Friday Travel Tip - Cyprus - Crossing To The North

Many people don't realize that although this country is still involved in a military stalemate, you can easily travel into both parts of the island, even if just for part of a day. For Americans and Canadians crossing does not require any kind of special visa or cost. You will have to bring your passport to the crossing; there you have the option of the Turkish-Cypriot "border guards" at the gate stamping a special document, instead of your passport if you wish. Rental cars do need extra insurance if you cross the buffer zone, it can be purchased when you cross for a nominal fee.

Crossing wise, the easiest way to get across for the average tourist is in Nicosia. Just walk up the pedestrian Ledras Street until you come to the Gris gate. You'll walk for about 20 meters through the buffer zone until you reach the other side. Show them your passport, and you're in Turkish-occupied Cyprus. When you're ready to leave, just come back to the same place, stop at the booths on the left, and walk through the buffer zone again, and you're back in the government-controlled area of Cyprus. Keep in mind that photography is allowed in some places while walking through the buffer zone, however there are certain areas where you cannot take photos, they are all fairly well marked. There are no crossings for cars in old town Nicosia, however there are several on the outer edges of the city and in other parts along the buffer zone.

Later