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Persons visiting Cyprus must enter and
leave the country from a legal port or airport in
the Government-controlled area. As the northern
part of the island is under Turkish military
occupation, all points of entry there have been
declared illegal and prohibited to all maritime
and air traffic. These include the airports of
Tymbou (so-called "Ercan") and Lefkoniko and the
sea ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia. The ban is
recognised and observed by the governments of all
countries except Turkey.
Crossing to the
occupied area
However, visitors in
the Government-controlled area who wish to go to
the occupied area may cross from the Ledra Palace
checkpoint in Nicosia for a one-day trip only. No
formalities or advance arrangements are required.
It is sufficient to inform a Police Officer of
the Republic of Cyprus at the checkpoint of their
intention. They will be allowed to go through to
the buffer zone, which is controlled by the
United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) who
in turn will let them proceed to the occupied
area. It is advisable to carry a passport or
identity card solely as proof of identity if
requested. Under no circumstances must visitors
allow their passports to be stamped by the
Turkish Cypriot "authorities".
Organised groups of
more than five persons are not allowed through
the checkpoint. Nor are cars allowed to go
through. The entry crossing is open from 8 a.m.
to 1 p.m. and daily visitors to the occupied area
must return by 5 p.m., as overnight stays are not
permitted.
Persons who enter
the country from an illegal port or airport and
cross to the Government-controlled area will be
in breach of the law and will suffer the
consequences. |
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