Entry Requirements
A valid British Passport is required for entry and a Visa is granted at your entry point to Northern Cyprus.

Geography
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily. It lies 70kms from mainland Turkey, 100kms from Syria and 320kms from Egypt.

Population
Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) – just over 200,000

Capital City
Lefkosa (Nicosia), population just over 40,000

Other Cities
Gazi Magusa (Famagusta), population 28,000
Girne (Kyrenia), population 15,000
Guzelyurt, population 13,000
Lefke, population 7,000
Yeni iskele, population 3,000

Area
3,355 sq kms

Time
Northern Cyprus is two hours ahead of GMT in the winter and three hours ahead of GMT in summer.

Climate
North Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from May to October and mild winters from December to February, which are separated by the short autumn and spring seasons. April through to June is probably one of the prettiest times to visit the island, especially if you’re coming for the flora and birdlife. July and August is the peak summer period where temperatures reach an average 30C (90F). The cloudless skies and sea breezes create a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas making it ideal for sun-worshippers. September and October are the most popular times to visit North Cyprus when the weather is still delightfully warm, but more comfortable than that in the peak summer months. Winters come with some rain, but even in January (usually the coolest month) there are generally six hours of bright sunshine during the day!

Language
The official language is Turkish. English is widely spoken and understood.

Currency
The New Turkish Lira or Yeni (YTL) is the currency used in Northern Cyprus. It is becoming apparent that some restaurants, bars, shops and hotels accept sterling as a direct form of payment (change given back in Lira), along with Euros and US Dollars. Travellers cheques can be encashed at the many exchange bureaux. Paying by most major credit cards is becoming more and more accepted and it is also possible to withdraw money (Turkish Lira) from the cash point machines in the main town centres using your ATM card.
The current exchange rate is UK£1 = 2.35YTL

Electricity
Throughout Northern Cyprus, voltage is 220/240v AC and sockets are usually the 3-pin British type. Most anti-mosquito machines are fitted with the continental 2-pin type of plug so an adapter will be required (available at all market shops).
Power cuts may occur at any time; however they are becoming less frequent. A torch may be useful as there is little or no street lighting in the villages or on the minor roads.

Duty-Free Regulations
Travelling into the North via Ercan Airport – each adult is permitted to bring 400 cigarettes, 500gr tobacco or 50 cigars, 1 litre of wine or spirits and up to 100cl of perfume. Duty-free shops can be found at Ercan Airport and the ports of Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazi Magusa)

Travelling into the south via Larnaca Airport – no tobacco or alcohol purchased within North/South Cyprus is permitted to pass through any border crossings. We advise you to purchase your duty free items at the airport, on your return journey back to the UK. Please note all standard EU duty-free regulations apply, and if exceeded the permitted amount, a heavy penalty charge will be enforced

Border Crossing
Since the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union (EU) in May 2004, the border restrictions have relaxed allowing free movement between the north and the south. You do, however, need to carry your passport and complete a Visa form – there is no charge – the border control process usually takes no longer than a few minutes.
Border crossings are located in Lefkosa and Gazi Magusa - In Lefkosa at Metehan for vehicles and Ledra Palace or Ledra Street for pedestrians.

Telephone
From abroad, dial 00 90, followed by your number in Northern Cyprus. The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the first zero (0). Public telephone booths are available in the major towns and telephone cards can be purchased from the Telecoms Office or Tobacconists

Health
British medications for holiday ailments are stocked by the main chemists “Eczane”. The prices can range from well below the UK price to higher. There are many English-speaking doctors who have their own private clinics. Medical treatment is not cheap so holiday insurance is not only highly recommended but essential.

Most upset stomachs are caused by a mixture of too much sun, alcohol and a change in diet. Imodium quickly disposes of the problem. Some people have a nasty reaction to mosquito and sand fly bites; try rubbing anti-histamine cream on to the affected part.

A good sun block lotion should be used and direct sunlight on the head should be avoided. Take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

Snake bites are very rare but should the worst happen, cover the bite with a cloth. Apply a tourniquet above the bite if it is on a limb but not so tight as to cut off the blood supply. Seek medical attention immediately.

Transport
Taxis are reasonably priced but do not carry a meter. There is also a collective taxi system, using minibuses and large estate vehicles, called “Dolmus”, pronounced dol-mush. Bus departures are frequent between towns during the day. However, departure times are not fixed. Public transport service is less frequent after 5pm and during the weekend.

Driving
Driving in North Cyprus is the most advisable form of transport as there are infrequent bus services to many of the more remote areas of the country. Petrol is significantly cheaper than in Britain.

Visitors to North Cyprus can drive using a valid international driving license from their country of origin. Driving is on the left, as in Britain. Traffic and road signs are international and the maximum speed is 100km/hour. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. Do watch you speed as the Police often stand on the side of the roads with laser guns and will issue an on-the-spot fine. Drivers sometimes flash their headlights to warn of a police check ahead. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol (The limit is 50mg, as in Europe)

Road surfaces between major towns and villages are reasonably good, but some mountain and village roads are still unsurfaced, so care should be taken especially in wet weather.

Always make sure you have sufficient fuel as petrol stations can be few and far between especially the ones selling unleaded fuel. Report any accident directly to the nearest Police Station.

As a general rule you can park where there is a space. Look out for the yellow-and-white or black-and-white painted kerbs – these mean no parking. Car parks are called “Oto Parks”.
Most signposts are international and the roads are generally in a good state.

Maps
Selections of maps are produced by the Northern Cyprus Tourist Board. You can collect these free from the Tourist information offices or in the Arrivals area at Ercan Airport. Maps purchased outside Northern Cyprus normally have Greek place names - no use when travelling around the Turkish North! Some roads can be closed due to the Military restrictions in the north.

Museums
During the summer period (May to October) opening times can vary but are normally 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.45pm.
For up-to-date information contact the Museum and Antiquities Dept. on 00 90 392 227 2916.
During the winter, opening hours are normally as follows: 9am to 1 pm and 2pm to 4pm. Museums are all closed on national holidays.

Tipping
Although not expected, waiters and guides do appreciate a small gratuity. Some European-style restaurants will show a cover charge, if not, 10% is normal.

Shopping
Popular souvenirs include copper, silver, gold, bronze, onyx objects and Turkish dolls. Jewellery, leather, clothes and textiles can be purchased at low prices. When shopping or browsing, it is likely the shop owner will invite you to have a coffee (“Nescafe”) or tea (“cay”, pronounced ch-ay) more so for a casual chat, rather than to lure you into actually buying something. Shop opening times: Monday to Saturday between 9am and 1pm and 3pm to 8pm. Many tourist shops are open later and also on Sunday. The export of antiquities is illegal.

Postage
Stamps can be purchased from Post Offices and some local market shops. Mail sent to Europe should arrive in about 7 days. The current cost for sending a postcard to the UK is 70YTL

Public Holidays (subject to change)

Tourist Information UK
North Cyprus Tourism Centre:
29 Bedford Square London WC1B 3EG. Tel: 0207 631 1930

Tourist Information North Cyprus

Flight Information

Ferry Information

 Places to visit in North Cyprus

Girne (Kyrenia) -
Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) -
Karpaz -
Guzelyurt (Morphou) –
Lefkosa (Nicosia) -