40-year-long Taboo is Removed: Greek Cypriots welcomed in Turkey

Turkey started receiving Greek Cypriots for the first time since 1963, with Cyprus Republic passports. The first group arrived in Turkey from the Norh-West Ipsala gate. A 300-strong group arrived in 6 busses to visit the historical sites and Greek Patriarchate in Istanbul.Turkey had recognized the Cyprus Republic shared by Turkish and Greek Cypriots under the 1959-60 London and Zurich Treaties but  had refused to recognize the Greek Cypriot state which expelled Turks from the government , to annex to Greece in 1963. HOW TO COME  * Greek Cypriots will apply to a Turkish embassy in any country for a visa. * No fee will be imposed on visas. The visa will not be stamped on the passport. . * Greek Cypriots arriving in a border gate of Turkey without having a visa will be able to enter Turkey but buying a ten-Euro stamped paper. * Greek Cypriots are allowed to stay in Turkey for a month, unless they extend their visa. * Greek Cypriots will be able to enter Turkey through sea or land.  Arrival on board of touristic boats and private yachtes require calling  one of the ports which Turkey communicates, beforehand. International insurance documents are required for vessels and land vehicles.Â