To enter or exit North Cyprus, individuals must use the designated entry and exit points, presenting a legitimate passport or travel document.

The Visa and Residence Permit Rules for NORTH CYPRUS, effective from 23 October 2019 under Article 20 and Chapter 105 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, govern the entry, residency, and exit of international visitors.

KEY DETAILS

For Turkish Republic citizens traveling to the TRNC:

• Either a valid passport or an ID card is necessary.

For European Union citizens:

• An authentic EU passport or a national ID card is mandatory.

For citizens from other countries:

• A legitimate passport is essential.

Visa rules are in place for those coming from South Cyprus.

IMPORTANT: Citizens from the Syrian Arab Republic, Nigeria, and Armenia must personally visit a TRNC Representative Office overseas to secure a visa before their journey.

VISA APPLICATION ADVICE:

It’s advisable to submit visa applications a minimum of one month prior to the planned travel date. Educational visas differ by country, but visa processing might take anywhere from 2-3 months or more. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity when applying.

Upon arrival in the TRNC, foreigners should have:

• A current passport
• £85 or its equivalent for each day of their stay
• A return ticket
• A confirmed hotel booking
• For family visits, a detailed invitation letter
• For academic purposes, an official university acceptance letter
• For business trips, an official company invitation from the TRNC

NOTE: At entry points, the TRNC Immigration Police Officer can grant up to 90 days of stay if satisfied with the answers provided. Those wishing to stay beyond this duration must apply for an extension at the Immigration Department before their visa expires. Overstays without an extension will result in a “visa penalty” fine upon departure, payable upon re-entry.

The Council of Ministers determines which non-EU nationals need a pre-arrival visa for North Cyprus. Citizens of Armenia, Nigeria, and Syria must obtain a visa from North Cyprus Representative Offices by stating their visit’s purpose.

Other non-EU nationals might receive up to a 90-day visa at entry points if they meet the Regulation’s conditions and prove their intent to leave within the allotted time.

The maximum duration granted at North Cyprus entry points is 90 days within a 180-day frame.

Those with legal residency or an exemption under Article 12 don’t need a visa. The Immigration Officer at entry points has the discretion to grant entry and may request additional documentation.

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT’S VALIDITY

The Visa and Residence Permit Regulation, effective from 23 October 2019, mandates that citizens from countries with a representative office in North Cyprus and EU citizens should have a passport with a minimum of 2 months’ validity. For others, it should be 6 months.

VISA CATEGORIES IN NORTH CYPRUS

TOURIST VISA:

• Up to 30 days for tourists staying in hotels or rented accommodations. With proof of pre-paid accommodation, this can extend to 90 days.
• Up to 60 days for family or relative visits.
• Up to 90 days for official purposes, business meetings, events, health tourism, etc.

TRAINING AND EXCHANGE VISA:

• Up to 90 days for internships, courses, exchange programs, and in-service training with relevant documentation.

EMPLOYMENT VISA:

• 30 days for those with a preliminary permit as per the Foreigners’ Work Permit Law. Those from countries without representation in North Cyprus need a passport with at least 2 years of validity.

BUSINESS INITIATION VISA:

• 30 days for those intending to start a business, provided they have the necessary funds.

RESIDENCY VISA: Different types based on the purpose, such as family residence, property ownership, student residence, judicial/administrative purposes, research, and university graduates.

VISA DURATION OVERVIEW

TOURIST: 30 days (up to 90 with a paid hotel booking)
FAMILY VISIT: Up to 60 days
OFFICIAL AND BUSINESS EVENTS: Up to 90 days
TRAINING AND EXCHANGE: Up to 90 days
EMPLOYMENT: 30 days
BUSINESS INITIATION: 30 days
RESIDENCY: Up to 90 days.