Cyprus Border crossings between south and north Cyprus. See here an example of Google Map showing the route between Metehan Border Crossing and Ercan Airport. All other available Cyprus North and south border crossings listed below.

Where can we cross the border separating South and North Cyprus?

Cyprus currently has eight crossings between south and North Cyprus (April 2020). Starting from west to east, these are the names of the Cyprus border crossings. Crossing from the Republic of Cyprus in the south to North Cyprus:

  1. Kato Pyrgos (Yesilirmak).
  2. Lefka (Lefke).
  3. Astromeritis (Bostanci/Guzelyurt).
  4. Agios Dometios (Metehan).
  5. Inside Nicosia (Lefkosa) – there are two crossings:
    1. Ledra Pedestrian crossing
    2. Ledra car crossing – officials only.
  6. Pyla (Beyarmudu) – SBA crossing
  7. Agios Nikolaos – (SBA crossing)
  8. Dherynia (Famagusta/Gazimagusa).

EU Passport Holders Free to Pass

If you want to cross the border in Cyprus from south to north. Yes you can! only you need to have European Union Passport. But other than EU Passport cannot pass the borders between south and north Cyprus.

cyprus-border-crossing

Are the Cyprus border crossings signed?

Border crossings are very well signed going from North Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus in the south. Unfortunately, it may not be the same crossing from the Republic of Cyprus in the south to North. Because of this, we wrote the first name in Greek with the Turkish name in brackets. Please note – these two names are not the same spot. They are the names of the nearest village/town on each side near the border.

Are the South and North Cyprus border crossings for pedestrians or cars?

Cyprus border crossings are mainly for use by vehicles. There is only one pedestrian crossing point in the capital city of Nicosia (Lefkosa) – named, Ledra Street. It is possible to cross as a pedestrian at some crossings if you are going to be collected by an individual, a car or taxi. (for example at Agios Dometios or Pyla). Please note some crossings are rural and have very little facilities on both sides. Some crossings are far apart with a long distance between the two checkpoints. Therefore it is not possible or permitted to walk between them. Kato Pyrgos (Yesilirmak) is one of them.

Are the South and North Cyprus border crossings open 24 hours a day?

All crossings are open 24 hours a day. If you have insurance for your vehicle you can cross at any time. If you need to purchase additional car insurance for the North of Cyprus are advised to use the central Nicosia (Lefkosa) crossing point of Agios Dometios (Metehan). Please be aware when crossings they only have car insurance service weekdays within office working hours.

Which documents will I need to be able to cross between south and North Cyprus borders?

You will need your passport or ID card as well as your car documents. North Cyprus car insurance and your driving licence if you are taking a car. Most nationalities will receive an automatic 30-day visitors visa at the entry to North Cyprus. See our section on visas for further information.

Which of the North Cyprus crossings are most regularly used by tourists?

Tourists travelling from the South to the North of Cyprus usually land at either Paphos or Larnaca Airports – Most of those heading North landing at Larnaca because it is closer to North Cyprus border. The most used crossing is at the Nicosia (Lefkosa) named Agios Dometios (Metehan). From Metehan crossing, Kyrenia is only a 20-minute car journey.

The Sovereign Base Area (SBA) British Army crossing point of Pyla (Beyarmudu) is closer to Larnaca Airport, but the journey to Kyrenia is longer. This crossing is used for those visitors that are going to the East Coast of Iskele or Famagusta.

If you are landing at Paphos airport, it is a longer but much easier route to enter via Agios Dometios (Metehan) crossing.  Or at the Lefka (Lefke) crossing point and the Kato Pyrgos (Yesilirmak) crossing points, if you are going to that part of North Cyprus.

Can I use a Sat Nav or Google Map to find border crossings?

You can use a Sat Nav or Google Map to find the Cyprus border crossings. But it is better to search for nearest border crossing than at crossing search for your final destination. The rationale for this is that you may end up on a road where it is not yet open for crossing.

How difficult is it for first-time visitors to cross by car from South to North or vice versa?

For first time visitors crossing from south to North Cyprus. It is better to take a taxi from Larnaca Airport to the border and hire a car on the Northside. This will enable you to have fully comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover as well as saving you from potentially getting lost in the dark in the city of Nicosia. It is much easier and more economical to arrange your taxi pick up in advance with a North Cyprus car hire company rather than trying to get a taxi at the airport.

Can you help me plan my taxi transfer from south Cyprus to North Cyprus via border crossings?

We can provide you with taxi service from South Cyprus, Larnaca Airport to any border crossing with North Cyprus and if you wish a hire car to travel anywhere within North Cyprus.