Cyprus visa
Traveling to Cyprus
Cyprus is a popular travel destination that welcomed almost 4 million visitors in 2019. Unless visa exempt, all foreign nationals wishing to enter Cyprus are required to apply for the appropriate Cyprus visa, based on their purpose for traveling to Cyprus and anticipated frequency of their visits.
The most common Cyprus visa type is the short-stay visa, better known as the Cyprus Tourist visa, which is normally issued as a single entry and allows for a maximum 90-day stay within the 180-day validity period. Sometimes this visa can be issued as a multiple entry valid for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the traveler’s purpose for visiting Cyprus. In all cases, Cyprus short-stay visa holders can only stay in Cyprus for up to 90 days in total. Stays longer than 90 days require the traveler to apply for a Cyprus longer-stay visa, allowing its holders to stay in Cyprus for up to one year, usually for purposes including study or employment.
The third Cyprus visa type is the Airport Transit Visa, or ATV, required for some foreign nationals even if they intend to remain in transit areas between flights and not enter Cyprus territory. All foreign nationals from European Union and Schengen countries, certain EU/Schengen residents, as well as some non-EU foreign nationals, can enter Cyprus visa-free and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. All other foreign nationals are required to apply for a Cyprus sticker visa prior to traveling to Cyprus.
Cyprus visa types
If you are a foreign national who is required to obtain a Cyprus visa prior to traveling to Cyprus, you must apply for the appropriate Cyprus visa based on your purpose for traveling to Cyprus and your intended number of visits to Cyprus. The Cyprus visa types are:
Short-stay or Travel visa (C)
Also known as the Cyprus Tourist Visa, this visa is normally issued as a single entry and allows for a maximum 90-day stay within a 180-day validity period, and in some cases as a multiple entry allowing a 90-day stay within a 3 or 5-year validity period.
Airport Transit visa (ATV)
Some foreign nationals are required to hold this ATV, even if staying in international airport areas without entering Cyprus territory.
Longer-stay visa (D)
This long-stay visa is issued as a multiple entry and allows for a stay for up to one year.
Work Visa
Student Visa
It is important to note that all Cyprus visa types permit foreign nationals a 90-day stay in Cyprus within any given 180-day period.
Cyprus visa requirements
The following general requirements are required for all visas. Certain visa types may have additional requirements depending on the type of visa, applicant's nationality, or intended frequency of travel.
Passport
A passport valid for at least 3 months from your departure date from Cyprus, with at least 2 blank pages
Personal photo
One passport photo, taken within the last 6 months
Application form
A completed and signed Cyprus visa application form
Accommodation
Hotel booking or proof of lodging
Ticket
An onward or roundtrip airline ticket to another destination
Assumption of responsibility
Proof of residence by local host
Financial proof
Proof of financial means during the stay in Cyprus
Payment
Proof of visa application fee payment
Documents for minors
Visa authorization letter by parents or legal guardian & proof of relationship through birth certificate stating both parents’ names (or death certificate in case of deceased parent)
Some types of Cyprus visas have additional requirements than those listed above, such as an invitation letter by a local host for employment purposes, or national documents proving real estate ownership for Cyprus property owners and Cyprus golden visa holders. Accordingly, you are advised to check the information requirements for the specific Cyprus visa type you are applying for.
Cyprus visa application
Foreign nationals who need to apply for a Cyprus visa prior to travel must follow these steps:
- Complete Cyprus visa application form
Download, fill out and sign the Cyprus visa application form
- Schedule a Cyprus visa appointment
Contact your nearest Cyprus embassy or representation office to set an appointment
- Attend visa appointment at Cyprus embassy or representation office
• Submit visa application along with the required documents
• Pay the Cyprus visa fees - Wait for Cyprus visa decision
• If approved, pick up your Cyprus visa from the Cyprus embassy or representation office where you applied
• Verify that all information is correct and matches your passport
Where to apply for Cyprus visa
Foreign nationals required to apply for a Cyprus visa should apply at their nearest Cyprus embassy, representation office, authorized travel agency, or VAC.
Cyprus visa processing time
Cyprus visas are usually processed between 7 to 10 business days, but you are advised to inquire from the Cyprus embassy or representation office where you are applying, as times and procedures may vary.
Cyprus visa FAQ
Cyprus visas normally take 7 to 10 business days to be processed, but you should check with the Cyprus embassy or representation office nearest you, as times may vary and delays may occur.
Cyprus is not part of the Schengen zone. However, Schengen visa holders can enter Cyprus visa-free for a period of 90 days within a 180-day period. On the other hand, Cyprus visa holders cannot enter Schengen countries without a valid Schengen visa.
