ETIAS Visa Waiver for Cyprus

The ETIAS for Cyprus will be introduced in 2026 . The new European Travel Information and Authorisation System will become mandatory for certain travellers.

The ETIAS visa waiver will strengthen border security and improve immigration management in the Schengen Area. Although Cyprus is still in the process of becoming a Schengen member, the new ETIAS entry policy will apply.

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004. There are currently 6 members of the European Parliament from Cyprus.

Cypriots make up 0.2% of the total EU population. The nation’s official currency is the euro (€), which it adopted in 2008 when it joined the eurozone.

Although Cyprus is in the EU, it is not currently a member of the Schengen Area. However, the country is in the process of joining the borderless travel zone and should become a full member soon.

CAN CYPRUS JOIN THE SCHENGEN AREA?

Cyprus is currently a Schengen Area candidate, which means it is in the process of joining the borderless travel zone.

There are several factors which could help support Cyprus in becoming a Schengen country. The country already allows Schengen visa holders to enter without a Cypriot visa, and it cooperates with the EU’s immigration networks.

CYPRUS, THE SCHENGEN AREA, AND ETIAS

As a Schengen candidate, Cyprus already follows many Schengen policies, and this will soon include the new Cyprus ETIAS visa waiver.

Even if Cyprus is still not a Schengen country when the ETIAS visa waiver is introduced, it will still be required to travel to Cyprus without a visa.

Passengers visiting Cyprus from visa-exempt countries will have to complete the online ETIAS application before their trip.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR CYPRUS

All foreign visitors must follow the Europe visa requirements for Cyprus. Entry policies are based on the Schengen acquis, as Cyprus will become a member in the future.

EU nationals enjoy freedom of movement in the border-free travel zone, which allows them to travel to Cyprus and other member states visa-free.

Citizens of non-EU countries must have a visa or ETIAS visa waiver to visit Cyprus.

DO I NEED A VISA FOR CYPRUS?

Cyprus has a visa waiver programme which allows eligible passport holders to enter the country without a visa. These individuals can travel to the country for business or tourism and stay for up to 3 months visa-free.

Nationalities that are not visa-exempt must apply for a visa for Cyprus in advance. The country accepts Schengen visas as part of its immigration policy.

Visa waiver citizens who intend to stay in Cyprus for longer than 3 months, or to work or study, must also obtain a visa.

DO I NEED ETIAS FOR CYPRUS?

Entry Requirements for non-European citizens travelling to Cyprus depend on their passport.

Travellers will need ETIAS for Cyprus if they have a passport from a visa waiver country. The ETIAS visa waiver will be a mandatory travel document to enter the Schengen Area and Schengen candidate countries. This includes Cyprus and other candidates: Bulgaria and Romania.

The ETIAS authorisation is not a visa, it is a visa waiver. It will allow eligible travellers to continue benefiting from visa-free travel, providing they apply for the ETIAS Cyprus before their trip.

Citizens of other countries must still get a visa for Cyprus, unless they become eligible for the ETIAS visa waiver.

The ETIAS visa waiver for Cyprus will allow the holder to enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

The travel permit is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. It is a multiply-entry authorisation, meaning travellers can use the same ETIAS to enter Cyprus multiple times until it expires.

The ETIAS visa waiver will be implemented across all Schengen Area states. Holders will be able to use the same permit to visit Cyprus and any of the other ETIAS countries.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR CYPRUS

Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for many travellers. The island nation recorded 4 million tourist arrivals in 2019, ranking it as the 40th most popular destination in the world.

The highest number of arrivals are typically from the United Kingdom, followed by Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and Greece.

PORTS OF ENTRY IN CYPRUS WITH ETIAS

The ETIAS Cyprus will be valid for entry at all air, land, and sea border crossings. Passengers will be asked to present their passport on arrival, which will be scanned to confirm their valid ETIAS.

The most popular way to travel to Cyprus is by plane. The island has 3 international airports, located in Larnaca, Paphos, and Ercan. There is also an international airport on Nicosia, however it is not in use.

DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR CYPRUS?

Citizens of EU countries can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access free healthcare while visiting Cyprus.

Health insurance requirements for non-EU citizens depend on the type of travel permit they need.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR CYPRUS ETIAS

ETIAS travellers do not need to have proof of medical insurance to travel with the electronic visa waiver.

Although it is not mandatory, non-EU visitors are advised to have suitable medical cover for their trip.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR CYPRUS

Medical insurance is a requirement to obtain a Schengen visa. Applicants must have proof of medical cover that lasts for the duration of their trip, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

This is a mandatory step in the Schengen visa application process. Travellers cannot successfully get an approved visa without health insurance.