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TRDriving in Northern Cyprus
Failing to purchase the Turkish traffic insurance may result in not being allowed to cross into the north or facing legal issues in the event of an accident. It is crucial to have this insurance for your protection and compliance with local regulations.
Yes, Enterprise car rental for example, with offices at Paphos and Larnaca airports, does not have any issue with customers crossing to the Northern part of the island.
Although some south rental companies may state that you are not allowed to go to the northern part, they can not legally forbid you from doing so. As long as you purchase the Turkish traffic insurance at the border, you should be fine.
You are required to buy extra traffic insurance for the rental car at the Turkish border, as rental companies in the south can not provide this insurance.
Valid driving license holders from any nationality over the age of 25 can rent a car in Northern Cyprus. There is also a must: You have to rent the car with a rental agreement. This agreement is considered a substitute for the vehicle registration document. It shows that you are permitted by the vehicle’s actual owner to drive the car.
Yes, rental cars from the south can be used in the north. However, you must purchase extra traffic insurance at the Turkish border.
- Traffic on the left side.
- Speed limits: Highways 100 km/h, cities 50-65 km/h, residential 50 km/h, non-residential 65 km/h.
- Use of speed cameras.
- Universal road signs and traffic lights; roundabouts in less populated areas.
- Zero tolerance for DUI, including for rented cars.
- No parking where double yellow lines are present.
- Children under 5 in back seats with safety seats; ages 5-10 in front with booster seats.
- No eating, drinking, or smoking while driving.
- Road signs in Turkish; some maps use Greek names.
- Gas stations open 08:00-22:00, some 24/7.
The traffic in Northern Cyprus flows the same as in the UK or South Cyprus, on the left. Drivers must use the left side of the road, which is easier to adapt for British drivers.
Anyone with a valid driving license is entitled to drive a car in Northern Cyprus. Foreign tourists can use their driving licenses in Northern Cyprus during their stay, for up to 3 months. However, if a foreigner becomes a resident in Northern Cyprus, they should convert their licenses into TRNC licenses after a 3-month validation period.
To rent a car in Northern Cyprus you need to have a driving license or an International Driving Permit. The age limit for car hire is usually 25 in Northern Cyprus.
You are free to cross and spend as long as you wish by producing your passport or ID card. There are several Cyprus border crossings you can use: Metehan (also called Agios Dometios or Kermiya) in the west of Nicosia: A crossing point where you can cross with a vehicle, bicycle or by foot.
A valid driving license is required, a second identity document or passport is required, and a credit or debit card.
