Larnaca Airport, self scanning passport at immigration arri.

MikeK · Post by **MikeK** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 7:43 am

Arrived back at Larnaca last night. New self scanning machines for EU citizens installed. Once passport is accepted it prints off a "receipt" complete with photograph. You show it to one person, then hand it in to another person who lets the holder through! My passport was ok but my wife's 8 year old passport would not scan. When she went through the normal desk, the officer looked at every page in her passport, passed it back and aggressively said "I cannot scan this as it has stamps in from the Occupied North".
Did this new system speed speed up the process? no, as most people needed assistance to scan their passports!

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 12:31 pm

MikeK, how awful, what happened to your poor wife then. The automatic scan didn't work and the "Jobsworth" wouldn't accept the passport either.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 1:40 pm

It was to avoid this nonsense that visa slips were stamped rather than passports. Mike, I assume they let your wife through eventually - I watched that Tom Hanks film "Terminal" and it was a bit of a nightmare.

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 2:22 pm

frontalman wrote: I watched that Tom Hanks film "Terminal" and it was a bit of a nightmare.

I didn't think the film was that bad...

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 2:23 pm

Frontalman - they don't put your one or two year 'Residency/Visitor Visa' on a slip though...

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 2:34 pm

Keithcaley wrote:Frontalman - they don't put your one or two year 'Residency/Visitor Visa' on a slip though...

By the same token, they are not point of entry stamps.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 2:48 pm

Groucho wrote:
Keithcaley wrote:Frontalman - they don't put your one or two year 'Residency/Visitor Visa' on a slip though...
By the same token, they are not point of entry stamps.

Msg 1 didn't mention 'Point of entry' - just 'stamps', and given that you are presenting evidence that you actually live/lived/wish to live in TRNC, you'd be lucky if the official didn't go off on one of those 'You are living in MY house!' rants

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 3:31 pm

Keithcaley wrote:
Groucho wrote:
Keithcaley wrote:Frontalman - they don't put your one or two year 'Residency/Visitor Visa' on a slip though...
By the same token, they are not point of entry stamps.
Msg 1 didn't mention 'Point of entry' - just 'stamps', and given that you are presenting evidence that you actually live/lived/wish to live in TRNC, you'd be lucky if the official didn't go off on one of those 'You are living in MY house!' rants

Yes but we've all always had the residency stamps... so that is not new, was my point...

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 3:58 pm

Groucho wrote:...... so that is not new, was my point...

It wasn't obvious what point you were trying to make!

I don't think that, faced with a Twat of a GC Immigration guy who got out of bed on the wrong side, it makes much difference what sort of stamps they are.

So what exact point is it that you're trying to get across?

MikeK · Post by **MikeK** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 6:50 pm

My wife just said "and" at the end of his statement and walked through. I suppose he realised that there was absolutely nothing he could do about the residency stamps and refuse her entry, I don't think for one minute he would have said anything to me about my stamps had I been standing in front of him!

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 11 Jul 2018 10:12 pm

I think this is a taste of things to come once we leave the EU (if we ever do).

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Thu 12 Jul 2018 5:04 am

Keithcaley wrote:
Groucho wrote:...... so that is not new, was my point...
It wasn't obvious what point you were trying to make!

I don't think that, faced with a Twat of a GC Immigration guy who got out of bed on the wrong side, it makes much difference what sort of stamps they are.

So what exact point is it that you're trying to get across?

That as you state - if you are faced with Twat of a GC Immigration guy then nothing has changed... i.e. they have always been "ooops" and we expats have always run that risk with the residency stamps. The new passport reader and lack of stamped slips seems to have changed nothing. They have no power to refuse entry because you have temp residency in the north... that does not stop them being belligerent neither does it give them cause to be belligerent, but that won't and never has stopped them should the mood take them. Keith, you raised the spectre of stamps in the passport but really they have been there all along.

