The short answer: no

A car rented in North Cyprus has to stay in the north. Our vehicles cannot cross into the Republic of Cyprus, and our insurance does not cover the south. This is the most common question we get from visitors who want to see both sides of the island, so this guide explains what the rule means in practice and how you can still visit the south during your holiday.

Why the car has to stay in the north

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. The north and the south are separated by the UN buffer zone, often called the Green Line, and you pass through a checkpoint whenever you go from one side to the other. Cars registered in the north are insured in the north. If you drove one of our cars across a checkpoint it would not be covered by our insurance on the other side, so the rental agreement does not allow it. Keep this in mind when you plan day trips: every route in this blog stays on the northern side.

Visiting the south on foot from Nicosia

The easiest way to see the other side is to walk across in the divided capital. In the walled city of Nicosia (Lefkoşa) the Ledra Street / Lokmacı crossing is a pedestrian checkpoint right in the old town. You can park in North Nicosia, walk through the checkpoint with your passport or ID card, spend the day in the southern half of the old city and walk back in the evening. Our Nicosia car tour guide covers the northern half of the walled city and where to park.

Planning a longer trip to the south

If you want to drive around the south, for example to Limassol or the Troodos mountains, you will need a car that is rented and insured on the southern side. A practical plan is to keep your North Cyprus car for the days you spend in the north, return it, then cross and arrange separate transport or a separate rental in the south. Ask the southern company directly what their own cars are allowed to do; their conditions are not ours to state.

What to take to a checkpoint

Carry your passport or national ID card whenever you plan to cross. Checkpoints are run by the authorities on each side, and rules, queues and opening times can change, so check the current situation before you set off rather than relying on an old forum post. Allow extra time at busy periods.

Arriving through Larnaca or Paphos

Many visitors to the north fly into Larnaca or Paphos in the south. If that is your plan, our taxi service runs fixed-price transfers from Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) airports to Famagusta, İskele, the Long Beach hotel strip and the Karpaz. Once you are in the north, your rental car can be delivered free of charge to hotels in our delivery areas, such as Famagusta, İskele and Long Beach. Our guide on Larnaca or Ercan airport compares the two routes.

In short

Rent in the north to explore the north: Kyrenia, Famagusta, İskele, Bafra and the Karpaz are all reachable on northern roads. Cross on foot in Nicosia if you want a taste of the south, and use a separate southern rental for anything more. Book online with no deposit at booking; the minimum driver age is 26.