Turkish Cypriots entering or leaving the Republic can now present their identification documents at the same counters as all other travellers, following a recent decision by the Greek Cypriot government to abolish separate document-check windows for Turkish Cypriots at crossing points. This change marks a significant shift in the approach to border control on the island.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- In April, May, and June, Greek Cypriots made a total of 645,404 crossings, down from 760,810 during the same period the previous year, indicating shifting patterns in cross-border movement.
The new common counters for Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, and foreign nationals at crossing points began operating in recent months, according to a statement from the police. Previously, there was a designated window exclusively for Turkish Cypriots, which many found to be an unnecessary segregation.
Police confirmed that the signs marking separate counters were removed to streamline checks and improve efficiency, although they could not specify the exact date when this change was implemented. An unnamed officer at one crossing pointed out that the signs at his location had been taken down around the end of October.
Officials explained that the previous system of separate counters was shaped by historical circumstances but had become outdated. “Today’s needs showed that a review of the way these checks are conducted was required, resulting in these changes,” police stated. Now, all travellers, irrespective of nationality, can present their ID cards or passports at the same counters.
Despite the positive reception of the changes, some crossing points, such as Deryneia and Ledra Palace, still had separate signs as of the latest reports. Police indicated that they could not provide details on the status of each individual crossing point but assured that the aim is to create common counters across the island gradually.
The feedback from Turkish Cypriots has been overwhelmingly positive. “I was very happy to see they removed it,” one young Turkish Cypriot remarked, sharing his discomfort with the previous arrangement. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “Thank God they removed it.”
While police highlighted that the original signs were intended to facilitate operations, many Turkish Cypriots viewed them as a form of segregation that set them apart from other travellers. The new method of conducting police security checks at crossing points has thus far yielded positive results, although officials advise waiting for more time to establish a comprehensive evaluation.
There are currently nine crossing points across Cyprus. Most allow vehicle crossings, with exceptions for Ledra Street, which is pedestrian-only, and Ledra Palace in Nicosia, which requires special permissions for vehicles. Recently published figures revealed a decline of over 15 per cent in the number of Greek Cypriots using crossings to the north in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year.
In April, May, and June, Greek Cypriots made a total of 645,404 crossings, down from 760,810 during the same period the previous year, indicating shifting patterns in cross-border movement.
