Flights To North Cyprus
If you wish to enjoy the scenic beauty of this beautiful island then the ferry ride is the recommended and regular transportation vehicle for you. Soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere while you travel in the catamarans around the towns. You can get information on the various ferry services, the rates and the timings from the companies who are responsible for the operation of these ferry services.
The common mode of transportation in North Cyprus is by flight and ferries. If you are flying from England you can avail a flight from any of the three airports - Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. Most of the flights arriving from European countries have to touch down at Turkey and then proceed onwards to North Cyprus. There are numerous ferry services operating between Turkey and North Cyprus.
North Cyprus by flight
There are restrictions on direct flights to North Cyprus. Since North Cyprus is not recognized as an autonomous state the entry ports to North Cyprus is only through Azerbaijan and Turkey. The airports that allow flights from other countries are the ones at Gecitkale and Ercan situated in the south. If you have a TRNC immigration stamp you may be denied entry into the country although the rules have been made more flexible now.
Since North Cyprus controls the Green Line from the part of Nicosia it does not restrict any passage from this direction. You do not require a valid visa and immigration stamp for these visits.
North Cyprus by ferry
You can get frequent ferry transportation from Girne and Gazi Magusa to the southern coasts of Alanya, Tasucu and Mersin. There are various ferries meant for transportation of passengers and car ferries are also available. The car ferries are comparatively slower than the passenger ferries.
Frequency of the ferries
While in North Cyprus you can avail the ferry services from Mersin to Gazimagusa or Famagusta three times a week.
There are passenger ferries and car ferries plying daily from Tasucu to Girne (Kyrenia) and the duration last for 2 hours. The distance from Girne(Kyrenia) to Tasucu is shorter. So it is advisable that you take this route to avoid the normal 8 hours of journey.
The car ferries are slower and take 4 hours to complete the journey.
There are also ferry services in the summer from Antalya, Alanya and Anamur to Girne (Kyrenia).
Companies providing the ferries
The two companies who are responsible for the ferry services between North Cyprus and Turkey are Akgunler Shipping and Fergun Shipping. Both the companies provide both passenger and car ferry services. You can contact both the companies for the schedules and rates of these ferries.
Passports and visas
A valid passport and an entry visa on arrival are necessary for entering North Cyprus.
Duty free goods
If you are an adult you are allowed upto either 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 gms of tobacco. The other duty free items are 1 litre of spirit or 1 litre wine and perfumes are permitted upto 100 cl. Exporting of antiques and materials which are of archaeological importance are illegal.