If they do start saying "you are living on my land" ask them how long have they had the deeds to the entire island? As they are more of a twat than you could ever imagine..

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 12 Jul 2018 5:19 am

frontalman wrote:I think this is a taste of things to come once we leave the EU (if we ever do).

I fear that you are correct - at the moment, such 'aggravation' and Ill feeling as there is, seems to stem from relatively few individuals. Once we no longer have the right of free passage as EU Citizens, it could become Official ROC Policy to impede us at every opportunity...

Ah well, we'll survive

Groucho, I've just seen your post.

I still don't understand why you are debating this with me - I understand and agree with everything that you have just said in your last post, and it wasn't me who first mentioned stamps!

It could be an incentive for the over 60's to discontinue the annual 'Residency' ritual though...

NOW you can get back on your bandwagon! !

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Fri 13 Jul 2018 8:04 pm

We came through Larnaca too last night. It was total chaos. After you had your printed slip they told you to queue up at passport control!
Queues grew and people complained. Eventually a gate was opened with a man at a table to take your slips. Clearly he didn't want to do the job and he aggressively snatched every slip out of people's hands. Even the GC gentleman in front of me shook his head at the behaviour of the individual.
Evidently another one who had missed the day at charm school!

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Fri 13 Jul 2018 9:38 pm

Aphrodite's welcoming isle fully trained in customer satisfaction

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 10:26 am

At Larnaca airport. The self scanning system is in use for departures as well. EU travellers funnelled into self scanning area.

Strange system as plenty of self scanning machines available, but as it’s Saturday very busy. Machine worked fine producing a grainy picture plus all passport details on a slip of paper, but it wasn’t a case of presenting the slip to the police and walking on. They then checked the slip against the passport. Needs some tweaking.

There were queues for the normal passport checking for non EU passports or those EU passports which would not scan.

DieHard · Post by **DieHard** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 10:50 am

Groucho would you stop using foul language especially the t*** word very offensive to women, thank you.

Hector · Post by **Hector** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 11:07 am

Perhaps the immigration staff are worried that they might lose their jobs/overtime due to the new fangled technology? I know, I know, since when does anyone in the public sector north or south get made redundant...

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 11:50 am

Personally I have no sympathy for anyone who uses Larnaca as a gateway to TRNC. I think this practice should be outlawed .......( Ah just thought about the similarities with GB stopping free movement for EU residents after Brexit!!). Which is the idea right and which is the wrong idea?

FLY TO ERCAN = NO PROBLEMS AND IT'S THE BEST FOR TRNC!!

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 12:16 pm

DieHard wrote:Groucho would you stop using foul language especially the t*** word very offensive to women, thank you.

Things that have tow meanings
https://twitter.com/mike_fabricant/stat ... 45?lang=en

Groucho · Post by **Groucho** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 12:48 pm

DieHard wrote:Groucho would you stop using foul language especially the t*** word very offensive to women, thank you.

Diehard I was quoting Keith... What other foul language are you too precious to hear?

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 12:57 pm

silverfox1 wrote:Personally I have no sympathy for anyone who uses Larnaca as a gateway to TRNC. I think this practice should be outlawed .......( Ah just thought about the similarities with GB stopping free movement for EU residents after Brexit!!). Which is the idea right and which is the wrong idea?

FLY TO ERCAN = NO PROBLEMS AND IT'S THE BEST FOR TRNC!!

Living in the south west inevitably means travelling to London or Birmingham to take advantage of the most cost effective routes.

We have used Turkish, Pegasus, Aegean Air, Norwegian Air and Cobalt to travel to Cyprus and to be honest it very much depends on cost and availability of suitable flight times. Turkish Airlines is a favourite and we have had some very good deals with them, however in the past couple of years we have been unable to find anything suitable. Plus the recent changes re security have made it a little more painful to travel via Turkey. The fact is that there is more choice when flying into Larnaca and costs are good.

