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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus?

Foreigners who would like to travel to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus must apply for an entry visa with valid travel documents. The visa applications are processed in line with the fulfillment of certain requirements. Visitors can stay for up to 90 days in total within 180 days with an issued visa. Those who wish to stay for more than 90 days must get a residence permit.

Northern Cyprus Visa Types

Different visa types for visits to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are broadly categorized on the basis of short-term or long-term stays. Visas are also issued depending on the nature of the intended visit and the requested entry numbers; as single-entry or multiple-entry visas for a visit duration up to 90 days. Single-entry visa grants one-time entrance. Double-entry visa holders may travel twice in fixed periods and multiple-entry visa enables for numerous visits to Cyprus.

Type C (Short-Term Stay) Visa

Short-term visa is issued in line with the requested days indicated by the traveler for non-immigration purposes and for stays that are not exceeding three months.

Northern Cyprus Tourist Visa

Tourist visa for Northern Cyprus is given to third country nationals who would like to visit the island for tourism and entertainment related purposes. Hotel reservations or rental documents should be enclosed to the application for stays up to 90 days.

Tourist visas are issued for maximum 30 days. If further proof demonstrating that prior payments are made for prolonged accommodation can be presented, visas can be issued for up to 90 days.

Northern Cyprus Visa for Business and Fair Visits

Business visa for Northern Cyprus is given to foreign nationals who wish to travel to the island for exclusively business-related reasons, whether it is for the purpose of attending meetings, fair visits or engaging in commercial activities. An official invitation letter from the business partner/company is required to apply. Visas lasting up to 90 days can be given for visits related to business meetings, seminars, exhibitions, fairs.

Northern Cyprus Visa for Visit to Family, Relatives and Friends

Travels to Northern Cyprus is possible with the purpose of visiting family, friends or close relatives. The applicant can submit a short-stay travel visa request accompanied with a valid invitation letter. Visas are issued for up to 60 days in this case.

Northern Cyprus Visa for Cultural or Sports Activities and Participation to Conferences

Travelers who would like to visit Northern Cyprus with the purpose of joining cultural or sports related events can apply for short-term travel visas which will enable members of political and economic unions, faculty members and researchers, art and sports teams, international organizations and specialists to travel to the island. A letter of intent explaining the details of activity accompanied by purchased tickets or event schedules must be presented during the application procedure. This visa type is issued for up to 90 days, and according to the duration of the events such as festivals, cultural or artistic occasions and sport events.

Northern Cyprus Visa for Short-Term Education and Traineeship

Foreign nationals who would like to visit Northern Cyprus for short-term education or training purposes can also apply for a short stay travel visa. However, an official acceptance letter from the university or higher education institution is required. Entry visa for up to 90 days are given for trainings, student exchange programs, internships, etc. Graduates of universities in Northern Cyprus can be granted a visa that will be valid or 30 days. Visa holders must apply for a residence permit for an extended stay.

Type D (Long-Term Stay) Visa

A long-term visa grants its holder the right to enter to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for extended periods with the possibility of multiple entry.

Work permit visas are given for 30 days to those who have preliminary permits in line with the Law on Work Permits of Foreigners. Nationals of countries who do not have any official representatives in Northern Cyprus must be in possession of passports valid for minimum two years in order to apply for work permit visas. Also, third world country citizens who would like to start a business in Northern Cyprus can apply for a 30-day visa if they obtain the adequate funds.

Additionally, the visa for ownership of immovable property in Northern Cyprus is issued for stays up to 90 days. Nationals of third world countries who would like to extend their stay in Northern Cyprus must apply for a residence permit, before the expiry date of the period indicated in their visa. Visas for family residence permit, student residence permit or scientific research can also be granted upon request.

Northern Cyprus Transit Visa

Northern Cyprus transit visa allows travelers to pass through Northern Cyprus’s international zone without entering the island. Merchants, drivers or tourists who do not seek to stay in Cyprus must obtain a transit visa.

