Travel from Izmir, Turkey to Cyprus

There is in theory no problem, except that you can't take a rental car across the border. You'll need to cross on foot or hire a driver to do it. I know there are people who get their Northern Cyprus visa and exit stamps on a separate piece of paper so it won't be in their passport, but that just raises the question of where you entered when you try to leave.

Frankly, I've never had a problem other than not being able to take a rental car across the border and a delay while the Greek side examined my passport for a long, long while. A minor inconvenience only, not a big deal. I've heard there are more problems with Turkish passport holders, but for a US passport holder, you should be fine.

It is easy but costly. Fly Izmir to Ercan via KTHY. You will then have to get from Ercan to Nicosia The cheapest way is to go via Dolmuslari but airports do not usually have this service which is a taxi-minibus. You can call Sami on 0542 8521674 and he will advise. You will go to the only crossing in Nicoria/Lefosa where you can walk over, namely Ledra Palace Crossing. When you reach the other side ask a taxi driver at the cabin to take you to Travel Express at a cost of about 4 Euros. TE (taxi@travelexpress.com.cy will take you to one of the big cities for approx 10 euros - one way. Tel: 7777 7474 for intercity passengers. You cannot fly to Southern Cyprus from Turkey because of the political situation. Very easy to go in and out from UK but impossible from Turkey. A Turkish driver from hotel would cost you 200 euros. You cannot hire a car in N Cyprus for use in S Cyprus. You can leave by air from Larnaca, S Cyprus easily. Hope the above helps.

THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU FOR THE INFORMATION. I'VE DECIDED IT WOULD PROBABLY BE BEST TO DO CYPRUS ON ANOTHER TRIP WHEN I COULD JUST FLY DIRECTLY INTO LARNAKA OR PAFOS ON THE GREEK SIDE OF THE ISLAND. A HASSLE GETTING AROUND IS THE LAST THING I WANT WHEN I'M ON VACATION!