We love the whole of the island of Cyprus but just happen to prefer the north but whilst we are across we make the most of the opportunity to explore all the island. We don’t feel any prejudices to either side and of course whilst we may fly into the south we always use a transfer company in the north for pick ups. Overall the total travel times are about the same providing the flights depart as scheduled.

Of course post March 2019 things may change but who knows!

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 1:10 pm

Posh...perhaps a little hypocritical regarding North and South I would suggest as your home is in the North where the cost of living is cheaper and the quality of life is better IMHO. Plus when talking of money (yours of course) there is the small consideration of £80 - £100 transfer costs from Larnaca to TRNC and back!

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 1:47 pm

There was a point made in the North Press that the South access is cheaper Once June has gone TA is un-affordable sometimes double the price
TA is our preferred carrier and BHX is 35 mins away by train .If you stay for more than two weeks the airport parking is more than the flight

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 2:35 pm

Groucho wrote:
DieHard wrote:Groucho would you stop using foul language especially the t*** word very offensive to women, thank you.
Diehard I was quoting Keith... What other foul language are you too precious to hear?

TWAT meaning 'Obnoxious or Stupid person'.

Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 3:02 pm

Wanderer - Recently parked at Ercan off-site for 4 weeks = 130TL.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 3:55 pm

silverfox1 wrote:Posh...perhaps a little hypocritical regarding North and South I would suggest as your home is in the North where the cost of living is cheaper and the quality of life is better IMHO. Plus when talking of money (yours of course) there is the small consideration of £80 - £100 transfer costs from Larnaca to TRNC and back!

Yes home is in the North....our choice as on balance we prefer the North side of the island. Always have since way back when.

However; at present the whole of the island is available to explore and as such we have no issue visiting both north and south, rediscovering old haunts from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Tracking down Cypriot friends from years gone by and visiting favourite restaurants and places that to be honest a tourist would never find.

Going back to flights, we naturally look for a good deal and factor in Travel time and costs which can sometimes need an overnight stay in the UK pre flight out. Even with a transfer from Larnaca via a direct flight with less chance of delay works out at present better for us. There is still a transfer cost from Ercan albeit a little less. We will continue to weigh up the best options for us and if it’s Larnaca or Ercan we will make the choice.

If the island is available to explore and enjoy why wouldn’t we take advantage? I am fairly certain a good number of U.K. based Turkish Cypriots have no concerns of flying in to Larnaca when they come across.

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 3:57 pm

silverfox1 wrote:Wanderer - Recently parked at Ercan off-site for 4 weeks = 130TL.

Not the Ecan cost its the uk cost of airport parking

Maisiemoo · Post by **Maisiemoo** » Sat 14 Jul 2018 4:26 pm

Our choice is to fly to Larnaca due to the need for special assistance. Yes we could fly TA from Gatwick but the stress of having to transit makes it a big 'no thanks' at the moment. The cost doesn't really concern us but the ease of travel does.

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Sun 15 Jul 2018 1:18 pm

Fully agree Maisiemoo. Also as a Menieres sufferer taking off and landing once from Larnaca instead of twice from Ercan is my preference as the attack risk is lessened the fewer times my ears are subjected to take off and landing.
Added to that if travelling to the North of England there is a much greater choice of carriers and airport destinations from Larnaca.

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Sun 15 Jul 2018 1:50 pm

Oh Dear Panchocat... Look at this.

There is no cure for Ménière's disease but medications, diet, physical therapy and counselling, and some surgical approaches can be used to manage it.
During MD episodes, medications to reduce nausea are used, as are drugs to reduce the anxiety caused by vertigo.
For longer- term treatment to stop progression, the evidence base is weak for all treatments.
Although a causal relation between allergy and Ménière's disease is uncertain, medication to control allergies may be helpful.
Diuretics are widely used to manage Ménière's on the theory that it reduces fluid build up in the ear. Based on evidence from multiple but small clinical trials, diuretics appear to be useful for reducing the frequency of episodes of dizziness but do not seem to prevent hearing loss.

