Is Cyprus Part of the Schengen Zone? Cyprus Visa Facts for Travelers
No, until now, Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen region, but according to ETIAS, it is working towards joining the Schengen area. However, Cyprus is a part of the European Union, but it has not fully implemented the Schengen rules. Soon, Cyprus is planning to merge into the Schengen zone, which means that if you are planning to visit Cyprus in 2026 and you have a Cyprus visa, you might also travel through other Schengen countries, or vice versa.
There will be some changes in rules and regulations, about which you should be aware. However, they are not that different from other Schengen regions. This blog is all about Cyprus’ new changes with its different information regarding visa, and in addition, you will get some interesting facts as well.
History behind the Schengen agreement
The Schengen Agreement was a treaty that established the Schengen Area in Europe, in which international border checks have largely been abolished. This treaty was signed on 14 June 1985 near the town of Schengen, Luxembourg, signed by the governments of the states of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common border.
This was created to speed up the vehicle, which allowed it to cross borders without stopping, also allowing residents in the border area to move and travel freely. This also harmonised the visa policies.
In December 1996, non-EU member states, Norway and Iceland, signed an association agreement to become part of the Schengen region. 2009, Switzerland became a part of the region as well.
2016, seven countries abolished their border policies which are Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.
In 2022, Croatia became a part of it as well. The European Union has announced the implementation of the entry/exit system. This key objective is to improve border security.
And now Cyprus might join the Schengen region in 2026. Therefore, chances are the common visa policy applied to the Cyprus visa will be valid in other Schengen countries as well.
What is the difference between the EU and Schengen?
What is the EU?
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 states which comes in Europe. This zone has a population of around 450 million, and it has traits of both federation and confederation. The EU is a unified representative of more than 2 dozen of the world’s most stunning countries.
What is the Schengen zone?
Moreover, the Schengen zone is a physical and economic area, originally established in 1993 with the implementation of the Schengen agreement. Many countries have gradually become part of the zone. Therefore, they also come under the common visa policy. Let’s talk about 2026. If you have a Schengen visa, then you may be allowed to go to Cyprus as well.
Cyprus Visa System,
A country, Cyprus is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and a founding member of the aligned movement until it joined the European Union in 2005.
it is a Presidential republic; the president is both the state and the government. The president is both head of state and government. Till now, Cyprus has not been a part of Schengen; however, potentially by 2026, it might join Schengen.
Cyprus’s Current Visa Policy
UK residents with a UK eVisa/ sharecode holder it is mandatory to apply for a Cyprus visa. Since Cyprus has its visa system, it operates its policies. You might get confused regarding whether you need a Cyprus visa or not. Well, here is the correct answer: if you are a UK resident, then it is mandatory to apply for an Online Cyprus Visa from the UK.
You might get confused about the eligibility and its process, well, don’t worry, CYPRUS VISA is here to help you with everything, clear all your confusion with us.
With thorough knowledge regarding Cyprus visa requirements and process, all you have to do is tap on Apply Now and get your appointment.
Future changes
The EU is introducing an Entry/Exit system in the future that will require fingerprint capture on entry/ exit of the Schengen region.
Other EU Member Exceptions
Several Schengen countries are not part of the European Union (EU), but others are either associated with the Schengen area, like Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Those that are not EU members but participate in the border-free travel.
Additionally, some EU member states have opted out of certain EU members have opted out of certain policies or treaties, countries as Denmark and Poland, while the UK has left the EU entity.
Therefore, Citizens do not need to get a short-stay visa, but residents are eligible to apply for a Cyprus visa and other countries like it.
Read More – How to Get a Cyprus Visa for UK BRP Holders – Complete Guide
How to get a Cyprus visa from the UK?
Getting a Cyprus visa is expensive. With the approval rate of 98 %, it is quite easy to get a Cyprus visa. But wait, documentation and appointment have its main character in the process, so make sure that you do it right. Therefore, here we are with a perfect 4-step process to get you a visa in no time.
- Fill out the application form and submit it.
- After the submission, one of our experts will reach you to book a Cyprus Visa Appointment in the UK accordingly.
- Visit the centre for an appointment for a Cyprus Visa From London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, according to your residing area.
- After the process, you will get your Cyprus visa and passport in 15 to 20 working days.
CYPRUS VISA has been in service for 17 years, with 10000+ happy clients thus you will be as well. We offer one of the fastest visa services. So that you won’t face any hurdles in visiting your favorite country without any delay.
In summary
With stunning landmarks and a growing business field, Cyprus is getting to its last nerve, and this country is more than this now. There was much confusion regarding whether Cyprus is a part of the Schengen region or not.
What is the process to get a Cyprus visa? Is it complicated?
Well, here is the concluded answer: Cyprus will potentially be working to join the Schengen region by 2026. Until then, you need to get a separate visa for Cyprus.
We hope that this blog has helped travellers understand Cyprus’s systems and their functioning, and future possible implementations.
For such an interesting and informative blog to make yourself more aware, make sure you go through our blog section.
FAQs
1. Does Cyprus offer a visa on Arrival from the UK?
NO, Cyprus does not offer a visa on arrival for UK citizens and residents.
2. Is there any visa on Arrival?
Anyone looking to enter Cyprus an Entry requires a visa issued in advance, UNLESS they fall into the following categories.
- National EU member states
- Valid national passport or ID photo
3. What is the golden visa for Cyprus?
The Cyprus Golden visa program offers permanent residency in Cyprus to non-EU citizens who make a qualifying investment, primarily in real estate.