Traveller's101

Getting around and communicating in Cyprus

Before even covering the transportation and travel aspects of your visit to the island of Cyprus, you should know that the only direct flights into the Turkish controlled northern Cyprus is through the nation of Turkey.  There are no direct flights otherwise into the TRNC.  That being said, here is some general information on getting around the island and communicating with friends and family members while there. 

Transportation

When flying into Cyprus, visitors can enter the country through one of the three main international airports.  Larcana and Paphos service the south and west Greek Cypriot areas of the country.  Ercan International Airport serves the Turkish Cypriot controlled north and only accepts flights that originate from Turkey and private charter flights from the country Azerbaijan.  Because Ercan is not an internationally recognized entry port – and due to the political situation in the country – all flights in to north Cyprus stop in Turkey first.   

Nicosia International Airport was also a recognized entry port into the country until 1974.  When the Green Line demarcation zone was set up by the United Nations, Nicosia International Airport fell smack dab in the middle of it.  Instead of dealing with all of the legalities of people coming in and out of the country, the airport was closed indefinitely. 

 

In addition to flying into the country, visitors can come via water as well.  There are four main harbours that are entry points in the country and visitors can take a ferry across the Mediterranean Sea to gain access.  This is a fun and unusual way to travel and it adds a bit of spice to any vacation that you wish to take. 

Transportation around the island is mainly by private car or public transportation.  Public transportation is usually via bus service and while there is service between the major cities on the island, it only runs prior to 7pm.  The bus intervals are consistent during the week, but sporadic on the weekends.  Transportation in and around the cities include buses but depending on where you are, it’s probably easier to just walk if you can.  There are taxis available for hire and they do work on a fee based on a fare agreement at the beginning of the trip.  Many times, the taxi will take more than one fare if visitors to the country are going in the same direction.   
Private cars are available on the island for rent.  Rental fees range anywhere from ten to fifteen pounds a day and every major city has a rental service.  In order to drive while on the island, visitors simply need their passport and current driver’s license.  All visitors should remember that vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road and all of the traffic signs are internationally understandable. 

Gaining entrance into either section of the country requires a valid passport.  Here is where things get a bit tricky.  A valid passport is all that is needed for the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek controlled south.  A valid passport and visa are needed to enter the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus if the visitor is NOT from the following countries: members of the European Union (EU); Turkey; the USA; Japan; Singapore; New Zealand; Canada; Mexico; Israel; Norway; Australia; Switzerland; and Iceland.  Citizens of countries other than those listed will need to have a visa or meet their nation’s requirements in order to travel in and out of the TRNC and Republic of Cyprus from the TRNC.