Cyprus-Forum.com

[jimbo1]

my wife and i are staying in paphos in september for 1 month and wondered if it is possable to travel to kyrenie for a 2 night stay over if so what would be the best way to get there and back are there any problems at border

[twinkle]

First obstacle, don't call it a border. It implies it is a separate country. Be warned you'll have lots of comments on this!!!!

You shoudn't have any problem. Just have to show your passport at the crossing point. You can cross at Ledra Palace or Ayios Dometios both in Nicosia or at Pyla near Larnaca. Best bet get a cab/bus to Nicosia, cross at Ledra Palace, walk across. Seeing as you are in the centre of town easy to get another cab to Khyrenia. Colony is by far the most impressive hotel and is in town right near the old harbour. If you hire a car the hire company may not let you take the car over, check first. You'll have to purchase 3rd party insurance at the crossing....I stress it is third party, so if the car gets nicked or you have a crash, you're stuck with the costs of that car and your injuries (heaven forbid).

[jimbo1]

thanks for reply sorry if i offended any one with border is there a bus to nicosia from paphos and how long is the journey also what would the cost of a taxi be from crossing to khyrenia

[observer]

Twinkle is correct in all essentials.

But just to add a few words which you may find helpful.

Ledra Palace is a pedestrian crossing only (unless you are UN or a diplomat). The walk is about 100m and taxis wait on both sides of the crossing so transport is not a problem.

The Ayios Dometios crossing is badly signposted from the GC side (going back look for Kermia/Metehan signs) but if you look carefully you will see signs with yellow writing saying Kyrenia in Greek letters that will lead you there. Although you can walk across, it is really only intended for vehicles so you are unlikely to find a taxi or other public transport on the far side.

You can buy car insurance for the North at the crossing, but as twinkle has pointed out, it's third party only. You may be better off hiring a car in for your time in the North - costs are generally cheaper - and if you give an approximate time that you will be coming through Ledra Palace the car hire company will meet you at the crossing.

[observer]

"what would the cost of a taxi be from crossing to khyrenia"

About 20 pounds sterling each way.

[booky1]

Is the Visa for the visit of North Cyprus restricted to 1 day? I always find the information that you have to return before 17:00. I would like to have a 2 days Visa, is it possible on request at the checkpoint?

Thanks a lot

[Pubdog2]

They are for three months. The info you have on 17:00 return is out of date.

[booky1]

They are for three months. The info you have on 17:00 return is out of date.

Thanks! This is good news. Strange thing is that after big expense of surfing in the net and reading travel books, I never found this information - may be this visa policy was introduced shortly?

[CatSitter_Limassol]

Booky1

I believe it has been like that with the time restriction lifted - very soon after we joined the EU in May 2004.

[Newsman]

I live in the north and cross through Metahan on a regular basis.
The information you have been given is correct.
Visa's are for three months. Crossing is simple and you will find that the police/customs officers on duty are polite and pleasent and helpful. The hire of cars in the south to bring north is frowned on by the south but if you came to Ledra Palace walked over and then hired a car in the north it would be cheaper than getting a taxi to Kyrenia/Girnie.taxi from the Palice to Sun Hire Cars will cost about five lira ( £2 ) and hire of car between £15 and £20. Roads are quite good as long as you stay on the main ones. People in the north,just like the people in the south,are friendly.Word on driving.Should you be ( God forbid ) involved in an accident,you must not move your car until the police tell you to. Believe this is the same in the south. To move your car prior to police permission,invalidates your insurance.
Hope this has been of help.
Bob