A Helpful Guide for Your North-Cyprus-Holidays
North Cyprus is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, with lush, unspoiled landscapes and friendly locals. There’s lots to do for every age group; from swimming at one of many gorgeous beaches or exploring local cuisine, which has been influenced by their Greek heritage.
It is a small island that can be found just below Turkey on the map, adjoined with South and becoming part of an even larger Mediterranean Sea. It has around 1,295 square miles, which makes up over a third of Cyprus’ total area. Tasucu port lies 74 miles north from here; it bills itself as one stopover point during your journey, whether you’re looking towards Kyrenia Harbour or Salamis Bay for ferry departures.
This part of the island has a different feeling and atmosphere than the South, with its Turkish culture and friendly people. It’s not as bustling or developed compared to the south, but there are plenty of opportunities for those who want some peace in their lives alongside enjoyment from nightlife options on offer.
Geographically, North Cyprus is part of Europe. However, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cypriot (TRNC) doesn’t yet enjoy membership as an EU member state. South Cypress enjoys full representation by its Membership Action Program and has been heavily influenced from European cultures over time.
North Cyprus is a small island country that sits just below Turkey on the map, and it’s also known as The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The majority population speaks Turkish, with some people having English fluency too!
North Cyprus is part of a small island that can be found just below Turkey on the map, adjoined with the Southern part and surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The culture here has different feels than its southern counterpart as it’s dominated by Turkish traditions which have made this area so welcoming to visitors from around the world.
Making your way to Cyprus
You can fly from 18 different airports in the UK to either Larnaca airport in South Cyprus and get a transfer, or you may prefer Ercan Airport, which is also located north of this island. When you fly to North Cyprus, there’s a short stop in Turkey on the way. Larnaca flights are direct but have slightly longer transfer times from your arrival airport.
These are some airports that you can fly from UK to Ercan:
- Edinburgh
- Stansted
- Heathrow
- Gatwick
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Dublin
*Flights to North Cyprus touch down in Turkey before continuing towards the island.
If you would like to fly direct to Larnaca:
- Manchester
- Stansted
- Heathrow
- East Midlands
- Gatwick
- Luton
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Doncaster
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- Newcastle
- Belfast
- Bournemouth
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Exeter
Visa requirements in North Cyprus
North Cyprus is a popular destination for British tourists looking to travel without the hassle of getting visas. However, it’s important that you have at least six months left on your passport before arriving, in order to avoid any delays upon arrival.
It is important to be in possession of all necessary travel documents before you set out on your journey. For example, if traveling into Larnaca (LCA) this would apply for Southern Cyprus whereas Ercan can pose different entry requirements depending upon where someone’s passport was issued.
If you are a British citizen and planning on visiting North Cyprus, don’t worry! Your 90-day visa will be granted upon arrival. However, if arriving by plane from Turkey then no Turkish visas needed as it’s considered just passing through the transit lounge.
If you’re planning on visiting Turkey, then it’s important that your Turkish visa be issued in accordance with regulations so as not have trouble when entering border checkpoints because Northern Cyprus Visa is not valid in Turkey.
Money & currency of Northern Cyprus
When it comes to exchanging money, the best rate is found in North Cyprus. We recommend that you do not get your currency at home, but wait until you reach the island and exchange them then! There are plenty of Bureaus where you can exchange your money.
You should always take Pounds Sterling (£) with you when traveling to North Cyprus, and exchange them for Turkish Lira or Euros here so that the best rates can be obtained.
You can also use euros, pounds sterling and US dollars as well. The Turkish Lira is accepted in North Cyprus, and it isn’t hard to find a currency exchange shop if you need something else changed from £ TO TL.
Cash machines in North Cyprus will allow you to withdraw local currency (Turkish Lira) from your bank account. The exchange rate of Sterling vs Turkish liras is typically lower than what would be obtained by exchanging at a local banks or money changer.
Important to consider…
- North Cyprus is two hours ahead of the UK, so if it’s 4pm in Great Britain, then you can expect 6 PM there.
- Though Turkish is the official language of North Cyprus, many people speak English and some Russian as well. The dialects that exist within this region have slight differences from those spoken in Turkey.
- It uses the same plug type as Britain, so you’ll be able to use your phone charger and hairdryer without any adapters.
- North Cyprus has a different driving culture from other countries in Europe. In North Cyprus, vehicles drive on the left side of the road and there are no motorways but instead dual carriageways with speed limits at 50kph (31mph).
Conclusion: Get informed and plane your next vacation!
North Cyprus is a beautiful island that has much to offer. It doesn’t require any visa for British citizens, making it an easy getaway from anywhere in the world! The history here dates back many centuries and there are plenty of historical places you can explore.