Thought I'd share from my January 11 Frommer's e-news:

Talking Turkey About the Beaches of Northern Cyprus

Cyprus is an idyllic and historic island in the Mediterranean, but one that has been fraught with political turmoil and upheavals since Turkey launched an invasion in 1974, leading to the separation of the island into two distinct zones -- one the Republic of Cyprus (or what people refer to as just "Cyprus" or "Greek Cyprus") and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC, the Turkish controlled area). Politics aside, if Turkey wishes to become part of the European Union -- which has been on the drawing board for some time now -- one of the conditions of entry is the full opening up of ports and trade between the two parts of Cyprus and a recognition by Turkey of the Republic of Cyprus, which could effectively end over 30 years of aggression. Border crossings between the two regions have been open since 2003, with crossings points at Agios Dometios (Nicosia), Black Knight (also known as Azios Nikolaos, Strovilia or Akyar), Ledra Palace (Nicosia), Pergamos (also known as Beyarmudu or Dhekelia) and Zohdia (also known as Güzelyurt, Astromeritis, Morpho, Morfu, Omorfo or Morfou) -- so tourists can feel free to cross from south to north, although transportation between the two sides is limited.

Visiting North questions
 

1) How much is the car "insurance" for this boarder crossing?
2) For US passports, do they stamp when you enter and exit?
3) Is there any other fee involve?

Thinking about making a day trip and collect passport stamps for the boys.

Thanks!

Bump.

Sorry to dredge up this old thread, but...

I'll be flying into ECN in the north, and hopefully staying in Nicosia at the Hilton. Anyone had experience (Canadian citizen) crossing north to south?

I crossed the Green line from Northern Cyprus into Nicosia last year. It was no problem at all.

Take a taxi from Lefkosia (Nicosia on the Turkish side) to the border crossing, and walk across. There are a couple of checkpoints...one for Immigration, and the other for EU Customs.

From the Green line, it is about an easy two block walk into the center of Nicosia. You will have no problems at all with a Canadian passport.

I understand a second crossing border crossing on Ledra Street in Nicosia opened this Spring.

Make sure you vist Ayia Napa. Best beaches on the island.