RoC new border regulations.

[Groucho]

We have absolutely no intention of going anywhere.... we have lived and loved here for near 15 years. We still love it warts and all. The trick is to let those things that seem to wind-up many people just float over you knowing that Cyprus is not the UK and it never will be - and that's why we came here.

If you came here to be on perma-holiday.... that was a mistake. If you came here to live a non-acquisitive lifestyle and to enjoy those things in life that cost little but enrich your existence then you will continue to thrive.

We have always regarded the residency stamp process as a necessary evil. Pain in the neck but little enough of a problem. Not worth arguing about.

Now we will stop going south if they bring in these measures... it will be their loss as all we did was spend money.

[Deniz1]

Larnaca will lose out as the swallows wont be able to come and go at will any more.Those that have properies in TRNC that is.

[Deniz1]

All the complainers about residency fees and health insurace makes me wonder if they are amongst us who took advantage of the gentlemans agreement. If so they have saved more than enough to cover the new costs. I have had 8 free years.

[Heaven]

Can anyone tell me if our wonderful British Embassy/ Consulate in Nicosia is doing anything about this problem of crossing over border. I have just received my Irish Passport, I am British but Father was Irish. Now I think it will do me no good to use it crossing over South because they seem to be able to make their own rules up. Surely the BRS are in touch with the Embassy to get things looked into?

[erol]

Can anyone tell me if our wonderful British Embassy/ Consulate in Nicosia is doing anything about this problem of crossing over border. I have just received my Irish Passport, I am British but Father was Irish. Now I think it will do me no good to use it crossing over South because they seem to be able to make their own rules up. Surely the BRS are in touch with the Embassy to get things looked into?

Nothing I have seen and as far as I understand things has indicated that under a Irish (EU) passport you can or will be restricted from crossing the Green line in any way ? The issues only relate to those without EU passports and who are not considered Cypriot nationals by the RoC.

Whilst there is speculation that the RoC may be able to convince the EU to allow changes to the green line treaties as far as non EU nationals go I do not think anyone believes they could convince the EU to allow changes in relation to EU nationals and their right to free movement in to, out of and within the EU area.

[Heaven]

Thank you Erol, but I do think that it is about time we heard from the British Embassy. From my understanding from what I have read, they will even ask EU people what their purpose of their visit is. I could have read it wrongly, but what would happen if I say I live in the North. As I happily have for 12 years. Well maybe until tomorrow as attempting residency, so up at the crack of dawn, don't do early mornings at my great age of 65!!!!

[erol]

Thank you Erol, but I do think that it is about time we heard from the British Embassy. From my understanding from what I have read, they will even ask EU people what their purpose of their visit is. I could have read it wrongly, but what would happen if I say I live in the North. As I happily have for 12 years. Well maybe until tomorrow as attempting residency, so up at the crack of dawn, don't do early mornings at my great age of 65!!!!

As far as I understand things the RoC can not legally restrict EU nationals in such a way under current laws and nor do I believe that the EU would allow them to change the current laws in this regard, short of them leaving the EU or there being a fundamental shift in the principles on which the EU was founded and operates.

Re about time in hearing from the British High Comission here, that is about 40 years over due imo on a whole range of issues affecting UK citizens that chose to live in the north

[snd1966]

Larnaca will lose out as the swallows wont be able to come and go at will any more.Those that have properies in TRNC that is.

we travelled via Turkey 1987 to 2002, admittedly sitting on the plane was better for me, I must admit I have used the south since travelling by myself and one has to get off the plane in turkey.
I may of incorrectly assumed if/when the UK leave the EU, british passport holders will be able to get a visa to travel to Cyprus, this will be for x amount of days, I assumed then one may travel North, ok they may have to show where they are staying, a few of my customers own pre 74 deeds. I also may of incorrectly assumed as long they return via a south entry port within their visa period they will be ok.
Its people like me who may travel to the UK occasionally, I will have no valid visa for the south plus I would want to enter from the green line and exit via a port which I believe the south will no longer allow as I assume a visa will be only from their registered points of entry.

[PoshinDevon]

Larnaca will lose out as the swallows wont be able to come and go at will any more.Those that have properies in TRNC that is.

We will continue to come and go at will. Always have and always will. We have gone thro the residency process before and will do so again. The new process has not been well implemented but hey we half expected that to be the case anyway.

