Getting to North Cyprus in 2026: via Turkey or Larnaca

Option 1: via Turkey to Ercan

Ercan airport (ECN) is 40–50 minutes from Kyrenia and Famagusta. Flights operate only from Turkish cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and others); from the UK and Europe with a change or technical stop in Turkey.

Note: the Republic of Cyprus regards Ercan as an illegal port of entry. EU citizens can usually still cross south; non-EU nationals may be refused.

Option 2: via Larnaca or Paphos

Larnaca (LCA) has direct flights from across Europe. Kyrenia is about 1 h 15 min by car via the Nicosia crossing (Agios Dometios/Metehan) or via Pergamos/Beyarmudu towards Famagusta.

Cross with your passport (EU citizens may use an ID card), as often as you like.

Hire cars from the south: only from firms that allow driving north, and buy insurance at the crossing — southern insurance is not valid in the north.

Ferry from Turkey

Ferries and fast boats run from Taşucu and Mersin to Kyrenia, also with cars. Seasonal timetables — check with the operator.

Documents

EU and UK citizens and many other nationalities enter without a visa. Check official sources and your government’s travel advice before you go.

Money

The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Rentals, car hire and tours are often priced in pounds or euros. Cards work in towns; on Karpaz you need cash.

Mobile, plugs, water

Networks: Turkcell and Telsim. EU roaming does not apply — buy a local SIM or eSIM.

British plugs (type G), 230 V.

Do not drink tap water.

Insurance

The EHIC/GHIC is not valid in the north. Make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers North Cyprus.

Getting around

Driving is on the left. Buses and shared taxis link Kyrenia, Nicosia and Famagusta; for Karpaz, castles and beaches use a car, taxi or tour. Never photograph military sites.

When to go

April–June and September–October are best. July–August up to 40 °C, sea up to 28 °C. Mild winters (15–18 °C by day) with rain.

The Green Line: crossing between the two parts

Nine crossing points run through the UN buffer zone. Visitors cross freely; checks usually take a few minutes.

Crossing	Where	For
Ledra (Lokmacı)	central Nicosia	on foot
Ledra Palace	Nicosia, by the walls	on foot, bicycle
Agios Dometios / Metehan	west Nicosia	cars, on foot
Pergamos / Beyarmudu	Larnaca – Famagusta road	cars
Strovilia / Akyar	Ayia Napa – Famagusta road	cars
Deryneia / Derinya	Famagusta – Protaras	cars, on foot
Astromeritis / Bostancı (Zodia)	west, towards Güzelyurt	cars
Apliki / Lefke	west, Lefke	cars
Kato Pyrgos / Yeşilırmak (Limnitis)	north-west coast	cars

Good to know

Passport needed; EU citizens may use an ID card.
Non-EU nationals who arrived via Ercan may be refused entry to the south.
Car insurance from the south is not valid in the north — buy it at the crossing.
Limits on cigarettes and alcohol taken south.

Tips

Rush hours bring queues at the Nicosia car crossings.
Ledra Street is the easiest way to walk both halves of Nicosia.
Do not photograph the buffer zone or posts.

Flying into Larnaca? We will meet you and drive you across to Kyrenia or Famagusta. Book a transfer

Crossing rules are set by the authorities on both sides and may change.

FAQ

How do I get to North Cyprus from the UK or Europe?

Fly to Ercan with a change in Turkey, or fly to Larnaca and drive across a crossing point (about 1 h 15 min to Kyrenia).

Can I go from the north to the south?

Yes, through the crossing points with a passport (EU: ID card too). Non-EU nationals who arrived via Ercan may be refused.

Do I need a visa?

EU and UK citizens do not. Check the rules before travelling.

What currency is used?

Turkish lira; many prices are quoted in pounds or euros.

Does EU roaming work?

No — buy a local SIM or eSIM.

How many days do I need?

At least 3 days, ideally 5–7.

Prices, opening hours and entry rules change — check official sources before you travel.

Getting there and what to know