NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 08/07/2024
Even though the island nation of Cyprus has a total population of less than one million (roughly 890,000 people), it welcomes nearly four times that many international visitors annually. And with good reason. This Mediterranean gem is home to both the oldest manufactured wine in the world (i.e., Commanderia) and the goddess of beauty and love (i.e., Aphrodite). Plus more than a million, usually adorable stray cats (these are considered good luck). Not to mention sunshine, stunning crystal blue beaches, and beautiful coastlines. Historical ancient ruins and archaeological sites. World-class cuisine, nightlife, and entertainment. And much, much more.
But if you’re hoping to be one of the millions to visit Cyprus’ breathtaking shores, you might be asking yourself: what exactly are the bureaucratic entry requirements to paradise? In which case — fear not — AXA has all you need to know below.
- Who needs (and doesn’t need) a visa to go to Cyprus?
- How do I apply for a visa to Cyprus?
- Is travel insurance required for Cyprus?
- How can AXA help?
- How to apply for a visa for other EU countries
Who needs (and doesn’t need) a visa to go to Cyprus?
That depends on your particular situation (and can get a bit complicated).
For example, Cyprus is a member of the European Union.* However, the island nation has yet to join the ranks of Schengen countries.
(*NOTE: AXA can tell you more about European countries not in the Schengen area if you like!)
Nevertheless, according to the country’s official Consulate General in St. Petersburg website, “since June, 2014, Cyprus accepts a valid Schengen Visa (category C, double, or multiple entry) equivalent to its national visa for transit through or intended stay on its territory not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.” In other words, a valid Schengen visa is sufficient enough to enter its borders for short stays.
Furthermore, citizens of other EU (and the European Free Trade Association, aka EFTA) member countries won’t need a visa at all to enter Cyprus. That is, as long as it’s for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
You can see a full list of the 88 countries above courtesy of the official website of the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As for visitors from non-EU/EFTA countries? Well, whether you need a visa or not will still depend on your nationality. And Cyprus’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs is kind enough to provide a full list of the 115 countries that require a visa to enter its borders as well.
IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: Keep in mind that — like many island nations — Cyprus tends to follow its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to visas. For example, if you’re coming from Albania, a mandatory visa applies only for holders of non-biometric passports (while “holders of biometric passports do not require a visa”). Plus certain exceptions apply to diplomats, government workers, flight attendants, service men and women, and so on. In other words — before you book that ticket — AXA recommends you double-check with the official sources above as to all the latest visa requirements.
If I don’t need a visa, what documents do I need to enter Cyprus?
If you don't need a visa to enter Cyprus, you'll still need to present some documentation at the border crossing. And that will usually be:
- Your passport and/or identity card bust be valid for at least three months from the date you plan to leave Cyprus
- Your itinerary
- Proof of Onward Travel (if applicable)
- Proof of Sufficient Funds (if applicable)
And — while not always necessarily mandatory — it’s also recommended to have the proper travel insurance in case of unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and so on. But more on that below.
How do I apply for a visa to Cyprus?
Again, if your country is not on the “visa-free” list provided above, you will indeed need to apply for a visa. Fortunately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus also provides some detailed info about the process for applying for a Cyprus visa. So make sure you double-check with them. But AXA has gone ahead and given you a quick breakdown below too:
-First, choose the appropriate visa. There are different visa categories for various purposes (tourism, business, study, etc.). The Ministry website provides details on each type (see link above).
-Once you've identified the necessary visa type, collect the required documents (also outlined on the Ministry website — but this typically includes a completed application form, passport photos, a valid passport, and proof of travel and health insurance).
-And, finally, submit your application in person at a Cypriot embassy or consulate (or through an approved visa application center). The Ministry website also provides a concise directory of Cyprus Missions abroad.
After submitting your application, you'll need to wait for processing by the Cyprus authorities. The Ministry website doesn't specify a timeframe, but it will likely be around two weeks (i.e., the universal visa wait-time, generally speaking).