As for entering the TRNC via a flight into Larnaca, yes we have done this many times.....but we also use Ercan as well. If the ROC make it difficult to enter whether that be arriving on a flight or going across the border to visit the south then so be it. It will be disappointing not to be able to go across and explore/enjoy the whole island or meet up with friends but if that’s how it is then we won’t get to excited about it. I am sure the ROC are not interested but as others have said it’s there loss as we do spend money in the south on our visits.

[lee666]

My thoughts exactly PoshinDevon, it now hurts my head reading everything over & over again. We are still going to wait until May to complete the residency process.

As to going to the South, the RoC I think will eventually regret their actions. If we have to travell to the UK Ercan it is then

[mrsgee]

Always use Ercan, lived here 11 years... don’t feel the need to go south, other than some very pretty villages. It is not cheap to shop there, we never do it, can get everything we need here.... and if we want to visit pretty little villages, there are lots in Turkey, 40 minutes to Antalya for example. Don’t know what all the fuss is about...explore Turkey it’s very beautiful

[steveodp]

I messaged the British High Commission in Nicosia, to ask what their views were on this, and its potential effect on UK citizens in N Cyprus - their reply was:

please use the webform below to contact the Consular team, or call +357 22 861 100.

https://www.contact-embassy.service.gov.uk/?country=Cyprus&post=British%20High%20Commission%20Nicosia

So just putting it out there - maybe it would be beneficial if they were to receive multiple inquiries on the webform...........

My Enquiry is submitted:
Your reference number is ENQW068422

[frugal90]

God idea, time to get tapping!

[wanderer]

Just picked this up story on ncfp of an Australian who was stopped at Larnaca
http://northcyprusfreepress.com/law/cyp ... n-larnaca/

[Deniz1]

They are legally supposed to answer within 20 days they dont!

[Reyntj]

http://www.financialmirror.com/news-det ... ?nid=37962

Burger king are becoming legitimate now in north cyprus as above . Just need an ikea sarah and debenhams now for the wife and then no need to go south!

Im pretty negative about the border and i have a feeling at some point it might escalate and it could be closed altogether. I dont know what circumstances will cause this its just a gut feeling . I cant see any amicable solution to the cyprus problem . As erdogans popularity has fallen its was always odds on he would start an even more aggressive foreign policy to drum up nationalistic support . The syria invasion was a play similar to maggie thatchers falklands invasion. Its an example of the lengths he will go to for political gain so im expecting varosha opening and drilling etc to continue and probably anything else they can come up with.

I dont see turkey giving an inch to the greeks or greek cypriots i can only see things escalating .

[waddo]

Well the Burger King on the Girne/Lefcosia road has complied with - "According to reports, all the restaurants that currently operate under the Burger City brand will adopt the signs, menus and standards of Burger King." - for sure and having tried it, the food is much better quality than any of the Burger City joints I have been in. The branch in Lemar has a long way to go to reach Burger Kings' quality so far!!

[Kanonier]

[quote="waddo] The branch in Lemar has a long way to go to reach Burger Kings' quality so far!![/quote]

The upstairs seating and toilets area of the branch in Karaoglanoglu could do with a good clean and a lick of paint.

[Trigger]

So much for progress. Things are going backwards.

[wanderer]

nice one Trigger

[Cyprus Hector]

We will attempt to sell up and holiday elsewhere. In the meantime visit only when we need to via Ercan, or up to the 30 days limit until the Larnaca route is closed off.

[steveodp]

I’ve received a response from Nicosia, and unsurprisingly it’s the usual commentary:

Thank you for your enquiry of 03/12/2019 16:37.

We appreciate your need for clarity on this matter.

As EU citizens exercising the right to free movement, British citizens can currently move freely between the Republic of Cyprus, (RoC) and the North.

UK citizens attempting to cross the Green Line between the RoC and the North should be aware of the impacts of Brexit when UK nationals will no longer be EU nationals.

There are different legal and political interpretations of how much freedom non-EU nationals have to cross the Green Line. The latest information regarding crossing the Green line, driving between the Roc and the North and travel regulations are detailed in an open letter from Stephen Lillie, British High Commissioner. You can read this letter through the following Gov.UK link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/open ... -of-cyprus

Further updates will be posted on our Living in Cyprus guide and Travel Advice pages.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-cyprus

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus

We appreciate the uncertainty surrounding your situation must be frustrating. We suggest you sign yourself up for e-mail alerts on the pages linked above. Both of these guides are updated as new information becomes available. By signing up for e-mail alerts you will then be notified of these changes as they happen.

We hope this information is of assistance to you.

Regards

[jofra]

I’ve received a response from Nicosia, and unsurprisingly it’s the usual commentary:

Thank you for your enquiry of 03/12/2019 16:37.

