Visa Policy of Northern Cyprus

Overview

The visa policy of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) allows citizens of certain countries to enter and stay in the country for short periods without the need for a prior visa.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following countries may visit the TRNC for 90 days without obtaining a visa:

* Citizens of Turkey
* Citizens of European Union member states, who can enter using their national ID cards instead of a passport

Countries Requiring Prior Visa

Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa prior to entering the TRNC:

* Armenia
* Syria
* Nigeria (visa must be obtained from one of the TRNC's diplomatic agents)

Other countries are advised to contact the foreign representatives of the TRNC, but in general, only citizens of Armenia, Syria, and Nigeria require a prior visa.

Visa on Arrival

Visitors who do not want to have their passport stamped may need to obtain a stamped visa form. However, it is unclear whether this applies to all visitors or just those from specific countries.

Passport Exemption

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to carry a passport when entering the TRNC for short visits. This includes citizens of Turkey and European Union member states, who can enter using their national ID cards.

Visa Extensions

Visitors who wish to stay in the TRNC for longer than 90 days must exit and re-enter the country. They can apply for an extension at the Immigration Department of the Police Headquarters, but will be charged a fine (100.23 Turkish lira per day) if they overstay their visa.

History

Visa on arrival was previously issued when crossing from the Republic of Cyprus until May 2015.

ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base