The accident happened on 30 January as the bus was returning from a day-trip to the Troodos mountains in the Cypriot interior, carrying 35 passengers mainly from the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Most of the passengers were women employed in domestic service in Larnaca. A growing number of travellers ask whether they may cross from North to South Cyprus, or vice-versa. The United Nations has been keeping peace in the divided nation along the 'border' between North and South Cyprus ever since. Visitors to the South may cross the Green Line for up to nine hours daily, but must be back in the South by 5pm.
Procedures are simple on both sides.
On the Greek Cypriot side you report to the police, give your name and address and are free to cross. Your passport will not be stamped. A new North Cyprus Tourism Organisation office has just opened on the north side of the crossing point at the former Ledra Palace Hotel. If you have your own private vehicle you may take it across, but not a hire car, or private vehicle registered in the South. Visitors who entered North Cyprus from elsewhere may not cross into South Cyprus.