..... in an open letter from Stephen Lillie, British High Commissioner. You can read this letter through the following Gov.UK link.....

top of the page - "Published 29 March 2019" - not quite up to date with latest decisions by BOTH TRNC and ROC....

[Groucho]

maggie thatchers falklands invasion

Never hurts to re-write history..... what?

[Maisiemoo]

The Living in Cyprus page was updated 4/11/19

[EnjoyingTheSun]

maggie thatchers falklands invasion

Never hurts to re-write history..... what?

I posted the same thing but my post was deleted for some reason. Maybe we are re-writing history!

[Deniz1]

If it does come to pass the TRNC mini bus drivers will loose out big time.

[ailletoo]

My Thoughts exactly, well said guys!!

[waz-24-7]

It is very encouraging that UK citizen long term residents and visitors to TRNC have the resolve to continue with their trips and visits.

It is, and has been very clear from the outset of Brexit that the loss of European status will have a widespread negative effect on UK citizens with the Union. Ex pats across Europe are living in doubt upon their future travel, residency and health rights.
This is most apparent in France and Spain.

In the TRNC it is not quite so focused but its the need and or desire to pass into or through the ROC that will have a negative effect upon current and enjoyed freedoms.

Many know my feeling upon this and I remain amazed that so many on this forum voted for this. Why? I can only guess.

Next week the Country goes to the polls once again. the Brexit issue remains very high on peoples minds and I am very unsure as to how it will pan out as old political allegiances come under close scrutiny based on their BREXIT aspirations.

[terry2366]

We did not seem to have problems holiday inn abroad prior to Europe membership visas, green cards and health insurance etc why should it pose insurmountable problems. Brits holiday abroad for decades and to a huge range of places outside the Eu. Do you really believe Spain, France and Cyprus want or can afford to make it difficult for Brits to visit. The Germans used to holiday up to three times a year but now much less as they have to cut back. As for Brexit it was voted for and accepted we shall see in a week if the pueblo still want it my guess is they will in buckets. After a sustained attack by other parties, big business, the media and the state it's still uppermost in people's minds. As to the new regulations here with the excuse of wishing to know who and how many people are here yet only affecting the expat communities and not other third country national and mainland Turkish citizens are we not sure it's not just about the money??

[EnjoyingTheSun]

Many know my feeling upon this and I remain amazed that so many on this forum voted for this. Why? I can only guess.

Maybe because they felt it would be the best for the future of Britain rather than for selfish reasons.

Next week the Country goes to the polls once again. the Brexit issue remains very high on peoples minds and I am very unsure as to how it will pan out as old political allegiances come under close scrutiny based on their BREXIT aspirations.

Given that it is estimated that 64% of seats in Great Britain probably voted to leave and if you include the known results for Northern Ireland, that amounts to 410 constituencies voting leave (63%) and 240 voting remain. So if Brexit is high on peoples mind's you can safely count on at least a hundred seat majority for the Conservatives. So if you are pinning your hopes on the vote being overturned, bad luck. I guess if another result occurs we would be well within our rights to ask for another vote

[Kanonier]

Well said, couldn't have put it better myself - but we are digressing!

[waz-24-7]

We did not seem to have problems holiday inn abroad prior to Europe membership visas, green cards and health insurance etc why should it pose insurmountable problems. Brits holiday abroad for decades and to a huge range of places outside the Eu. Do you really believe Spain, France and Cyprus want or can afford to make it difficult for Brits to visit. The Germans used to holiday up to three times a year but now much less as they have to cut back. As for Brexit it was voted for and accepted we shall see in a week if the pueblo still want it my guess is they will in buckets. After a sustained attack by other parties, big business, the media and the state it's still uppermost in people's minds. As to the new regulations here with the excuse of wishing to know who and how many people are here yet only affecting the expat communities and not other third country national and mainland Turkish citizens are we not sure it's not just about the money??

I wish it was that simple
Of course many years ago European travel with visas green cards, additional insurances etc was quite the norm for travellers.
However the European union which in the main is a union of peace and co operation has facilitated an easier less hassle agenda for travel and more importantly for trade and business. It is this that the UK is divorcing from and expect no bed of roses in any divorce.

You should consider that it is not simply UK holiday makers that are losing out. The loss of rights on all fronts is a massive negative in my opinion.
Of course The UK will find a way, but this is most definitely not the path to prosperity and peace . In part it reverts the UK to a divided European country that history has shown us has led to two of the greatest wars that mankind has endured.

