Your Essential Guide to Cyprus Tourist Visas

Planning a trip to Cyprus for tourism, business, or visiting family requires an understanding of the visa process. Known for its beautiful beaches and rich historical sites, Cyprus attracts millions of tourists every year. This guide provides all the essential information you need about who requires a visa, how to apply, the necessary documents, and answers to common questions.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Cyprus?

Citizens of many countries can visit Cyprus without a visa for up to 90 days. As a European Union member, Cyprus allows EU nationals to travel freely. Additionally, citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), are exempt from visa requirements. Nationals from several non-EU/EFTA countries, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan, also do not need a visa for short stays.

Types of Cyprus Short-Stay Visas

Cyprus offers various types of short-stay visas :

1. Regular Short-Stay Visa : Permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, available for single or multiple entries.
2. Multiple-Entry Short-Stay Visa : Valid for 1-5 years, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, suitable for frequent travelers.
3. Cyprus Pro Visa : Available only to Russian nationals traveling via direct flights from Russia, this visa simplifies the application process with online or email applications and a visa stamp upon arrival.

Reasons for Short-Stay Visas

Short-stay visas can be granted for various reasons, including :

– Tourism

– Business

– Social visits

– Attending conferences or seminars

– Participating in cultural or sporting events

– Medical treatment

Required Documents for a Cyprus Tourist Visa

When applying for a Cyprus tourist visa, you need to gather several essential documents :

1. Passport : Valid for at least three months beyond your departure from Cyprus, issued within the last ten years, with at least two blank pages.
2. Visa Application Form : Completed and signed. For minors, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
3. Passport-Sized Photos : Two photos (40mm x 50mm), showing your face covering 70%-80% of the frame, taken against a white background, not older than six months. One photo must be notarized on the back.
4. Flight Tickets/Itinerary : Indicating entry and exit dates. A reservation is sufficient.
5. Proof of Sufficient Funds : Bank statements from the past three months.

6. Proof of accommodation : A hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a host.

   7.Employment Status Documents :

   – If employed : A No Objection Letter from your employer.

   – If Self-Employed : A letter from your accountant, solicitor, or bank manager, along with your company’s trade license.

   – If a Student : A No Objection Letter from your educational institution.

8. Travel health insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation.
9. Invitation Letter : If applicable, from a host, business, or medical institution in Cyprus.
10. Proof of Legal Residence : If you are not a national of the country from which you are applying.
11. Hosting Form and Bank Guarantee : If applicable, completed by your host in Cyprus.
12. Visa Fee Payment : Proof of payment.

Applying for a Cyprus Tourist Visa

To apply for a Cyprus tourist visa, follow these steps :

1. Locate the Appropriate Embassy or Consulate : Find the Cypriot diplomatic mission where you will submit your application.
2. Make an Appointment : Contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment.
3. Prepare Required Documents : Ensure you have all necessary documents.
4. Submit Your Application : Attend your appointment and submit your application and documents.
5. Pay the Visa Fee : Follow the embassy or consulate’s instructions for payment.
6. Wait for Processing : Visa processing times can vary, typically taking 5-10 working days.
7. Collect Your Passport : If approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport.

If you live more than 200 km from the nearest embassy or consulate, you might be allowed to submit your application by mail. Include a self-addressed special delivery envelope for the return of your documents.

Visa Processing Time and Validity

Processing a Cyprus tourist visa usually takes between 5-10 working days, though it can vary depending on various factors. A Cyprus tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For multiple-entry visas, you can distribute these days over several trips, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

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Cyprus Tourist Visa Fees

The fees for Cyprus short-stay visas are :

– Regular Tourist Visa (1-90 days) : €20

– Multiple-Entry Short-Stay Visa (1-5 years) : €60

– Visa on Arrival (Pro Visa) : €20

– Airport Transit Visa : €15

– Tourist Visa Extension : €30

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Enter Schengen with a Cyprus Tourist Visa?

No, Cyprus tourist visas do not allow entry into Schengen countries, as Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Agreement.

Do You Need a Cyprus Tourist Visa if You Have a Schengen Visa?

No, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Cyprus without an additional visa, provided your Schengen visa has remaining entries and days.

Can You Enter Northern Cyprus with a Cyprus Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can. Northern Cyprus, self-declared in 1974 and recognized only by Turkey, allows entry without additional visa requirements for stays up to 90 days, except for nationals of Armenia and Nigeria.

Conclusion

Understanding the visa application process for Cyprus can simplify your travel preparations. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or social reasons, ensuring you have all necessary documents and applying in advance will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Cyprus.