on February 14, 2005
However, you do not have to buy a visa. You simply fill-out the form, and then the border guard stamps it on the way in. When you leave the Republic of Northern Cyprus for the Greek Cypriot side, you simply show the visa which you were issued, they check your name in their computer, and you proceed across the border. I was not checked on the Greek Cypriot side.
Apparently, you do not want them to stamp your passport as the two sides are still technically at war. That means you might have problems when you want to re-enter Cyprus or when you use your passport to apply for a Greek Cypriot work or living permit. Therefore, the Turks will stamp a piece of paper instead to keep safe with your passport in case you need to show it.
However, if you want to drive across, you have to use the other main border crossing for autos and buy special car insurance for the length of time you expect to be in Northern Cyprus. Insurance costs approximately CYP 10- per day.
