190 million crossings recorded since Cyprus checkpoints opened

More than 190 million crossings have been recorded at Cyprus checkpoints since their opening in 2003, according to data published on Tuesday.

Figures analysed by journalist Cenk Mutluyakali for the Turkish Cypriot paper Yeni Duzen, show that a total of 190,281,960 crossings were recorded between April 23, 2003, when the Ledra Palace checkpoint first opened and March 2026.

The data indicates a steady rise in crossings over time, from approximately 4.5 million in 2003 to nearly 15 million annually in recent years.

In the first quarter of 2026, crossings towards the government-controlled-areas reached 1,404,608, compared with 1,400,480 crossings towards the north.

This is the first recorded instance in recent years where crossings southwards exceeded those in the opposite direction.

Economic factors have been identified as a contributing factor, with rising inflation and increased consumer prices in the north leading to increased movement towards the government-controlled areas, particularly for shopping and services.

Data from 2025 show diverging trends between the two communities, as crossings by Greek Cypriots to the north fell by more than 15 per cent in the second quarter of the year compared with the same period in the previous year.

A total of 645,404 crossings were recorded between April and June, down from 760,810.

Monthly figures show that 213,280 crossings by Greek Cypriots were recorded in April, compared with 244,456 a year earlier, while May recorded 212,457 compared with 257,258, and June recorded 219,667 compared with 259,096.

A similar decline was recorded in the first quarter, with crossings down by just under 14 per cent year on year.

In contrast, crossings by Turkish Cypriots towards the government-controlled areas increased.

A total of 812,270 crossings were recorded between April and June 2025, representing an 11 per cent increase compared with 735,724 in the same period the previous year.

Monthly figures show 256,277 crossings in April, up from 250,277, while May recorded 276,266 compared with 222,290, and June recorded 285,727 compared with 263,162.

Crossings by Turkish Cypriots towards the government-controlled areas now exceed crossings by Greek Cypriots towards the north on a monthly basis, according to the data.

Non-Cypriot crossings from the government-controlled areas to the north recorded a slight decline, with 528,817 crossings in the second quarter of 2025, representing a one per cent decrease compared with 534,492 in the same period the previous year.