All checkpoints between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus: location, hours of operation, how to cross

There are 9 checkpoints (CPs) between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus. The following usually operate 24/7: Ledra (on foot), Ledra Palace (on foot), Metehan (car/on foot), Deryneia — Famagusta (car/on foot), and Bostanci — Astromeritis (car/on foot). Limited hours: Pila — Pergamos and Strovilia — Famagusta (typically 10:00–19:00), while Yesilirmak — Pyrgos and Lefke operate only during daytime. In Nicosia, the border is crossed by car via Metehan.

To travel from one part of the island to the other (with the required documents), crossings occur through the buffer zone at one of the checkpoints. Below is a list of all crossings, a brief table, and links to map locations.

• All checkpoints and map links
• Table: type of crossing and operating hours
• How to choose a checkpoint and cross the border
• Frequently asked questions

All Checkpoints

• Ledra Checkpoint
• Ledra Palace Checkpoint
• Metehan Checkpoint
• Deryneia — Famagusta Checkpoint
• Pila — Pergamos Checkpoint
• Strovilia — Famagusta Checkpoint
• Bostanci — Astromeritis Checkpoint
• Yesilirmak — Pyrgos Checkpoint
• Lefke Checkpoint

Table: type of crossing and operating hours

How to Do It

1. Choose a checkpoint along your route: in Nicosia, Metehan is suitable for cars, while in the city center it’s more convenient on foot to use Ledra or Ledra Palace.
2. Check the operating hours: some checkpoints operate 24/7, while others follow daytime schedules (e.g., 10:00–19:00).
3. Prepare your documents: passport and a valid visa/entry permit for the Republic of Cyprus if required for your citizenship.
4. If crossing the border by car, clarify insurance matters in advance (policies from different sides are usually not interchangeable).
5. Open the map link for your chosen checkpoint and plot your route to the crossing point.

Ledra Checkpoint

Ledra Street

The most popular checkpoint for tourists, located in central Nicosia. Pedestrian only. Open 24/7.

Ledra Palace Checkpoint

Ledra Palace

Another checkpoint in Nicosia, also central, near the Ledra Palace Hotel. Pedestrian only as well. Open 24/7, but may close at night during the off-season.

Metehan Checkpoint

Metehan

On the Republic of Cyprus side (southern part), it is known as Ayios Dometios. This is the only checkpoint in Nicosia convenient for cars. Walking is also possible, but it is located noticeably farther from the main pedestrian streets.

Deryneia — Famagusta Checkpoint

Deryneia — Famagusta

The easternmost border crossing. Open 24/7 for both pedestrians and vehicles. Convenient for trips from Famagusta to the southeast (Protaras, Paralimni, Ayia Napa).

Pila — Pergamos Checkpoint

Pila — Pergamos

Located near the village of Beyarmudu in Northern Cyprus. Provides access to the village of Pila between Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Open 10:00–19:00, near a British military base.

Strovilia — Akyar Checkpoint

Strovilia / Akyar

The crossing passes through a corridor within the buffer zone and adjacent areas of the British military base. This is one of the shorter routes from the Famagusta area toward southern Larnaca. Open 10:00–19:00.

Bostancı — Astromeritis Checkpoint

Bostancı — Astromeritis

Located in the western part; most convenient for residents of Güzelyurt. Accessible for cars and pedestrians, but for walkers it may be inconvenient: no regular transport, and walking through the buffer zone is over two kilometers. Open 24/7, but car insurance is usually only available during the day (until 19:00 in summer and 17:00 in winter).

Yesilirmak — Pyrgos Checkpoint

Yesilirmak — Pyrgos

The westernmost checkpoint, leading from Yesilirmak to Pyrgos. Most convenient for traveling from Lefke to Polis and Paphos in the south. Daytime only; obtaining insurance for the northern side may depend on staff availability.

Lefke Checkpoint

Lefka — Apliki Kato

A little-known checkpoint often overlooked. Insurance for the northern side is usually not issued here, and the crossing is off the popular tourist routes. Convenient if traveling from Lefke toward the Troodos mountains. Daytime only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Checkpoints

Which crossings operate 24/7?

Generally, Ledra, Ledra Palace, Metehan, Deryneia — Famagusta, and Bostancı — Astromeritis operate round-the-clock. Non-24/7 crossings: Yesilirmak — Pyrgos, Lefke, Pila — Pergamos, and Strovilia — Famagusta.

Where to cross the border by car in Nicosia?

In Nicosia, Metehan (Metehan — Ayios Dometios) is typically used for car crossings. The other two city center checkpoints are pedestrian only.

What should be considered when crossing the border?

To enter the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), you need a valid passport and visa/entry permit if required. If arriving via Northern Cyprus (Famagusta or Kyrenia ports, or Ercan Airport), questions about your route may be asked; in some cases, entry may be denied.

What is the difference between pedestrian and vehicle crossings?

Pedestrian checkpoints allow only foot traffic (e.g., Ledra and Ledra Palace in Nicosia). Vehicle crossings are suitable for cars and usually allow pedestrians as well, though pedestrian infrastructure may be less convenient.

Why is it difficult to get car insurance at some checkpoints?

At certain crossings, insurance is only issued during daytime hours, and at some checkpoints (e.g., Lefke), northern-side coverage may not be available. If traveling by car, it’s better to plan your crossing during working daytime hours.

Glossary

• Checkpoint (CP) — a control point where documents are checked when crossing the dividing line.
• Buffer zone — the area between sides through which the checkpoint route passes.
• Pedestrian crossing — a checkpoint allowing only foot traffic.
• Vehicle crossing — a checkpoint allowing car passage (usually also accessible on foot).

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