It has been exactly 20 years since the mutual crossings between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Greek Cypriot Administration began.

The first crossing points were opened on April 23, 2003 following a decision taken by the National Unity Party (UBP) – Democrat Party (DP) coalition government.

Within this framework, reciprocal crossings began at the Ledra Palace, Beyarmudu and Akyar border crossings.

During the National Unity Party-Democrat Party coalition government’s term in 2003, a decision taken by the Council of Ministers during an extraordinary session, led to the opening of three border crossings between the two sides of the island.

While crossings from the Ledra Palace, Beyarmudu and Akyar border crossings were quite limited up until that date, the decision taken by the Council of Ministers allowed ordinary Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots to cross over to the other side for the first time in 29 years.

Initially the Ledra Palace border crossing allowed both pedestrians and vehicles to pass but the crossing point was closed to vehicle traffic for the exception of diplomatic staff once the Metehan Border Crossing was opened.

Today, the Ledra Palace border crossing is only open for pedestrian use.

Eight more border crossings have been opened at regular intervals since then.

Currently there are nine border crossings open, the busiest being the Metehan, Lokmacı and Derinya crossing points.