Since the partial opening of the Green Line in 2003, several crossing points between North and South Cyprus have been opened to travellers. EU citizens and nationals of visa-exempt countries can cross with a valid passport, while EU citizens can also use their national ID cards.
However, Turkish passport holders and other nationalities subject to visa requirements cannot cross freely and must possess a valid visa issued by the Republic of Cyprus. Furthermore, if you entered the island through the North (e.g., Ercan Airport or northern ports), authorities in the South consider this an illegal entry and will deny you crossing at the Green Line.
Always carry your original passport — photocopies are not accepted. Crossings are generally quick (5–20 minutes) during off-peak hours.
All Open Crossing Points
There are currently 9 active crossing checkpoints along the UN buffer zone (Green Line) in Cyprus. All of them are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The busiest and most recommended vehicle crossing. Located on the main Nicosia bypass highway — the primary route for tourists driving from Larnaca or Paphos airports into the North. Wide lanes, fast processing, open 24/7. If you're arriving by car or private transfer, this is the checkpoint you'll use.
Pedestrian only. Located right in the heart of Nicosia's old city shopping district. Park your car on the South side and walk across in 2–5 minutes. Puts you immediately into the historic Arabahmet and Arasta bazaar districts of North Nicosia.
Located near the historic Ledra Palace Hotel in central Nicosia (now used by the UN). While technically a road, regular tourists cannot drive rental cars here — vehicle access is restricted to diplomats, UN personnel, and authorised taxis. Popular for pedestrians wanting a quieter walk into the old city than Ledra Street.
Located west of Nicosia. A great alternative for drivers wanting to bypass central Nicosia traffic when travelling between the Troodos Mountains / Paphos region and the northwestern part of North Cyprus.
Located on the east coast. Provides the fastest and most direct route for visitors travelling between Ayia Napa/Protaras and the historic city of Famagusta (Gazimağusa) and the recently reopened ghost town area of Varosha (Maraş).
Located in the east-central part of the island, passing through the British Sovereign Base Area (Dhekelia). Generally quiet and highly efficient for drivers heading to Famagusta (Gazimağusa) and the Salamis Ruins.
Another eastern checkpoint passing through the British Sovereign Base Area. Situated very close to Famagusta city, offering short waiting times due to low traffic volumes.
A scenic coastal crossing in the far northwest. Connects the Tillyria enclave (Kato Pyrgos) to the rest of South Cyprus via the North, cutting down travel time significantly for coastal travellers coming from the Paphos or Polis region.
Opened in 2018, this mountainous checkpoint connects the Lefka area in the North with the rural mountain valleys of the South. Ideal for eco-tourists and hikers exploring the Troodos mountain foothills and the Lefke region.
Quick Comparison Table
All 9 crossing points at a glance:
| # | Crossing Point | Location | Vehicle | Pedestrian | Open 24/7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metehan / Agios Dometios | Nicosia (Main Highway) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2 | Ledra Street / Lokmacı | Nicosia City Centre | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3 | Ledra Palace | Central Nicosia | ✗ (diplomats only) | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4 | Astromeritis / Bostancı | West of Nicosia | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5 | Dherynia / Derinya | East Coast (Famagusta) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 6 | Pergamos / Beyarmudu | East (British Base Area) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 7 | Strovilia / Akyar | East (near Famagusta) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 8 | Limnitis / Yeşilırmak | Northwest Coast | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 9 | Lefka / Apliki (Apliç) | Northwest Mountains | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Essential Crossing Tips
Before you cross, make sure you're prepared:
Crucial Entry Rule
If you are a non-EU citizen requiring a visa for South Cyprus (such as a Turkish passport holder), you cannot cross the Green Line if you originally entered the island via the North (Ercan Airport or northern ports). The Republic of Cyprus considers this an illegal entry point.
Bring Your Original Passport
All travellers need a valid passport (or EU national ID card for EU citizens). Photocopies are strictly rejected. North Cyprus authorities no longer stamp physical passports — your document is simply scanned digitally.
Vehicle Insurance
Standard South Cyprus car rental insurance does not cover North Cyprus. You must purchase separate third-party insurance at the border insurance booths — available 24/7 at main vehicle checkpoints like Metehan. Consider renting directly in the North instead!
Best Times to Cross
Avoid 08:00–10:00 and 17:00–19:00 on weekdays (commuter rush). Mid-morning and early afternoon are usually the fastest. Weekends can be busy with day-trippers at Ledra Street and Metehan.
Currency
South Cyprus uses the Euro (€). North Cyprus uses the Turkish Lira (₺), but many places also accept GBP and EUR. Exchange bureaux are available just after crossing at the main checkpoints.
Mobile Phones & Data Roaming
EU data roaming does not automatically apply in North Cyprus. Switch off data roaming before crossing to avoid heavy charges, or buy a local tourist SIM card (North Cyprus Turkcell or Telsim) on arrival.
