BEFORE the Covid pandemic, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Republic of Turkiye Directorate of Migration Management had introduced a transit visa requirement for citizens of 57 countries, including those from Pakistan. At the time, the requirement was generally applied only to first-time travellers. Once individuals had entered TRNC and obtained lawful status, they were not normally required to repeat the same process on their subsequent visits. Recently, this rule has been changed and is being applied across the board, including those who already hold valid legal status in TRNC. This change has created serious difficulties for the Pakistani community, which consists of more than 30,000 individuals living, studying, working and doing business in TRNC.

The minimum time that is required for the whole Turkiye transit visa process for TRNC is two to three months. This long and uncertain processing period makes it extremely difficult for Pakistani residents to travel to Pakistan for visiting their families because they fear they may not be able to return to TRNC in time to resume their studies or jobs. This situation is causing significant emotional, financial, social and humanitarian hardship.

It is also a matter of concern that the change in transit visa rule is being applied more strictly to Pakistani nationals, while in case of citizens of the other countries within the same bracket, the requirement is mainly applied to first-time travellers. The government in Pakistan should raise the matter with the relevant Turkish and TRNC authorities, and provide relief to the affected individuals and their families.

Dr Muhammad Asif
Girne, TRNC

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026