British nationals living in north will only be allowed to cross for 90 days

Authorities will implement a 90-day rule for British nationals living in the north of the island as of January 1, 2022, the British High Commission said on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Twitter, the BHC said the new policy has not been published yet but based on what they were told, from January 1, RoC authorities will allow British nationals residing in the north to cross freely through the checkpoints for 90 days, starting on the date of their first crossing.

“At the end of that period, further crossings will not be permitted for a further 90-day period,” regardless of the number of crossings made, the statement said.

After 90 days, crossings will again be permitted for a 90-day period.

The new policy includes four exemptions: students living in the north and studying in the RoC, providing travel is between home and place of study; people working in the RoC; people receiving medical treatment in the RoC, and humanitarian cases. All exemptions must provide the necessary evidence

UK nationals residing in the RoC under the withdrawal agreement can continue to cross as before and subject to the same conditions as EU nationals.

UK nationals who are not permanent residents have already been warned that the maximum visa-free stay in Cyprus is 90 days within a 180-day period. RoC authorities count any days spent in the north towards the 90-day visa free total.

“If you overstay, you may be placed on a stop list for between three to five years,” the announcement said.