Cyprus intends to join the Schengen zone by the end of this year or the middle of next year. The country also expects to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program in the near future.
Cyprus is actively working to become part of the Schengen area by early next year. President Nikos Christodoulides said optimistically that the move would significantly benefit the country's tourism industry.
Possible consequences of participation in the Schengen Agreement
Since joining the European Union in 2004, Cyprus has remained outside the Schengen area. President Christodoulides noted that since the political issues related to the ceasefire line on the island have already been resolved, all attention is now focused on meeting the necessary requirements to join the joint visa-free territory.
The Schengen Information System began operating in Cyprus in July 2023 and the country's readiness review continues in full swing.
In an interview with Politico, Christodoulides emphasized the importance of Cyprus' future membership in the Schengen area. “Tourism plays a key role in our economy,” he said, adding that freer movement across Europe could significantly increase tourist flows and bring much greater economic benefits.
Romania and Bulgaria recently joined the Schengen area, increasing the number of its members to 29. Thus, as of January 2025, only Cyprus and Ireland remain outside the agreement among EU countries.
Cyprus Moves Closer to Joining the US Visa Waiver Program
In addition to the prospect of becoming part of Schengen, Cyprus is working on joining the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Participation in it will allow Cypriots to visit the United States without the need to obtain visas for short-term trips. President Christodoulides said that negotiations on this issue are already close to completion. He also added that a delegation from the United States will soon visit Cyprus on this occasion.
Decrease in US visa refusals
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Programme, Cyprus needs to reduce its visa refusal rate for its citizens to a maximum of three percent. According to data for 2023, this figure was 4.48%, and for 2024 complete data is not yet available. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letimbiotis expressed confidence that the country is close to achieving this goal.
The Visa Waiver Program provides the opportunity to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for 90 days. Currently, Cyprus is actively working to complete all the necessary formalities for this.
Progress for Cyprus
Joining the Schengen area and participating in the US Visa Waiver Program are significant steps for Cyprus. These initiatives not only promote tourism, but also improve international relations and economic prospects. Thus, in 2025, Cyprus plans to strengthen its position as one of the most globally integrated countries.
The text was prepared based on materials from Schengen.news.
