Can You Cross the Border Between North and South Cyprus?
- John Nordmann
- Jul 2
- 2 min read

Yes — and it’s much easier than you might think!Crossing between North and South Cyprus is possible for most nationalities and has become a normal part of daily life for locals, expats, and tourists alike.
🔀 Where Can You Cross?
There are seven official border crossings, all overseen by the UN:
Crossing Point | Location | Type |
Ledra Palace | Nicosia | Pedestrian only |
Ledra Street | Nicosia | Pedestrian only |
Agios Dometios / Metehan | Nicosia | Vehicle & pedestrian |
Astromeritis / Zodhia | West of Nicosia | Vehicle |
Lefka / Aplıç | West | Vehicle |
Pyla / Beyarmudu | East | Vehicle |
Deryneia / Famagusta | East | Vehicle & pedestrian |
These crossings are open daily, and wait times are usually short.
🛂 What Documents Do You Need?
For most visitors:
Valid passport
No visa required for short stays
No fees
Your passport may be checked and recorded on both sides, but no stamps are issued.
🚶 Can You Walk Across?
Yes! Ledra Street and Ledra Palace are pedestrian-only crossings in central Nicosia. Perfect for exploring both halves of the capital on foot.
🚗 Can You Drive Across?
Yes, but you’ll need:
Insurance valid for North or South, depending on where you're heading
You can buy temporary car insurance at the checkpoint when entering the North
You’ll drive on the left side in both regions
📵 Are There Any Restrictions?
You cannot bring rental cars from the South into the North unless your rental agreement allows it (some do, some don’t)
Items like alcohol, tobacco, or large purchases may be restricted — best to declare or keep receipts
Crossing with pets may have extra rules — check in advance
🧳 Is It Safe?
Yes, it’s safe and well-managed.Thousands of people cross every day without issue, including tourists, workers, and business owners.
🌍 Why Cross the Border?
Explore different cultures on the same island
Visit historic cities like Nicosia, Famagusta, and Kyrenia
Take advantage of different prices, especially for shopping, fuel, or dining
✅ Final Word
Whether you're staying in North Cyprus or the Republic of Cyprus, crossing the Green Line is easy and often a highlight of any trip.It’s your chance to explore both sides of Cyprus — and experience the island’s rich diversity in full.
Stay informed on rules, travel updates, and insurance info at What’s On in TRNC
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