent visa rules.
• A trip from the TRNC to Turkey = exit from the country.
• Each country has its own stay limit.
• Entering Turkey requires a valid passport and compliance with its visa requirements.
• Exceeding stay limits may result in fines and entry restrictions.

Summary

A trip from Northern Cyprus to Turkey is definitely considered an exit from the country.
From that moment, a new visa count begins in Turkey, and upon return — a new stay count in the TRNC.

"Movement from the TRNC to Turkey is recorded as an exit from one country and entry into another — with separate visa limits."