North Cyprus’ Ministry of Interior has announced that Turkish Cypriots requiring new or replacement TRNC identity cards can now process their applications via the TRNC London Office in Bedford Square.
Kutlu Evren, the Minister of Interior, said they are currently rolling out new technology in diplomatic missions abroad. Following the successful installation of e-identity card application devices at the TRNC’s Ankara Embassy and Consular Office in Istanbul, the system is now also up-and-running in London.
Ülkü Alemdar, the TRNC London Consul General, told T-VINE that for the past few years Turkish Cypriots had to go to North Cyprus to obtain their identity (ID) cards. She explained that while the Ministry of Interior will continue to issue them, applications for new or replacement cards can now be made in London:
“The Ministry has been working closely with TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). After an intensive period of work in first North Cyprus and then Turkey, Britain becomes the next place for our new e-system, making the process far easier for Turkish Cypriots living here.”
UK applicants will need to visit the TRNC’s Consular Office at 29 Bedford Square to submit their forms. Here they will give their signatures and have their fingerprints taken to assist with biometric verification of their identity.
Applicants are advised to book an appointment with consular staff in advance of visiting the TRNC London office. When attending, they will need to bring their fee (cash payments only) and one portrait photo (50mm X 60mm) of themselves that adheres to standard rules for passport photos. They must also provide supporting documents that prove who they are. For new applicants, this can include details of their parents’ TRNC ID cards (full names and ID numbers), and certificates for those who are newly married or divorced.
“The consular team will advise the applicant exactly what documents they need to bring in advance of their appointment or they can visit the TRNC London website for more information,” said Mrs Alemdar.
Prices for TRNC ID cards vary: there is a fee of £41 for new cards or for people renewing existing ones, and a £51 charge to replace ID cards that are lost. Applications will take about a month to process, with each one vetted and verified by the TRNC authorities in Lefkoşa.
The ID cards are made of high-quality polycarbonate – a durable material – and will be valid for ten years from date of issue. For more information, visit the TRNC London website.
