Staying in northern Cyprus, what you should know

Plenty of people look for hotels in northern Cyprus. Before you book, it’s worth reading what the official advice says, because this is one place where photos and reviews aren’t enough. I’m not recommending any specific hotel in the north, as I have no recognised official source for their details. Here’s what you should know and what I’d do. What the north is and how you cross is in northern Cyprus. The usual traps when paying there are in Cyprus scams. My alternative, staying in the south, is covered in Nicosia hotels.

The property warning

The Spanish foreign ministry relays a warning from the government of the Republic of Cyprus. By staying in hotels or similar accommodation in the north, you may find that the rightful Greek Cypriot owners of the buildings, or the land they stand on, take legal action for collaborating in what they consider unlawful use. It’s the practical consequence of the events of 1974, which I cover in the Cyprus problem.

I don’t know how often that actually happens, as no official source gives figures. But the warning is there, on the official travel advice, and for me it’s reason enough not to book without thinking.

Documents and property

The same source warns of the economic and legal risk of buying property in the north, with Cypriot criminal law providing for up to seven years in prison. It also says documents issued by the authorities in the north have no legal validity in the Republic. Gov.uk adds that the Republic doesn’t recognise residence permits issued in the north.

There’s a detail worth knowing even if you’re not buying. A 2006 Republic law makes it an offence to carry, when crossing from north to south, documents relating to the purchase, rental or any transaction of properties that belonged to Greek Cypriots, and even an advertising brochure can cause problems. I wouldn’t bring one back.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Nicosia for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.

Help, insurance and payments

If you stay over, remember what changes on the other side. In the north, the FCDO admits its consular reach is limited, local authorities don’t pass information on British nationals to the High Commission, and British court orders carry no weight there. Card payments need watching too, after reports of bills inflated well beyond what was agreed. At the very least, take out travel insurance that explicitly includes the north.

What I’d do

I’d sleep in the south and do the north as day trips. Nicosia is the ideal base, with the Ledra Street crossing on foot from the old town and the Agios Dometios crossing for cars. That way you sidestep the risks the official sources mention and sleep where your insurance and GHIC apply. How the crossings work is explained in crossing to northern Cyprus.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Nicosia on GetYourGuide.

If you would rather go at your own pace, see the car hire deals in Nicosia: the earlier you book, the more cars are left to choose from.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Nicosia for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.