If you’re planning a trip to Cyprus and want to visit the north, you’ll need to pass through one of the official Cyprus border crossings.
Sounds simple, right? Except each crossing has at least three different names (Greek, Turkish, and sometimes British Sovereign Base versions) – which makes it confusing even for locals. Add in questions about passports, visas, car hire, and opening hours, and you’ve got yourself a classic traveller headache.
Don’t worry. I’ve crossed the Cyprus border crossings, and I’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you choose the right one.
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Map of Cyprus Border Crossings 🗺️
There are six main Cyprus border crossings between South Cyprus and Northern Cyprus. Some are best for pedestrians, some for drivers, and some are just more convenient depending on where you’re staying.
1. Deryneia / Dherynia / Derinya (Bogaz in Turkish)
✅ Best for Varosha & Famagusta
If you’re visiting the ghost town of Varosha or the city of Famagusta, this is the crossing to use. It’s the closest to Ayia Napa and Protaras, and it’s the most popular option for tourists heading east.
You can cross on foot here, grab a taxi on the northern side (about €10–15 into Famagusta), or drive through with the right insurance.
Tip: This Cyprus border crossing is usually open 24/7, but queues can build up on weekends and public holidays.
👉 Planning to visit Famagusta? See exactly how to do it in my Famagusta & Varosha Day Trip Itinerary.
2. Akyar / Strovilia / Agios Nikolaos
🚗 Another option for Famagusta
This is the crossing I personally use. It sits inside the British Eastern Sovereign Base Area on the Larnaca–Famagusta road.
It’s open to cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, and it’s handy if you’re coming from Larnaca or Nicosia and heading straight to Famagusta.
Like Deryneia, this Cyprus border crossing is open 24/7, but note that the car insurance desks only operate during working hours. If you’re driving, plan accordingly.
3. Agios Dometios / Metehan / Kermia (Nicosia)
🚦 Main vehicle crossing
This is the largest and busiest Cyprus border crossing, located in Nicosia (Lefkosa). It’s the go-to for locals and tourists driving between the two sides.
It also has the advantage of offering 24/7 car insurance desks, which isn’t the case at every crossing.
If you’re hiring a car in the south and want to take it north, this is the most straightforward option.
4. Ledra Palace / Ledra Street (Nicosia)
🚶 Pedestrian only crossing
Located in the centre of Nicosia, this Cyprus border crossing is for pedestrians and cyclists only – no cars allowed.
It’s great if you want to explore both the southern and northern sides of the city in one day.
The famous Ledra Street is also home to shops, cafés, and the old Ledra Palace Hotel, which now sits inside the UN buffer zone.
Note: Diplomatic vehicles can cross here, but normal drivers cannot.
👉 Want to turn this into a day out? Follow my Nicosia Day Trip Itinerary for a step-by-step guide.
5. Pergamos / Beyarmudu
🏠 Dhekelia British Base
This crossing is located in the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, east of Larnaca.
It’s often used by locals and can be a quieter option compared to other Cyprus border crossings.
Drivers and pedestrians can use it, but it’s less common for tourists unless you’re staying nearby.
6. Yesilirmak / Limnitis (near Morphou/Guzelyurt)
🌄 Western option
This is the most remote of the Cyprus border crossings, way out west. It’s mainly used by locals visiting family or for trips into the Troodos foothills.
It’s not especially useful for most tourists unless you’re exploring the far west of the island.
Which Crossing Should You Use? 📝
- For Varosha/Famagusta: Use Deryneia (most convenient) or Akyar (if coming via Larnaca road).
- For Nicosia city trips: Use Ledra Street (walking) or Agios Dometios (driving).
- For west Cyprus trips: Use Yesilirmak/Limnitis.
- For Dhekelia area stays: Use Pergamos/Beyarmudu.
👉 If you’re planning to make the trip, I’ve put together a full day trip to Famagusta & Varosha itinerary – covering the old town, lunch spots, the ghost town, and even Salamis. Perfect if you want to see the highlights in one go.
Important Notes on Crossing the Green Line ⚠️
Most travellers – including those from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries – can cross between the Republic of Cyprus (south) and Northern Cyprus without a visa, simply by showing a passport or EU ID card. A visa slip is issued on arrival instead of a passport stamp.