In cases where there is hearing loss and continuing severe episodes of vertigo, a chemical labyrinthectomy, in which a medication such as gentamicin is injected into the middle ear and kills parts of the vestibular apparatus.This treatment has the risk of worsening hearing loss.

OR DO NOT FLY!

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Sun 15 Jul 2018 2:35 pm

Silver fox thank you for all that. I actually know all about it!
I have managed my Menieres for over forty years now with medication and physiotherapy exercises.
It is a disability, but when managed bearable. I try not to let it affect my life and I certainly wouldn't limit my life by not flying. So I really don't think your comment was necessary or helpful.
Is the heat getting to you perchance?

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 7:25 am

In answer to the comment from SilverFox - yes we would prefer to support the TRNC economy by flying from Ercan to the UK albeit via Turkey. But when our destination in the UK does not have an airline who flies into thenorth of England we have no choice but to fly from Larnaca.

The only flight from Ercan via Turkey is with Turkish Airlines to Manchester and that is over 60 miles away from where we want to be at a taxi cost of almost £150.00 one way.

waddo · Post by **waddo** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 7:51 am

I guess it all depends on the amount of time you are going to spend in the TRNC as to where you fly from. When we used to holiday here for between 14 and 24 days at a visit we always booked into a B&B for the night before we flew - first making sure we could leave the car there whilst we were away - and then just drove the 80 miles to Manchester region the day before we flew. On the return we sometimes spent the last night in the same B&B then had a slow drive home the following day. The last place we used cost us £89.00 for the parking, lift to and from the airport and the first nights B&B. I do not think they are still in business anymore as that was over 11 years ago but it made the trip and the holidays so much more relaxing and we felt that we were on holiday the moment our front door closed behind us. Even if the cost has doubled in the time just to factor in an extra £200.00 for the comfort and ease of being transferred was would still be well worth the money. It did not even matter if the flights were delayed a little or there was hassle (and in those days there always was) in the transfer from on flight to another at Istanbul, we were on holiday and relaxed already so it did not effect us. I think these days people do not put enough effort into their holiday planning themselves and some time spent surfing the web sites is time well spent. Of course if the object is to save an extra £200.00 worth of beer drinking money then fly Ryan Air and take your own oxygen mask's - lol. Everything is possible you just need to work at it a little so you have a great holiday time without the worry and stress, after all you have worked hard for it, don't ruin it! If you are coming for more than 21 days or are swallows then try the train or coach to your airport - much cheaper and add a night in a B&B to start with - you have the time, relax and enjoy it.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 7:56 am

There have been a number of comments about flying into the north and support the TRNC economy. Be interesting to understand what people mean by “supporting” the TRNC economy and how flying into Ercan helps and to what amount it helps?

crofter · Post by **crofter** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 8:36 am

We agree with your comments Waddo as they work perfectly for you but not for us. Also we are not on holiday in the TRNC as we have lived here for 17 years. Our UK visit is once a year to visit our elderly Mum. Girne to LCA by taxi is £100 return. Girne to Ercan is £60.00 return and Manchester to our destination would be £300 return making a total of £360.00 for taxis compared to £100.00. LCA to our chosen airport in the North Of England involves 1 comfortable flight whereas Ercan to Manchester involves 2 flights and a longer journey. Hiring a car from Manchester to our destination is not an option as we are now in our 70s and we are no longer confident driving in the dark on motorways we are not familiar with. Direct flights from Ercan and to a choice of airports in the North Of England will probably never happen.

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 2:34 pm

PoshinDevon wrote:There have been a number of comments about flying into the north and support the TRNC economy. Be interesting to understand what people mean by “supporting” the TRNC economy and how flying into Ercan helps and to what amount it helps?