However, wait times and processing may of course vary depending on your nationality and visa type, the proper channels’ workload, and so on. And to stay up-to-date on the status of your application, the Ministry (and AXA) recommends contacting the embassy or consulate where you applied.
How much does a visa to Cyprus cost?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus also has zero information regarding specific Cypriot visa fees.
IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: And while universal visa costs tend to range somewhere between €80-100, we recommend that you reach out to your specific Cypriot consulate or embassy of choice — via phone or website — to clarify what the whole process will cost you in advance too.
Can I apply for a visa to Cyprus online?
And the same goes for online applications. That is, there isn't a direct mention of applying for a visa entirely online anywhere on the island nation’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
However, you can usually complete an application form electronically beforehand. And while the website does mention that some Cypriot Missions (i.e., embassies/consulates) accept applications by prior online appointment, it does not specify if the application itself can be submitted online.
So, again, your best bet is to directly contact the specific Cypriot embassy or consulate through which you plan to apply. But don’t get your hopes up — chances are you’ll still have to show up in person at some point (as is usually the case with most visa applications worldwide these days).
What about ETIAS and EES for Cyprus?
The EU’s long-awaited ETIAS and EES — in simple terms — are like two security checkpoints for Europe. However, they don't apply everywhere.
ETIAS (set for mid-2025 is for short stays in Schengen zone countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.), and visa-free travelers will need online ETIAS approval before their trip.
Meanwhile, EES — already in use and designed to replace traditional passport stamping — tracks entries and exits of people visiting the Schengen zone via fingerprints and facial scans.
But, remember — though in the EU, Cyprus isn't in the Schengen zone. So neither ETIAS nor EES applies there for now.
Is travel insurance required for Cyprus?
Travel insurance is mandatory if you are traveling to Cyprus from another country on a Schengen Visa. And that’s because proper Schengen travel insurance (AXA’s specialty, by the way) is one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements.
The national Cypriot visa requirements, meanwhile, are the same as those for a Schengen Visa — that is, they should cover you for costs up to €30,000.
If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional. However, it’s still never a bad call — as medical costs can be high for foreigners (especially for prescriptions and the likes), and unforeseen events can occur even in — well, paradise. So better to be safe than sorry.
How can AXA help?
And another one of AXA’s many specialties is — you guessed it — providing millions of travelers the world over with top-quality travel insurance to Cyprus too.
Aside from fulfilled Schengen visa requirements, here are just a few reasons to choose AXA for Cyprus one of our plans — i.e., Low-Cost (starting at as little as €22/week), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — for Cyprus:
-Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
-Medical repatriation & transport;
- Remote medical consultation — 24 hours a day, wherever you are (known as “Doctor, Please!”);
-Up to 180 days of coverage;
-Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries, including the U.K. (depending on the chosen plan, that is).
Not to mention peace of mind, security, and one less big thing to worry about.
So learn more about (and compare) our 3 comprehensive plans today. And let AXA help make your trip to one of the most fascinating places on the planet that much more memorable and worry-free — visa or no visa.
How to apply for a visa for other EU countries
Oh, and if you’re thinking about applying for a visa for one of the dozens of Cyprus’ EU neighbors, AXA has compiled comprehensive step-by-step guides for all the Schengen ones — in alphabetical order —below:
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FAQ
What currency is used in Cyprus?
The official currency of Cyprus is the Euro (€) — as the island is an official member of the Eurozone.
What language is spoken in Cyprus?
Greek and Turkish are both the official languages (as the island has been a divided nation since 1974). However, due to the tourism industry, English (and many other languages) are widely understood and spoken in most tourist areas.
Is Cyprus safe for tourists?
Cyprus generally has a very low crime rate and is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination — practice common sense, safeguard your belongings, learn the lay of the land, and — again —consider that travel insurance plan in case something goes wrong.
What is the best time to visit Cyprus?
Cyprus enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate year-round. The peak tourist season, meanwhile, is during the summer months (June-August). However, April-May and September-October (aka “shoulder seasons”) still offer pleasant temperatures and plenty of attractions — but with the benefit of fewer crowds.
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