- Flying via Ercan Airport (Northern Cyprus)
- Ercan Airport (ECN) is the primary airport in Northern Cyprus, located near Nicosia. However, it is only accessible through Turkey, as flights from other countries are generally not allowed to land directly at Ercan due to the lack of international recognition.
- Step 1: Fly to Turkey (usually to Istanbul or Antalya).
- You can fly into major airports in Turkey such as Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), or Antalya Airport (AYT).
- Step 2: Take a connecting flight from Turkey to Ercan Airport (ECN) in North Cyprus.
- Turkish airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress offer flights from major Turkish cities to Ercan Airport.
- Travel Considerations:
- You will need a Turkish visa (if applicable to your nationality) to enter Turkey, and you must pass through Turkish immigration.
- Upon arrival in North Cyprus, immigration procedures may vary, but generally, you will enter with a Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus stamp in your passport. Some visitors prefer not to get this stamp due to concerns about future travel to other countries, so it’s a good idea to ask for a separate paper visa if you’re concerned.
- Alternative Route: Flying via Larnaca or Paphos (Southern Cyprus)
- If you prefer to fly directly into the internationally recognized part of Cyprus, you can fly into Larnaca or Paphos airports in the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus).
- Step 1: Fly into Larnaca Airport (LCA) or Paphos Airport (PFO), both of which have international connections.
- Step 2: Travel overland into North Cyprus.
- After arriving in Southern Cyprus, you can cross the border into Northern Cyprus at one of the checkpoints between the two regions. The most common crossing is at Ledra Palace Crossing in Nicosia, the capital, but there are others as well.
- Make sure you have your passport and any necessary documents for border control. The crossing is straightforward, but it can be subject to time of day and occasional restrictions.
- Travel Considerations:
- If you enter Northern Cyprus via Southern Cyprus, you will not get a stamp from Northern Cyprus in your passport, and you can generally continue your journey without issues. However, you may face difficulties traveling through Southern Cyprus afterward if you have a stamp from Northern Cyprus, depending on your nationality and the circumstances.
Summary of Routes:
- Route 1: Fly via Turkey to Ercan Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus.
- Route 2: Fly to Larnaca or Paphos (Southern Cyprus), then cross into Northern Cyprus overland.
Tips:
- Check with airlines: Not all airlines may fly to Ercan, so it’s best to check with Turkish carriers.
- Visa requirements: Ensure you check visa requirements for Turkey and Cyprus based on your nationality.
- Crossing the border: If you fly to the south and cross into the north, bring your passport and ensure you’re aware of any customs regulations.