What cannot be taken out of Northern Cyprus across the Green Line

Crossing the Green Line from Northern Cyprus into the Republic of Cyprus for personal use usually allows: up to 40 cigarettes and up to 1 liter of alcohol per person over 17 years old, purchases not on the prohibited list — with a total value of up to 260 EUR per person, as well as small quantities of agricultural products (up to 3 kg or 3 bunches). Other items may be prohibited or require supporting documents. This is valid according to the current Green Line Regulation rules and the clarifications of the Customs Department of the Republic of Cyprus as of 28 January 2026.

• History of the matter
• Permitted goods for export
• Prohibited goods for export
• Temporary import of goods from Northern Cyprus
• Frequently asked questions about customs

History of the matter

The Green Line is a buffer zone between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. Separate rules apply to the movement of goods across this line: they differ from the “normal” rules for transporting goods through airports and seaports.

The rules are regularly updated in the clarifications issued by the Customs of the Republic of Cyprus. Official reference: Republic of Cyprus Customs Department page on crossing the Green Line.

Permitted goods for export

Below are guidelines for goods for personal use (limits are per person). Alcohol and tobacco are only for persons over 17 years old.

• Cigarettes: 40 pieces (other types of tobacco are usually not allowed)
• Alcohol: 1 liter (any strength)
• Agricultural products: up to 3 kg or up to 3 bunches (depending on the type of product)
• Processed plant products (e.g., juices, olive oil and olives, jams): in quantities reasonable for personal consumption
• Other purchases for personal use: total value up to 260 EUR per person, if the item is not on the list of prohibitions/restrictions

Prohibited goods for export

Below are categories that most often cause problems at checkpoints when transporting from Northern Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus. The exact list and possible exceptions should be checked before travel in the official customs reference.

• Tobacco products other than 40 cigarettes (including rolling tobacco, cigars/cigarillos, heated tobacco systems, etc.)
• Fuel (except what is in the vehicle tank)
• Counterfeit and replica brands
• Animal products: meat, dairy products, etc.
• Honey and beekeeping products
• Plants for planting, seedlings, seeds (including fruit trees and ornamental plants)
• Certain categories of fruits/plants (e.g., citrus and grapes — depending on the type of product and purpose of transport)
• Firewood of certain species (depending on phytosanitary regulations)
• Fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals from the restricted list
• Disposable plastic tableware (if covered by the prohibition)
• Medicines, except small quantities for personal use (if necessary — with supporting documents)
• Weapons, narcotic and psychotropic substances
• Antiques, cultural values, and collectibles (if subject to restrictions)

Temporary import of goods from Northern Cyprus

Temporary imports usually include items that you plan to take back: professional equipment, exhibition samples, some sports equipment, etc. Conditions depend on the category of the goods and supporting documents.

• Details and official clarifications: Republic of Cyprus customs rules for the Green Line.

Frequently asked questions about customs

How to proceed

1. Before traveling, check whether the item is on the list of prohibitions or restrictions (especially food, tobacco, plants, fuel).
2. If carrying purchases, follow the 260 EUR per person limit and keep receipts to make it easier to justify the value.
3. Transport alcohol and cigarettes within the limits and only if you are over 17 years old.
4. If carrying medicines, take a reasonable quantity and, if necessary, a prescription or certificate.
5. If in doubt, clarify at the checkpoint or in the official customs reference before departure.

How many cigarettes can be carried across the Green Line?

Usually — up to 40 cigarettes per person over 17 years old. Other types of tobacco products may not be allowed.

How much alcohol can be carried across the Green Line?

Usually — up to 1 liter of alcohol per person over 17 years old.

How does the 260 EUR limit work?

This is a guideline for the total value of purchases for personal use per person if these goods are not on the prohibited/restricted list. In practice, you may be asked to explain the purpose of purchases and provide receipts to confirm the value.

Can food products be carried?

Vegetables and fruits for personal use are usually allowed in small quantities (e.g., up to 3 kg), but animal products (meat, dairy, etc.) are often prohibited. If planning to carry food, it is better to check the official reference before traveling.

How much cash can be carried?

The threshold is 10,000 EUR per person (or equivalent): amounts above this usually require declaration and supporting documents. Also useful: how much cash can be brought in and out of Northern Cyprus.

Glossary

• Green Line — the dividing line and buffer zone between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus, where checkpoints are located.
• Checkpoint (CP) — the control point through which the line is crossed.
• Per-person limit — the quantity/value considered separately for each traveler.
• Declaration — notifying customs of goods or amounts of money using the prescribed form.

Useful materials on the topic:

• all checkpoints: location, working hours, and how to cross
• all Northern Cyprus checkpoints on the map
• checkpoint contacts in Northern Cyprus