Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Statement by the TRNC Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Vehicle Crossings at Metehan Border Crossing

Due to the lack of infrastructure and physical restrictions imposed by the Greek Cypriot Administration, there is an ongoing heavy traffic jam at Metehan Border Gate. It is seen that the GCA has excessively stepped up its custom controls in order to prevent the Greek Cypriots from shopping in our country. Therefore, it has long avoided addressing the lack of infrastructure at the Metehan Border Crossing and removing physical obstacles. This political attitude of the GCA complicates the daily lives of the Turkish Cypriot people, the Greek Cypriot people and foreigners and causes intense complaints to be lodged. If the Greek Cypriot side makes the necessary arrangements, the traffic congestion will come to an end and the need for seeking other solutions for the smoothing of vehicle crossings in the region will be eliminated.

Reverting back to the annual issue of or at a minimum upgrading the time limit from 1 day to 1 month of the TOM required by non EU owned TRNC registered vehicles would also help!

The RoC has made its point that the money that was spent in the RoC is not required anymore.

waddo, I always did think that messages on various forums and Facebook was over exaggerated as to amount those from the North (i.e. Expats etc) actually put in the tins. Everyone tended to forget just how many people have always been able to go over the border to spend their cash. (at least prior to Covid that is)

To be fair, I do not think that the Authorities on this side were even aware that the rules for taking a TRNC vehicle to the South had changed and so have missed the fact that there will be more delays at the sole provider of the TOM point. Living in the Girne catchment area we are lucky really that we have a short journey to collect a TOM, others from say Famagusta area must have stopped going South altogether now and that must have affected incomes in the South.

It is not that I want to shop in the South but I would like the chance of an overnight stay now and then and be able to visit friends in Paphos without having to rush around to do it. Sad and silly of the RoC, a rule for rules sake by another jobsworth, as it has zero effect on the TRNC as a whole.