[waz-24-7]

Many know my feeling upon this and I remain amazed that so many on this forum voted for this. Why? I can only guess.

Maybe because they felt it would be the best for the future of Britain rather than for selfish reasons.

Next week the Country goes to the polls once again. the Brexit issue remains very high on peoples minds and I am very unsure as to how it will pan out as old political allegiances come under close scrutiny based on their BREXIT aspirations.

Given that it is estimated that 64% of seats in Great Britain probably voted to leave and if you include the known results for Northern Ireland, that amounts to 410 constituencies voting leave (63%) and 240 voting remain. So if Brexit is high on peoples mind's you can safely count on at least a hundred seat majority for the Conservatives. So if you are pinning your hopes on the vote being overturned, bad luck. I guess if another result occurs we would be well within our rights to ask for another vote

Quite the contrary
I will be voting conservative and will seek success with the UK outside of the EU.
However, that does not change my opinion that BREXIT is a massive negative and a mistake.

I wonder how many left wing leavers will now move their allegiance right and support the conservatives in order to be absolutely certain upon securing the rubbish BREXIT deal.
Let there be no misunderstanding , in my opinion, the deal secured is BREXIT in name and no more. It is damaging to all walks of life but particularly the young who face so many potential exclusions against their European peers.

[waz-24-7]

waz-24-7 wrote:
Many know my feeling upon this and I remain amazed that so many on this forum voted for this. Why? I can only guess.

EnjoyingTheSun wrote:
Maybe because they felt it would be the best for the future of Britain rather than for selfish reasons.

Possibly....However it is becoming rather apparent given the statements made from the UK office within the ROC that things will indeed change and not in a good way.
I don't think you and many others considered this when voting for BREXIT.
Furthermore, to be voting upon the future of the UK, a country I assume you have chosen to leave, is rather hypocritical.
Selfish certainly not, foolish , given the new difficulties and hindrances you will endure ….possibly.

[EnjoyingTheSun]

I don't think you and many others considered this when voting for BREXIT.
Furthermore, to be voting upon the future of the UK, a country I assume you have chosen to leave, is rather hypocritical.
Selfish certainly not, foolish , given the new difficulties and hindrances you will endure ….possibly.

Wouldn't have made the slightest difference.

I still pay tax in the UK and have children and grandchildren there so to vote the way I believe secures their future is in no way hypocritical.

As for the hindrances they are to do with the antipathy of the South to the North of which the EU freedom of movement put a band aid on. My travelling to any other country in the EU will be barely effected beyond filling out a piece of paper.
This thread isn't to do with Brexit so, as don't seem to have another subject you contribute to the forum on, why not find a Brexit forum where you can post the same thing daily

[waz-24-7]

ETS
Pleased to hear that there will be not the slightest difference to you....selfish undertones possibly.

Of course your children and grandchildren will live with the restrictions that you have voted for. Not sure if your grandchildren will have passports yet or whether they would like to travel and explore Europe as freely as you have clearly enjoyed.
Indeed if they wish to visit you then of course they , like any UK visitor ,will have less choice upon access routes and without doubt expect market forces to price travel accordingly as access becomes more limited. Many will overcome this. I suspect the increased difficulties for UK non Europeans and for UK holiday firms will influence many decisions upon holiday destinations. A real loss to the TRNC unfortunately.

Incidentally
The topic and result of the debate is very Much BREXIT. Its in the opening post!! and BREXIT makes us non European hence the very valid topic.
Whilst we are European we have full access and privileges to pass into the ROC.
You voted to forfeit those privileges as will your children and grandchildren. I wonder their views given they presumably live in the UK and your grandchildren possibly had no say on the matter.
Of course they may have little interest in travelling into Europe or to TRNC.

[Reyntj]

I have learnt not to reply to ets posts mostly he just wants to argue about anything and cares little about taking subjects far from the thread . Just ignore them.

[PoshinDevon]

Just for balance I have learnt not to reply to Waz 24-7 for the same reason.

[lee666]

Likewise PoshinDevon, best ignored !!

[Mowgli597]

Just for balance I have learnt not to reply to Waz 24-7 for the same reason.

There’s impartiality from a moderator for you!

[EnjoyingTheSun]

I have learnt not to reply to ets posts mostly he just wants to argue about anything and cares little about taking subjects far from the thread .

Who was it who decided to bring the Falklands into the thread and change history?

[EnjoyingTheSun]

ETS
Pleased to hear that there will be not the slightest difference to you....selfish undertones possibly.

