Border Crossing In Cyprus
One of the largest and most popular island countries in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus, is actually divided into two entirely separate states, officially recognized by the United Nations in 1974.
The northern region of Cyprus is referred to as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, while the Republic of Cyprus is the official name given to southern Cyprus.
These two very distinct republics each have their own language, as well as their own individual government system, and make up the complete island of Cyprus.
For many years, there were very strict policies that governed the Green Line that divides the two states of Cyprus.
In the past, it was difficult to travel into southern Cyprus from the northern region or into the south from northern Cyprus but in recent years, these strict border crossing rules have been lessened in certain areas along the Green Line in an effort to create a more peaceful, unified nation.
There are at least five checkpoints along the North and South Cyprus border that allow both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to move between the two states much more freely and there are plans to create more of these border crossing checkpoints.
The most important thing to remember about border crossing in Cyprus is that each checkpoint is designated for a specific purpose.
Everyone crossing the border should use the appropriate checkpoint to keep the border crossing process running as smoothly and efficiently as possible and to ensure the safety and security of citizens and guests of both states. The five checkpoints are located outside of Nicosia and may be called by different names depending on which region of Cyprus you are in.
The most widely used checkpoint for Cyprus border crossing is Agios Dometios. This checkpoint is open to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as vehicles. Merchandise can also be transported through this checkpoint. Ledra Palace is also a popular checkpoint because it too allows pedestrians and bicycles to cross.
Vehicles, however, are limited to diplomats at the Ledra Palace checkpoint. The remaining three border checkpoints dispersed across the Green Line, Black Night, Pergamos, and Zohdia, are all open to vehicles, as well as those on foot or pedaling.
If you plan on border crossing while in the beautiful country of Cyprus, the checkpoint you will use will depend on your location. You will want to be familiar with the many different names of the checkpoint you will use most often.
At each gate, the names are displayed in both official languages, Greek and Turkish, as well as English to help visitors in their Cyprus border crossing expeditions.
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