The Ledra Street Crossing Offers Pedestrian Access To The North Side Of Nicosia

Ledra Street has been recently opened in Nicosia in April 2008 and offers pedestrian access to the north side of nicosia and is open 24 hours a day.

To see the opening of the crossing here is a video from the Al- Jeezera News Station that captures the scene of people waiting in anticipation, the words spoken by the representatives from both sides and the emotions of the time.

It does start with an incident when the crossing closed for a while later on during the day of opening but it is mostly the report about the border opening.

You used to be able to climb the stairs and have a look over into no mans land that was patrolled by the United Nations.

Now as you know you can walk across, stay awhile.

Here are some pointers about crossing at this point....

From South To North

If you are a non european national make sure you get yourself stamped out because on the way back in to the south side you have to prove that you did not enter the island illegally from the north side.

This is really important, so make sure you follow the instruction.

When you reach the Turkish Cypriot checkpoint you will have to present your passport, wherever you come from, and you will obtain a visa on a seperate piece of paper.

You do not want a stamp in your passport because this will cause problems on the way back into the south.

From North To South

You then proceed to the Greek Cypriot check point and your passport will be scrutinised. EU Nationals automatically gain entry but this is where, if you are non EU national it is important you were stamped out.

You CANNOT bring a hire/rental car from North to South.

Are There Any Other Crossings?

Ledra Palace

This crossing is in Nicosia but it is West of Ledra Street and was the original crossing over the green line that we used to use when we went to visit the north side. You can only cross on foot and it is open 24 hours.

Ayios Dhometios

This is to the East of Ledra street and open 24 hours. You can take your car across at this point. Note you will have to buy extra insurance for 25 euros and it lasts for 1 month but be aware it is only 3rd Party Insurance.

If you have a hire car, more than likely it will advise in your contract that you cannot take your vehicle into the north side. You may find if you use a large well known, world wide brand of car rental you may be allowed to take your car over the border, but PLEASE CHECK FIRST with the company before committing yourself to a booking.

To be honest, the information regarding car hire and insurance seems to change depending on who you speak with, so make sure you do your homework.

The easiest option is to get yourself to Nicosia and cross the green line and then hire a car if you want to go further afield or book a taxi who will take you to where you want go, but remember of course you cannot do this at Ledra Street or Ledra Palace.

Zodhia/Astromeritis

This is west of Nicosia around Morphou and it was the last crossing to be opened. Useful if you are at the Polis and Latchi end of the island. You can cross on foot or with a vehicle.

Black Knight/Ayios Nikolaos - Sovereign Base Area

Always been there as long as we can remember. It was the route you took when in the military if you were going to spend some R & R in the north side, crossing by vehicle and staying for 3 nights. Not sure if civilians can use this crossing or if just for the military people of the island. This one is found in Sovereign Base Area

Pergamos - Sovereign Base Area

As above

Anything Else I Need To Know?

The current limit is 135 euros of stuff. Cars are searched on the way back into the republic.

Cigarettes and alcohol are particularly frowned upon if you try to bring them in OVER your limits and you are caught.

They will be confiscated.

But 135 euros could buy you quite a lot! You can use euros for shopping or turkish lira. You can exchange funds when you cross.