Posh..Landing fees, jobs for ground staff and everyone else employed at the airport, money spent at the airport including duty free, parking charges, petrol if you drive, buses and coaches and their drivers and your money will help a little towards the upgraded airport which will bring more visitors to TRNC which in turn will help the economy. By flying through Larnaca you mainly line the Greek Cypriot pockets which I would not on balance of choice do but you would. I hope this list is enough to start with touthough I doubt it will affect your way of thinking at all.
Thinking about it everyone went through the South maybe we would not need Ercan!

artic monkey · Post by **artic monkey** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 3:07 pm

Some interesting comments about the choice between flying in via Larnaca or Ercan.For about 12/13 years my wife and i normally used Turkish Airlines as our preferred carrier,travelling from Dublin to Ercan up to 3 times per year;clean,comfortable,friendly staff,fairly good food and drinks as requested.Prices were always in the €220 - €260 range,however in the past 18 months or so their prices have become exorbitant.Just checked them for flights in September and quoted €1272 for return flights for 3 people,included in this price was a "fuel surcharge" of €170 each.We have booked Lufthansa Dublin - Larnaca,with a short stopover in Frankfurt for €850 for 3.In the recent past we have also used Thomas Cook Belfast - Larnaca,flight only during the holiday season for around £180 - £220 return.BlueAir and Cobalt also have flights to Larnaca.
So until Turkish Airlines return their fares to something more affordable it will be Larnaca for us,bus to Nicosia €8,walk across and taxi to house about £60 and we are still saving.It is worth also stating that when arriving at Ercan we,and many of the other passsengers took advantage of the small duty free shops,not a perk available at other airports,to buy a couple of bottles,pack of cigars for a friend and maybe some sweets and chocolate,so an indeterminate amount of revenue lost here.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 4:23 pm

silverfox1 wrote:
PoshinDevon wrote:There have been a number of comments about flying into the north and support the TRNC economy. Be interesting to understand what people mean by “supporting” the TRNC economy and how flying into Ercan helps and to what amount it helps?
Posh..Landing fees, jobs for ground staff and everyone else employed at the airport, money spent at the airport including duty free, parking charges, petrol if you drive, buses and coaches and their drivers and your money will help a little towards the upgraded airport which will bring more visitors to TRNC which in turn will help the economy. By flying through Larnaca you mainly line the Greek Cypriot pockets which I would not on balance of choice do but you would. I hope this list is enough to start with touthough I doubt it will affect your way of thinking at all.
Thinking about it everyone went through the South maybe we would not need Ercan!

Thanks for your post.

Landing fees - yes
Money spent at airport - for me it’s very little but appreciate for others substantially more.
Parking charges - for me not applicable as we always get a transfer.
Buses, coaches, transfers etc......when picked up from or travelling to Larnaca it’s via a TC firm so we are contributing to the economy.

When living on the island we do most of our shopping and purchasing of goods in the north, employ local tradesmen and of course support local events/charities etc. Of course many local Turkish Cypriots also use Larnaca airport, cross to the south for shopping and services plus also the medical facilities. They see Cyprus as their country and are happy to make the best use of all that it has to offer. As I said in an earlier post we will choose to fly from Larnaca or Ercan depending on ease of travel, flight times and of course cost. We also like to explore the whole island both north and south and see no reason not to continue, it is a beautiful island after all. As a sideline and whilst I appreciate not exactly the same scenario; I find the SNP and in particular Nicola Sturgeon somewhat irritating and not to my liking, however whilst I would be contributing to there economy it wouldn’t stop me visiting what is a lovely country.

I don’t think there is any chance of persuading everyone, whether that be Turkish Cypriots, British, Russians or other ex pats that they should confine themselves to just the TRNC.

