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The flow of people between the island’s divided communities is showing contrasting trends. While Greek Cypriot crossings into the occupied areas are declining, Turkish Cypriots are increasingly traveling to the free areas, reports Halkın Sesi.
Data from January to August 2025 show that overall “entries” into the occupied areas fell slightly by 1.18% compared to the same period last year, totaling 5,144,332. In 2024, this figure was 5,205,706. Breaking this down, Turkish Cypriot crossings accounted for 2,156, Greek Cypriots for 1,677,680, and travelers from third countries for 1,310,627, according to figures provided by the Ministry of Tourism and the Police.
The trend highlights a widening gap: Greek Cypriot movement into the occupied areas continues to slow, whereas Turkish Cypriot visits to the south are growing at a comparable pace. Between January and August, the number of Turkish Cypriots crossing to the free areas rose by 14.12%, surpassing 2,158,000. Over the same period, Greek Cypriot crossings decreased by 14.75%, a reduction of 291,350 trips.
Meanwhile, Dialogue emphasizes ongoing practical challenges at the crossing points. Despite discussions about improving intercommunal relations and pursuing a comprehensive settlement, delays remain a serious problem, especially for patients. Ambulances in emergencies often cannot pass directly, forcing patients to leave the vehicles and undergo standard inspections.
Eyewitnesses argue that easing congestion at the checkpoints should be a top priority. They have urged authorities to open new crossings and speed up procedures, particularly at Greek Cypriot checkpoints, calling on Tufan Erhürman to address these concerns with President Nikos Christodoulides.
