THE COUNTRY: NORTH CYPRUS

North Cyprus is a pearl in the Mediterranean Sea. Standing at the crossroads of three continents Cyprus has a vibrant history, a perfect climate and the warmest welcome in the Mediterranean basin. It has been a touristic attraction for many years, offering the perfect combination of relaxation, water sports and exciting exploration along its beautiful coastline, for Northern Cyprus too, has its share of rich archeological sites and medieval castles. It enjoys over 300 days of uninterrupted sunshine, clear blue unpolluted seas, the beauty of an unspoiled landscape and uncrowded beaches. Add to this the friendliness and hospitality of the people, wonderfully varied cuisine and you have the perfect recipe for a truly idyllic holiday. Whether you are a lover of nature, an archaeologist, a keen walker, a water sportsman or simply a sun-worshipper this little island is the ideal spot for you. It will come as no surprise that according to legend this island, the birthplace of goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, was given to Cleopatra by Julius Cesar as a token of his love! The home to several civilizations, the island of Cyprus has developed a unique synthesis of cultures, each with its own distinct identity. See: http://www.welcometonorthcyprus.co.uk/ or http://www.northcyprus.co.uk or http://northcyprus.cc

The City: Famagusta

Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus. It is the capital of the Gazimağusa District of Northern Cyprus. It is located east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbor of the island. During the medieval period especially under the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice. Famagusta was the island's most important port city, and a gateway to trade with the ports of the Levant, from where the Silk Road merchants carried their goods to Western Europe. More information see: http://www.magusa.org/en

TRANSPORTATION

There are a substantial number of flights to Northern Cyprus from around the world. Flights to Northern Cyprus by Turkish Airlines are via a brief courtesy touch down in Turkey. All Northern Cyprus flights arrive at Ercan Airport, North Cyprus. All flights go through Istanbul with a brief stopover. Ercan Airport is the closest airport. The other option is flying directly to Larnaca Airport in Southern (Greek) Cyprus (non-Schengen EU member country). This option is only valid for holders of US, Canada, and European Union passport holders.

For the participants who like to arrange the air transportation online, Turkish Airlines will provide discounted prices:

Turkish Airlines is the official airline of AHTMM and special discounts are offered on certain booking classes. In order to proceed with the online booking tool for Turkish Conventions please visit the Turkish Conventions website https://www4.thy.com/TKC/app/main?language=en  and use the event code 058TKM17 under delegate section.

 TRANSFERS

For participants arriving at ERCAN Airport

Please let with Mrs. Melissa AYDIN (melissa.aydin@tursanturizm.com) or Mr. Emre ÖZKAN (emre.ozkan@tursanturizm.com) know the time you are arriving at Ercan Airport so that they can organize a shuttle bus. Shuttle transfers from the airport to the hotel cost €50 per vehicle (two-ways).

There are also public buses (KIBHAS) from the airport to Famagusta departing at various hours. Since the conference hotel is located about 8 km outside Famagusta, on arrival in Famagusta you will need to take a taxi to the hotel.

Thus, it may be a good idea to reserve with Mrs. Melissa AYDIN (melissa.aydin@tursanturizm.com) or Mr. Emre ÖZKAN (emre.ozkan@tursanturizm.com) for transfers to the hotel on arrival. Another option might be taking a direct taxi to the hotel, which will cost (one-way) around €35 in the daytime and around €45 in the nighttime (after 22:00 hrs).

For participants arriving at Larnaca Airport

If you intend to come through Larnaca Airport, please contact Mrs. Melissa AYDIN (melissa.aydin@tursanturizm.com) or Mr. Emre ÖZKAN (emre.ozkan@tursanturizm.com) as they need to arrange for your transfer through the checkpoint between South and North Cyprus. Private transfers from Larnaca Airport to the hotel cost €130 (two-ways).

Full name - Any other names for accompanying person/s

Arrival date and time

Airline Company

Flight number

Please send a copy of your electronic ticket by e-mail to melissa.aydin@tursanturizm.com and emre.ozkan@tursanturizm.com in order to organize everything more accurately.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Foreign travelers travelling directly into North Cyprus except Nigerians and Armenians do not need visa. Those delegates who want to enter into Turkey are expected to obtain an electronic visa before coming to Turkey. Nationals of most European countries, the USA, Canada may obtain tourist visas, valid for 3 months by paying a fee of US$20.00 at the port of entry if they hold foreign passports and valid for more than six months in Turkey for the purposes of sightseeing, business, family visits, study or training. Tourist visas obtained are for multiple entry. As of April 2013, electronic visa (e-visa) replaces "sticker visa" which was issued at the border crossings. Applicants need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr which provides the requested information. For more information, please visit http://mfa.gov.ct.tr/consular-info/visa-regulations.

For more information, you can contact with a diplomatic mission of Northern Cyprus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diplomatic_missions_of_Northern_Cyprus

Currency

Turkish lira that is coded as TRY is the official currency used in North Cyprus. As of 06 January 2017 the exchange rate of EUR (Euro), USD (US dollar) and GBP (British pound) to TRY, are 3.79, 3.60, and 4.49, respectively. You can use currency converter to see the actual exchange rates at the present time.

Traffic system

The majority of the cars on the island of Cyprus are manufactured with steering wheels on the right, since traffic moves on the left.

Electrical plug/outlet and voltage information for the North Cyprus

Electrical sockets (outlets) in North Cyprus supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC, and are the "Type G" British BS-1363 type.  If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets (3-pin plug is required), you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to 3-pin shape suitable for the aforedescribed socket type.