Panchocat · Post by **Panchocat** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 6:56 pm

Well said P.I.D. Fully agree. Freedom of choice is everyone's right. There is no need to preach at anyone or criticise the Choices of others as one particular poster appears to be doing in this thread.
Happy flying everyone and doubtless the Larnaca team will smooth out the glitches with the new machines in due course.

silverfox1 · Post by **silverfox1** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 8:11 pm

PID.... You failed to answer all my points and then went on to validate your reasons for your own choice which is fair enough.
Panchochat.. it's your choice! But I disagree with you.

Signing off now.

PoshinDevon · Post by **PoshinDevon** » Mon 16 Jul 2018 8:59 pm

Think I answered your points but happy to clarify further for you if you let me know what areas I have missed.

It’s a personal choice and as I have mentioned there are many Turkish Cypriots who use Larnaca, shop in the south etc, it’s not just foreigners.

I have tried to explain that we have used both Larnaca and Ercan airports in the past. Our choice is driven by convenience of flight times and cost. Plus I see no reason to not visit all parts of the island north and south. Cyprus has lots to offer so why not take advantage.

The self scanning system on departure and arrival at Larnaca doesn’t seem to speed up the process at the moment. Unlike at some UK airports it’s not a case of placing passport in scanner, then a door opens and lets you thro. Passport control done. At a Larnaca it produces a slip which has your passport details on it plus a not very good picture. This slip plus passport is then presented to an official who checks both and then lets you thro. Whilst the machines appeared to work well, despite it being very busy no real time was saved. However maybe this was just phase 1 and once the system has proven to work they will no longer require human intervention for the extra check.

Deniz1 · Post by **Deniz1** » Tue 17 Jul 2018 5:43 am

Off topic!

Yes and no · Post by **Yes and no** » Tue 17 Jul 2018 6:05 am

Went through larnaca Sunday,very easy process,don’t panic!

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Tue 17 Jul 2018 9:28 am

Do it twice on the way out then it will save you queuing on the return flight. Make sure you are wearing the same clothes, though. (Oh, and you might be arrested).

EnjoyingTheSun · Post by **EnjoyingTheSun** » Wed 18 Jul 2018 8:38 am

Call me a Luddite but I’m opposed to these self-scanning schemes that will slowly take all of the human factor out of passport control.
In these days of terrorist threat and illegal immigration, I’m a fan of a stern looking person having a good look at you and your passport rather than you waving it at a machine that will be hacked.

sophie · Post by **sophie** » Wed 18 Jul 2018 10:28 am

EnjoyingtheSun: If you want to be called a Luddite, then so be it. Not quite sure why though.

LUDDITE, LUDDITE, LUDDITE, LUDDITE.

I have to agree with you, a really fierce looking WOMAN in Immigration, fills me with dread. As for the MEN, they are a doddle.!!

EnjoyingTheSun · Post by **EnjoyingTheSun** » Wed 18 Jul 2018 11:10 am

Do have major reservations on this self scanning. I'm all for progress but not every upgrade is for the better. Windows ME anyone?

Back in the day we used to carry around our cheque book and cheque card, remembering of course to keep them separate.
Then we moved onto debit cards where we signed a bit of paper. Fraud went up in a big way but I assume the banks bean counted the cost of the frauds against jobs saved processing cheques.
Then we went to chip and pin. Now there wasn't even a signature to check. Again fraud went up as the scammers got better at cloning cards quicker than we could remember our pin numbers.
Now we have gone to contactless and surprise surprise fraud had gone up again.

But at least with the evolution of payment methods and hacking the cost is in money, messing around with passport controls the cost could ultimately be lives.

EnjoyingTheSun · Post by **EnjoyingTheSun** » Wed 18 Jul 2018 11:14 am

frontalman wrote:Do it twice on the way out then it will save you queuing on the return flight. Make sure you are wearing the same clothes, though. (Oh, and you might be arrested).

Don't buy a personal address book simply take an old telephone directory and cross out the names of people you don't know.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 18 Jul 2018 6:17 pm

Cracking, never thought of that one!

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