Northern Cyprus - what's the deal?

Forgive my ignorance.

Is the entire island of Cyprus an EU Member State, or just the Southern part?

I want to take the family to Northern Cyprus for a holiday. We'll probably fly in to Larnaca, then enter Northern Cyprus from there.

I understand that entry to Northern Cyprus from Southern Cyprus (again, apologies if these terms are incorrect) is controlled by TRNC officials. But what's the deal in relation to entry under Directive 2004/38/EC?

I'm a UK national and my family members are Singaporean who all have valid Residence Cards issued by Ireland.

Many thanks for any insight on this!

delted

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-liv ... ope/cyprus

British and other foreign nationals who have entered Cyprus through the
north are considered by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to have
entered Cyprus through an illegal port of entry. The Government of the
Republic of Cyprus reserves the right to fine EU (including British) citizens for
illegal entry if they cross into the south. In practice, their current policy is not
to do so.

odd....I'm not so sure if this is compatible with EU citizens free rights to enter
another EU state.

acme4242 wrote:odd....I'm not so sure if this is compatible with EU citizens free rights to enter
another EU state.

It would only be legal if they also fine their own citizens who do the same thing.