Can you enter Greece if you have visited North Cyprus?

Question

Hi,

I am a South Korean citizen and I wish to visit Greece. However I have been to North Cyprus. I know that South Koreans do not need a visa for up to 90 days but I am not sure if non-europian union passport holder who has visited north Cyprus are allowed to enter Greece.


PS. I have a clear passpoer stamp from n.cyprus. So that doesn't really help.

To those who are not aware of the tentions between north cyprus and greece:

North Cyprus is mainly controled by Turkey. Southern Cyprus is controled by Greece. In the 1960s there was fighting between these two countries and its boeders are still guarded today. Only Turkey recognises the state as independent and legitamate. All other counries do not recognise North Cyprus.

I know that I made a terrible mistake while in N.Cyprus by getting a stamp in my passport.

After doing some research on the internet. Greece has a policy that people who are from outside EEA who has a passport stamp from Northern cyprus will be questioned and possibly deported.

Thanks to every one that tried to help. If anyone knows a way to go to greece in my situation, I will be interested.

Answer 1

I don't think that there is any problem as far as I am aware!

Answer 2

I have lived in Northern Cyprus for nearly 10 years. You can fly direct to North Cyprus, it is NOT illegal to fly straight here, I don't know where you heard this but it's false info. You can fly to either Ercan (north) or any southern aiport and cross the border. You will be given a 90 day visa when you arrive, you do not need to apply before arriving here. Although flights to North Cyprus are not yet direct (stop off in Turkey first) you can land in Ercan. If you want to stay long than 90days then apply for residency or just go and stay in the south for a couple of nights. It really is that easy! Jump on a Pegasus/Turkish airlines/Onur air/Atlas jet flight and come straight to Ercan! Once here you will be given a 90 day visa (no cost). And then enjoy your holiday!

Answer 3

Well first of all its North Cyprus border officer's fault because he should have asked you if you want a stamp on your passport.
As you said if you don't have a EU passport yes that might create problem. The reason is that as a member of EU Greece cannot reject any person from EU.
Anyway if you have too many stamps in your passport they probably wont notice but I am sure you don't wanna take that chance! I never heard someone sent back but they did create problems. Like making you wait and all that.
Sorry dude, it is just killing me as someone from N. Cyprus to see people from other countries are affected by our stupid politics!
But you gotta see this is a pathetic attempt from Greeks to discourage people to come to our country. Thank god lots of people don't care!

Answer 4

It was a mistake on your part and on the part of that Turkish Cypriot customs officer who stamped your passport. We usually ask visitors if they don't want their passports stamped. That is because, south Cyprus and Greece normally do not allow entry to people who have a north Cyprus stamp in their passports. For them, north Cyprus does not exist de jure (although it is there de facto).

Answer 5

There is no problem. Just check if you need a visa from South Korea, that I don't know.

Answer 6

That's not exactly true,M K,a lot of people have had trouble landing /leaving in Israel after coming from,let's say,other Middle Eastern countries and requesting their passports be stamped..but,NO, by god,they do with a face that would stop a clock..But,you my friend should not have any trouble at all...Greece is pretty fair minded...Tell them you have friends in Melbourne,Australia...Greece's second largest city.Good Luck.You'll be right.

Answer 7

I don't think that Greeks will be unfair, they will certainly accept your entry in Greece. ( By the way, as a South Korean, they know for sure that you are neutral ).

Only countries such as Iran and Russia have foolish passport and visas policies.