Crossing by Car: Insurance & Rental Rules
This is where most visitors get caught out. Your insurance does not travel with you across the Green Line, and most rental cars are not allowed to cross at all.
Insurance you must buy
€20 / 3 daysSeparate TRNC traffic insurance is required for any vehicle driven from the South into North Cyprus. About €35 for a month. Bought at the insurance desk at the crossing.
Only Metehan is 24/7
24 hMetehan is the only crossing selling insurance around the clock. At other crossings the desk is daytime only (roughly to 19:00 summer / 17:00 winter) and often closed on Sundays.
Southern cover is invalid
Not validInsurance issued in South Cyprus does not cover you in the North — that is exactly why the separate policy exists.
Most rental companies in South Cyprus forbid taking their cars into the North; if you do it anyway, your insurance is void and any damage is entirely on you. Equally, cars rented in North Cyprus — including ours — cannot be taken into the South. This is a standard condition across the island, not a company quirk.
In practice, visitors handle it in one of two ways: park at the crossing and walk across (easy at Ledra Street / Lokmacı), or rent separately on each side. If you land at Larnaca or Paphos and your plans are in the North, the simplest option is a transfer across the border and a car waiting for you here — that is exactly what we do.
Border Crossing FAQ
The questions visitors ask us most often at the border and on WhatsApp.
Is the Metehan (Agios Dometios) crossing open 24 hours?
Yes. Metehan / Agios Dometios in Nicosia is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it is the only crossing where vehicle insurance is sold around the clock. It is the busiest vehicle crossing on the island and is about 20 minutes' drive from Kyrenia.
What are the Nicosia border crossing opening times?
Nicosia has three crossings, all open 24 hours: Metehan / Agios Dometios (vehicles and pedestrians), Ledra Street / Lokmacı (pedestrians only) and Ledra Palace (pedestrians only). Ledra Palace may close overnight outside the main season.
When did the Lefka–Apliki crossing open?
The Lefka / Apliki (Apliç) crossing opened in 2018, along with the Dherynia crossing. It serves the western Lefke region and runs through mountain roads, so it is mainly used by locals rather than first-time visitors.
Is the Bostancı (Astromeritis) crossing open 24 hours?
The Bostancı / Astromeritis crossing west of Nicosia is open 24 hours for vehicles, but insurance is normally only sold during daylight hours (roughly until 19:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter, and often closed on Sundays). It is a vehicle crossing and not recommended for pedestrians.
Can I cross the Cyprus border with a rental car?
Usually not. Most rental companies in South Cyprus forbid taking their cars into the North — doing so voids your insurance. Cars rented in North Cyprus, including ours, cannot be taken into the South. Many visitors park at the crossing and walk across, or take a transfer and rent separately on each side.
How much does border insurance cost for a car?
If you drive a vehicle from the South into North Cyprus you must buy separate TRNC traffic insurance at the border — roughly €20 for 3 days or €35 for a month. Your South Cyprus insurance is not valid in the North. Only Metehan sells insurance 24 hours; at other crossings it is daytime only.
Do I need a visa to cross between North and South Cyprus?
No separate visa is needed for the crossing itself, and most nationalities (UK, EU, US and many others) can cross freely with a valid passport. EU citizens may use a national ID card. You are still subject to the entry rules of whichever side you are entering.
Will I get a passport stamp when entering North Cyprus?
No. North Cyprus does not stamp your passport — your entry is recorded and you are given a separate entry slip. Keep it for your return. This means crossing causes no problems for later travel to South Cyprus, Greece or the EU.
Is there a fee to cross the border?
No. Crossing is free for tourists — there is no crossing fee or tax. The only cost is vehicle insurance if you drive across.
How long does the border crossing take?
On a normal day the whole process takes about 15 minutes. Queues can be longer at weekends, on public holidays and during peak summer traffic, especially at Metehan.
Can I cross the border more than once?
Yes. There is no limit — tourists can cross as often as they like, in either direction, as long as they carry valid travel documents.
Which crossing should I use?
It depends where you are: Ledra Street / Lokmacı to explore Nicosia on foot, Metehan if you are driving, Dherynia for Famagusta and Varosha (and if you are coming from Ayia Napa, Protaras or Larnaca), and Akyar / Strovilia as the shortest route from Larnaca to Famagusta.
What can I bring across the Green Line?
Limits going north to south are strict: about 40 cigarettes (2 packs), 1 litre of alcohol, up to 3 kg of agricultural produce and roughly €260 of other shopping per person (17+). Meat, dairy, citrus and grapes are not allowed. See our duty-free guide for the full picture.
Need a Transfer from Larnaca or Paphos?
We pick you up from the airport in South Cyprus, handle the border crossing with you, and drop you off at your hotel or address in the North. Comfortable, stress-free, door-to-door.
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