Crossing the Ledra Street Border in Nicosia (2024).
That was easier than I thought!
A nice easy walk through a very historic street.
Here I was… in Lefkosia.
If you are visiting Cyprus soon and want to know if you can cross the famous Ledra Street border in Nicosia, then this blog has all the information you need to successfully cross into ‘Lefkosia’.
Ledra Street is now separated by a UN Buffer Zone, with both sides offering distinct cultures, which differ considerably.
It is like walking into a different world as you head from the ‘Greek’ side into the ‘Turkish’ side.
I found both sides to be very peaceful, which has not always been the case.
Keep reading to find out how you can find the crossing point; the rules around entering the buffer zone, and which Turkish delights await you on the other side.
Inside the border zone.
Can you cross the border at Ledra Street in 2024?
For those unbeknownst to the history of the region, Ledra Street is just a long shopping street with cafes, restaurants and modern day city life as normal.
However, you then come to the UN Buffer Zone, which is a symbol of the last remaining divided capital - Nicosia!
The Ledra Street crossing point marks the dividing part of the capital, and country as a whole, and is known as the ‘Green Line’.
Since April 2008, Ledra Street is now open for some International visitors to cross through a pedestrianised checkpoint (passport dependent), which was the first time in 34 years!
Both sides of this buffer zone are in agreement for peace which makes the whole border crossing hassle free and fast.
You do have to go through two sets of passport control, for the ‘Greek’, and ‘Turkish’ sides, but both sides are efficient.
Is it safe to cross the border at Ledra Street?
The tensions in Cyprus are very complex, so it is an ever changing situation, however, many tourists from around the world cross through Ledra Street every day without issues.
The crossing is well established as it has been in place since the 1990’s.
Peace is promoted throughout the capital, which can be seen by signs displayed in the buffer zone.
Although, parallel to the official crossing point, I did notice barbed wire fences blocking off passage to the North side, with ‘forbidden’ signs displayed.
This is a reminder that my peaceful experience doesn’t tell the whole story!
Heading back into Cyprus from the North side.
My experience crossing into North Cyprus.
I only visited Paphos on a shorter itinerary, however, I could not visit Cyprus without exploring the last divided capital in the world.
So I caught the early morning bus from Paphos, and headed to Nicosia!
After a 10 minute walk from Solomos Square past the beautiful ‘Eleftheria Square’, I found myself on Ledra Street.
As I began my morning wanderings down Ledra Street, it felt like a shopping street in any other European capital, but as I got closer to the crossing point, I started to notice things.
Colourful graffiti appeared in spots, referencing ‘war’, and ‘community’.
This is a feature on both sides of the border.
Then, in the distance I could see the Cyprus and UN flag flying above the checkpoint.
I had arrived at the famous Ledra Street border crossing!
Some war graffiti inside the border zone.
Crossing from either side involves the same process.
I had my passport checked on the Southern entrance then wandered across ‘no man’s land’, which is technically neither Cyprus nor North Cyprus, before having my passport checked on the Northern side.
I experienced identical procedures coming back from the other side later in the day.
Graffiti on the Southern side of Ledra Street.
My impression of the border on my visit is that it is just an imaginary line.
I found both sides to have hospitable and friendly communities, with street artists, thriving restaurants, colourful graffiti and messages of hope on both sides.
I don’t for one second claim to know the complexities of the situation, this is just my observations on the day.
One of my first observations after crossing onto the North side was the stark contrast in terms of shops and restaurants.
The global iconic brands such as Mcdonald’s and Starbucks which are surrounded by high end shops on the Greek side, suddenly turn into smaller local shops and markets.
Here is more about the Turkish side.
A peace sign at the Ledra Street crossing point.
What is on the Turkish side of Ledra Street?
As soon as you leave the buffer zone you will notice a completely different vibe when you arrive in ‘Lefkosia’.
Lefkosia is the name of the capital on the Turkish side, and its Turkish influence is prevalent as soon as you enter the Turkish side, with the local ice cream man playing tricks and having a fun interaction with you.
I also noticed a Turkey flag and North Cyprus flag flying high above the Turkish checkpoint.
This was a theme throughout my time in North Cyprus, and I even saw a giant North Cyprus flag in the hillside on my way to Famagusta, which I spotted from the main road, even though I was miles away!
Market stalls.
Turkish restaurant.
Next, you will see some mosques as you wander around, and hear the call to prayer echoing around the streets.
This was the first very distinct feel of Turkey I felt!
Trying the baklava was awesome, and was a great reminder of my time in Turkey.
There are several stalls near the entry point of the Northern side of the capital, offering baklava, Turkish delight, and Turkish coffee.
I found the waiters to be very polite and welcoming in all the surrounding cafes and restaurants.
Trying some Baklava on the Turkish side.
Is it free to cross the Ledra Street border?
Yes, there is no cost involved with crossing the border.
As long as you have a valid passport, you can spend as long as you want on either side of the border, and you can come and go as you please, as many times as you want.
More war graffiti.
What are the opening times for the Ledra Street Border Crossing.
Ledra Street border crossing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The passport checkpoint.
Rules for crossing into North Cyprus at Ledra Street.
There aren’t many rules in place in the current situation, as it is in a peaceful state.
Valid Passport or ID Card.