Brexit will cause me some aggravation but on the whole I feel it is best for the country long term. With regard to selfish undertones I remember you admitting that if joining the Euro, which you found hard to champion, was the price of membership then you would be happy for us to join the Euro.

without doubt expect market forces to price travel accordingly as access becomes more limited. Many will overcome this. I suspect the increased difficulties for UK non Europeans and for UK holiday firms will influence many decisions upon holiday destinations. A real loss to the TRNC unfortunately.

Obviously if airlines attempt to profiteer from the situation then they will have less customers. That's simple economics.

BREXIT makes us non European

Like the Swiss? What would you call them then. African/South American? I'm not a member of the BRS, does that mean I am not resident in TRNC?

You voted to forfeit those privileges as will your children and grandchildren. I wonder their views given they presumably live in the UK and your grandchildren possibly had no say on the matter.
Of course they may have little interest in travelling into Europe or to TRNC.

I had no say on the matter in the 1975 referendum, that's how it works. Yeah they won't come to the TRNC anymore because I voted for Brexit, Is that what you want to hear?

[PoshinDevon]

Posts are starting to now go off topic.

Please confine posts on this topic to ROC New Border Regulations.

If anyone wants to re run the whole Brexit discussion again please either search for an appropriate Brexit topic or open a new topic. Who knows this time next week we might know if we are leaving by the end of January, staying for a while longer or remaining altogether.

[waz-24-7]

Posh thanks
The Brexit position is very clear within the original post. The outcome of BREXIT and indeed the coming election is very relevant to the border crossing concerns.

You are welcome not to respond or participate in this debate. To post that you intend not to reply is simply a waste of time unless of course you are making some sort of underlying statement?
I note that Mowgli has commented on your moderator status and "impartiality". No more said on that please.

To return therefore to topic. ROC border regulations ( new ones)
The clear changes that are on the horizon are of concern, finally...can you smell the coffee now? The NEW ROC regulations will certainly target UK ex Europeans.
I see little option but to avoid the ROC period given the antagonism that remains against anything TRNC.

It is a shame that the TRNC will loose out on valuable UK spending as tourists and tour operators move to mainland Turkey or other destinations where there are zero political issues to contend with.

[waddo]

I think that the RoC has simply been caught out in its own lackadaisical manner in dealing with its own population and visitors and since the TRNC is quite apparently attempting to get it's own ducks in a row and put in place as system that would be more than acceptable to the EU, the RoC has had to make a "normal" big presentation of doing something that it should have been doing all along. It is of course helped by the Brexit fiasco and can use that debacle to threaten all Ex EU nationals - in particular it loves to threaten the UK - but really, if you look at the whole situation it is just another poke at the TRNC.

It has been and still is "handy" to be able to visit the whole of the Island but if half of it wants to close its gates to the rest then so be it - really there is nothing in the RoC that you can't find elsewhere anyway and with things changing in the North - like Burger King officially trading here - then it won't be long before others follow and the crying and tearing of shirts in the South will reach a crescendo until they finally realise just what a very small country they are in the World.

Like it or not the TRNC will survive, will grow, will prosper and will remain a place where many will still want to visit!!!

[Soner]

Anyone in need of a slagging match, why not do it live: http://www.kibkom.com/chat/

[PoshinDevon]

Posh thanks
The Brexit position is very clear within the original post. The outcome of BREXIT and indeed the coming election is very relevant to the border crossing concerns.

You are welcome not to respond or participate in this debate. To post that you intend not to reply is simply a waste of time unless of course you are making some sort of underlying statement?
I note that Mowgli has commented on your moderator status and "impartiality". No more said on that please.

waz 24-7.....You know full well the reasons why I do not respond to your comments.
My last comment on this.

Once we know when/if or perhaps never Brexit will happen then of course the relevance to crossing to or from the ROC will become a hot subject and would probably benefit from a new topic being started. Please feel free to post Brexit comments on a Brexit topic, start a new topic or perhaps use the live chat. That seems like a great option for the moment.

To return therefore to topic. ROC border regulations ( new ones)
The clear changes that are on the horizon are of concern, finally...can you smell the coffee now? The NEW ROC regulations will certainly target UK ex Europeans.
I see little option but to avoid the ROC period given the antagonism that remains against anything TRNC.

It is a shame that the TRNC will loose out on valuable UK spending as tourists and tour operators move to mainland Turkey or other destinations where there are zero political issues to contend with.

[Reyntj]

A note to all

Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”


― Mark Twain

[Mowgli597]

A note to all

Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”


― Mark Twain

No they won’t

(Sorry, R. Couldn’t resist it!)