However, if you are travelling on another passport, you should check your own government or embassy travel advice before attempting to cross, as requirements may differ.
Entering from the North ✈️
Officially, the Republic of Cyprus only recognises entry via Larnaca or Paphos airports. If you fly into Ercan Airport in The North, or arrive via northern ports, the Republic considers this an unauthorised entry.
While many travellers do use Ercan in practice, this can cause issues if you later try to cross south or exit through Larnaca or Paphos.
?👉 The safest approach is to enter Cyprus via the south.
Solo travel tip: Crossing alone is common and uncomplicated. Thousands of solo travellers do it every year. Just carry your passport and travel light for ease.
Driving in Cyprus: What to Know 📝
- Drive on the left – same as the UK.
- Roads are in good condition, though mountain and coastal routes can be winding.
- Signage is in English and Greek, making navigation easy.
- Renting a car is essential if you want flexibility. I recommend booking with Discover Cars to compare the best local deals and pick up at Larnaca or Paphos airports.
🚗 With a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore beaches, villages, and ruins at your own pace – but remember you can also cross on foot or with a tour.
Cyprus Border Crossing FAQs 💡
A: Yes – you must carry a valid passport to cross into Northern Cyprus. ID cards may work for some EU citizens, but a passport is safest.
A: Most travellers (including UK, EU, US, Canada, and Australia passport holders) do not need a visa. You’ll just show your passport (or EU ID) at the checkpoint and receive a visa slip instead of a passport stamp. Nationals of some other countries may need a visa. Always check your own government or embassy travel advice before travelling.
A: Technically, yes – flights to Ercan Airport (via Turkey) are possible. But the Republic of Cyprus considers this an illegal entry point. If you arrive through the north, you may face problems later crossing into the south or when leaving through Larnaca or Paphos airports.
A: Some South Cyprus car hire companies allow their cars to cross if you buy extra insurance at the checkpoint. Others prohibit it entirely. Always check in advance. If driving, carry both euros and Turkish lira, ideally in small notes. Give Discover Cars a try for car rentals.
A: Cars rented in the north are generally not allowed to cross south, and doing so risks fines or confiscation.
A: No – if you’re driving, you must buy extra third-party insurance at the border. It’s available at most major Cyprus border crossings, but the desks are not always open outside of working hours.
A: Yes, all major Cyprus border crossings are open day and night, but some services (like car insurance desks) keep office hours only.
A: No – photography of military checkpoints is strictly forbidden. Wait until you’re inside Northern Cyprus to get your camera out.
A: For most visitors, crossing is quick, safe, and straightforward. The checkpoints are well-used by both locals and tourists every day. Just remember your passport or EU ID, and if you’re not used to seeing guns, be aware they are present and you will see them.
👉 Want a real example? Read my Nicosia Day Trip Itinerary to see how to cross at Ledra Street, or my Famagusta & Varosha Day Trip for tips on using the Deryneia checkpoint.
A: Many travellers (including solo visitors) cross every day without issues. Just remember your passport, and be prepared to buy car insurance if you’re driving north.
Final Thoughts on Cyprus Border Crossings ✨
Crossing the border in Cyprus isn’t as complicated as it first looks – you just need to know which of the Cyprus border crossings suits your journey best.
For most travellers, that means Deryneia or Akyar for Famagusta and Varosha, or Ledra Street/Agios Dometios for Nicosia.
Once you’ve got your passport, small cash, and insurance sorted, the process is quick and painless.
If you’re planning on visiting the Varosha ghost town specifically, check out my full guide: 👉 How to Visit the Famagusta Border Crossing & Varosha in 2025.
Related Cyprus Travel Guides 📚
🏛️ Famagusta Border Crossing: How to Visit Varosha .
🗓️ Day Trip to Famagusta & Varosha: 1 Day Cyprus Itinerary.
🌟 A Nicosia Day Trip: Exploring Europe’s Last Divided Capital.
🏨 Where to Stay in Cyprus: 11 Best Areas & Hotels.
🌅 10 Fantastic Things to Do in Paphos, Cyprus.
✈️ Cyprus Travel Guide: Advice for Visiting Cyprus.
📌 Pin It For Later – Cyprus Border Crossings
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Cyprus, Europe, Northern Cyprus
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