Driving a Car from Uk to Northern Cyprus

SKYBLUESAM · Post by **SKYBLUESAM** » Fri 07 Feb 2014 12:25 pm

Hi Everyone,
We are considering purchasing a car in the UK and then driving it to Northern Cyprus, We then intend to keep it here for 12 Months before driving it back to the UK.
Has anyone done this and what if any rules or regulations are applied to this idea.
Many Thanks
Nudger.

genghis · Post by **genghis** » Fri 07 Feb 2014 1:34 pm

Hi. I've driven here three times by different routes:
A. drive to Germany and take the motorail to the Turkish border. Most expensive but least stressful. Train food/accommodation very good,
b. drive to Ancona, Italy and take ferry to Igoumenista, Greece. Mid priced option and overnight ferry affords a pleasant break
c. drive - cheapest option. Roads are pretty good and it won't be many years before it's at least dual carriageway all the way. Still some dodgy spots in the Balkans until they get their hands on EEC money!!!!
I slept in the car. Many service stations have showers.
With one driver it takes 4 to 5 days
Nobody seems to offer insurance for Asian Turkey. You just have to pay up at the border!!
My agent assured me, on my last trip, that my UK insurance covered me for the whole of Cyprus as they are in the European Union. Customs at Famagusta woudn't wear this and I had to take out local insurance for a week. I then drove on my UK insurance and fortunately didn't have an accident and need to put my agent's claim to the test!!!
It's my understanding that you can drive on UK plates for 9 months but then have to import. With a new car (less than 5 years old) you don't want to get involved with import tax which will probably be at least 60% of the list price when new.
If you are deemed to be a resident - have you taken out residency? They also check your ins and outs to see how long you have stayed here - you'll probably only be allowed a month (maybe 3 if you apply for an extension) before you have to pay the import tax or remove the car
Perhaps someone else has got the complete story on driving here on UK plates. I have always paid the Import Tax which isn't so bad on classic cars.
Hope this helps.

fatouche · Post by **fatouche** » Fri 07 Feb 2014 3:55 pm

I drove here on UK plates and was allowed to drive it until my UK road tax expired before having to pay import duty, which is 60% of the value given to the vehicle by Customs in Lefkosa (they don't necessarily go by the book price). I may have got preferential treatment because I have a Kimlic card.

What you're proposing to do is risky; you can't predict what Customs will do,so I wouldn't do it if I were you.

Marions · Post by **Marions** » Mon 10 Feb 2014 4:40 pm

Whatever other problems you may encounter, you cannot stay here for 12 months without doing something about residency. As someone has said, you maybe given 3 months and then youl, and the car, would have to leave and then return. Maybe someone in the BRS can help. Take a look at their web page http://www.brstrnc.com or maybe contact them. They do talk to government and maybe they can give a definitive answer on you and the car staying here. Sound s a bit risky, and beware of the import duty. It IS horrendous, and the age of the car is involved too. We oculd not bring our car form Australia because although in fab condition, it was 6 years old. Not sure of the ruling now. Obviously visiting for a holiday is one thing but 12 months is another.

Do check with the authorities, or you could be up a TRNC gum tree and very uncomfortably so.

The examples given are interesting but does anyone else have ant really good info to give in addition to help the enquirer..

elkiton · Post by **elkiton** » Wed 12 Feb 2014 3:51 pm

In 2004 I came over and talked with the customs people about importing a car. in 2005 I bought a Ford Ranger as it was best-fit into the system and lifestyle here. In 2008 after the requisite depreciation time I drove over here on honeymoon, taking 3 weeks or so. The car was used for one year here in NC, as well as traveling to the South and round the island after which it has to be registered and taxed or exported. The tax was about £3.5K and the plate registration another £600 or so. Given that these costs did not amount to the discount I got off the showroom price of the new Ranger, it was a win-win. What not to do is buy a car and try to import it without being aware of the tax you will pay for the model in question....e.g. a high spec Merc could cost you upwards of £16K tax, as happened to the chap next in line, and when he told them to shove it, they did, took it off him and impounded it after which it went to auction. Importing works well, if you have the right information.