You will need a valid passport or ID card to cross. EU citizens can use their ID cards.
Visa:
For most nationalities, a visa is not required for stays less than 3 months.
Remember: The situation can change due to politics, so it's always best to check the latest information from official sources before your trip.
A warning sign.
How to get to Ledra Street in Nicosia.
Ledra Street is located centrally in Nicosia and within manageable walking distance of Solomos Square Bus Station, and Eleftheria Square.
These are two popular points of interest to head for, and then you will see Ledra Street signposted well.
How to get to Nicosia.
When I travelled to the capital from Paphos, my journey went smoothly and efficiently, as Cyprus has a very efficient bus network.
Here's a breakdown on how to get to Nicosia from some of the major cities in Cyprus:
From Paphos:
Paphos is located on the west coast of Cyprus, about 130 kilometres from Nicosia. The journey by car takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can also take an Intercity Bus, which takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
From Larnaca:
The distance from Larnaca's first bus stop to Nicosia's last bus stop is 49 kilometres. This is the easiest and cheapest option. You can take an Intercity Bus for around €4 (around $4.60). The journey takes about 1 hour.
From Limassol:
Limassol is located on the south coast of Cyprus, about 70 kilometres from Nicosia. The journey by car takes about 50 minutes. You can also take an Intercity Bus, which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Renting a car is a great way to explore Cyprus at your own pace. The roads in Cyprus are generally good, and traffic is not usually a problem. Just be aware that cars in Cyprus drive on the left-hand side of the road.
You are likely to encounter problems if you try to cross into North Cyprus with a rented car also.
Eleftheria Square in Nicosia.
Where to stay near Ledra Street in Nicosia.
Here is a highly rated option for different budgets:
Budget.
Nex Hostel - a great choice for budget-minded travelers looking for a social atmosphere. It boasts a friendly staff known for helping guests explore the city and other parts of Cyprus.
Mid-range.
Aksaray Boutique Hotel - a charming stay in the heart of the city, steps away from historical landmarks like the Mevlevi Tekke Museum and Bedestan Church. The hotel provides a comfortable environment with amenities like a garden terrace and a choice of a full English or halal breakfast.
Luxury.
Centrum Hotel - City Center - Enjoy easy access to the lively Ledra Street with its shops, cafes, and museums, all within walking distance from the hotel's doorstep. Plus, the hotel itself offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and helpful staff for a relaxing stay.
Walking down the Southern side.
Where else can you cross the border?
I was travelling from Paphos when I visited Famagusta in North Cyprus, and headed to Nicosia, as I wanted to experience Ledra Street, however, there are faster routes.
Here are other places besides Ledra Street where you can cross the Green Line border in Cyprus:
Metehan Crossing (Agios Dometios or Kermiya):
Located west of Nicosia, this crossing point allows passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Strovilia Crossing (Akyar or Azios Nikolaos):
Situated on the Larnaca-Famagusta road, this crossing allows passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Deryneia Crossing (Bogaz):
Found near Deryneia village, this crossing allows passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Pergamos Crossing (Pyla or Beyarmudu):
Situated near Pergamos village, this crossing allows passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Limnitis Crossing (Yesilirmak or Guzelyurt):
Located close to Limnitis village, this crossing allows passage for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Tips for crossing the Ledra Street border.
Ledra Street is easy to cross, however, before I visited I was unsure of the process and requirements.
So here are some tips to ensure your crossing experience is trouble free:
Check visa requirements in advance.
While most nationalities don't need a visa to enter Northern Cyprus for stays less than 3 months, it's always best to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality before you travel. You can find this information on the website of the Northern Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bring your passport or ID card.
You will need a valid passport or ID card to cross the border into Northern Cyprus. EU citizens can use their ID cards.
Have some Turkish Lira handy.
The official currency of Northern Cyprus is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Euros (EUR) are widely accepted in most places, but it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases or places that don't accept euros. I needed Turkish Lira cash to pay for the bus journey to Famagusta.
You can exchange your euros for lira at exchange bureaus on either side of the border.
Download a currency converter app.
Using a currency app is a good way to make sure you are not being overcharged.It can get confusing moving from Euro to Turkish Lira all of a sudden.
Download a translation app.
Turkish is the primary language spoken in Northern Cyprus, though English is also widely spoken in tourist areas. A translation app can be helpful if you encounter any language barriers. I had several encounters where English was not possible, so I needed to use the app.
Be prepared for queues.
Although I didn’t experience any queues in winter time, The Ledra Street border crossing is a popular spot for tourists, so there can be queues, especially during peak season. Allow extra time for your crossing.
More graffiti.
Heading to North Cyprus, how about an abandoned ghost city?
Visiting Varosha in Famagusta is one of the best ways to gain insights into the destruction caused in Cyprus, just decades ago.
From 2017, the ghost city has been open to the public to wander around and explore what was once a thriving city and holiday destination.
You will have the chance to see old workplaces, homes, restaurants and of course the Famous photographed beach.
It is free to enter Varosha, and you can hire a scooter, bike, or be chauffeured around in a golf buggy.
An official tour is the best way to learn the most about Cyprus’ history.
Some other awesome things I saw in Cyprus include the Edro III Shipwreck, Tombs of the Kings, and Nea Pafos.
The ghost city of Varosha in North Cyprus.
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