The green line between the North and the South of Cyprus has been open since the 23rd of April 2004. Travelling backwards and forwards is now not only possible for Turkish and Greek Cypriots but also for Tourists. It has also enabled day trips for tourists on each side to explore the other side.The opening of the borders have given the world the Turkish Cypriot view of the Cyprus Problem and Turkish Intervention – which has been for years dominated by only the Greek Cypriot Community. The main crossing points are open 24 hours a day and you are not restricted on the number of times you cross backwards and forwards or the duration of your stay.

You do not need a visa or special documentation to pass the border if you have a valid EU, British or US passport. You will be granted a visa at the border. You will need to fill in your name, passport number and nationality on the visa slip granted. This visa needs to be presented on departure. If you are not a EU or US citizen then you will need to apply for nesessary visa/ documentation before entry attempt. Your visa form will get stamped on arrival/departure “not” your passport -  so those who worry about the rumour that they won’t be allowed onto the Greek or Turkish mainland with stamps from North or South Cyprus needn’t worry.

Please note that if you have a hire car from North Cyprus - you will not be allowed to cross of border to the South of Cyprus. 

If you’re travelling to Northern Cyprus from South Cyprus you should drive to Nicosia and follow the few signs that exist to “Keryneia” and you will arrive at the Metehan crossing point. The protocol for crossing the borders in Cyprus is the same whichever crossing point you choose. Please note that hire cars from South Cyprus are allowed to enter Northern Cyprus providing the Greek Hire Companies permit this. All cars have to purchase additional insurance at the border crossing point – this is a fairly straight forward procedure.