General Requirements to Apply for Northern Cyprus Visa

Tourist visa application requirements for Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are explained below. Applicants must submit their applications with the requested documents. Applications shall be made to the Diplomatic Missions in applicant’s country of residence.

Please be aware that the visa application requirements may change depending on the applicant's country of residence and category of visa.

Northern Cyprus Visa Applications

1. A passport with at minimum two blank pages and that will be valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page, including personal data and previous visas (if obtained) also must be provided.
2. Completed and signed visa application form along with one color biometric photo that are not older than 6 months.
3. Proof of travel with confirmed two-way tickets.
4. Bank account details proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund their travel.
5. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents such as; a letter from an employer, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds.
6. Accommodation details through an invitation letter or proof of your hotel reservation throughout your stay.
7. Documentation of travel health insurance that will cover up to 30.000 euros throughout the period of travel and that is valid within the entire Schengen area.

There are specific documents that need to be attached to your application depending on your employment status.

Employed:

• Employment contract (original certificate of employment indicating the position in the company and the salary)
• Bank account statement of the past 6 months
• Approval letter of leave from employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

Self-employed:

• Proof of business license (company registration)
• Company’s bank account statement of the past 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

Student:

• Documentation of University enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school management

Retired:

Pension statement documenting the past 6 months

Unemployed:

• Proof of financial resources is required
• If the person is not able to finance his/her own expenses, proof of a sponsor is mandatory.

What is Visa Sponsorship for Northern Cyprus?

Students or unemployed/retired people who are not in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to demonstrate support from a sponsor who will bear all costs. Your sponsor who must be a first-degree relative will have to prove the sufficient resources by meeting certain requirements; such as filling out the sponsorship form and submitting the requested documents. You can check our website for further details.

Northern Cyprus Visa Rules

• Visa applications shall be submitted to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
• It is advised to submit applications at least one month prior to your travel date. Visa applications are concluded in three days.
• Citizens of Syria, Nigeria and Armenia are required to process their visa applications in person.
• Citizens of other countries may obtain their visas at the border by Immigration Officers. However, the terms of entry differ depending on the nationality of passport holders.

• Flights to Northern Cyprus are connected from Türkiye. Thus, travelers may need a transit visa from Republic of Türkiye depending on their nationality of origin.
• Turkish citizens may face problems obtaining a Greek visa if their passports have an entry or exit stamp from Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Therefore, it may be recommended to travel with national identity card.

Northern Cyprus Visa Requirements

In addition to above mentioned application documents, general requirements include:

Northern Cyprus Visa requirements for Turkish Citizens

Turkish citizens can visit Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus without any visa requirements. A valid passport or identity card is needed.

Northern Cyprus visa for citizens of the EU and Schengen area

Citizens coming from European countries can travel to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with their passports or identity cards for stays that are not exceeding three months.

Northern Cyprus Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian citizens

• US citizens with US passports are not obliged to have an entry visa for tourist or business purposes as well as airport transits in Cyprus. However, the US does not recognize Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and therefore does not consider entry to the northern part of the island at Ercan Airport as legal.

• UK citizens can enter Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with their national identity cards.

• Canadian citizens are not requested to get an entry visa to travel to the Northern Cyprus for stays up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Northern Cyprus Visa Fees

The application fee for Northern Cyprus visa is $125.

NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

WARNING: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, visa applications for your destination country may not have started yet. Please consult the relevant official authorities for up-to-date information.

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Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is the third largest island on the Eastern Mediterranean. Nicosia is the capital and largest city of the country. Turkish Republic of Northern Island is only recognized by Türkiye and the island is divided into two separate parts through a buffer zone. However, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to welcome visitors from all over the world with its rich entertainment opportunities.

You can discover more information through our Northern Cyprus Travel Guide before buying your Cyprus flight ticket. All the necessary information about required travel documents and visa application processes are detailed in this visa guide.