Citizens from some countries, including the EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, enjoy visa-free Cyprus visits. Meanwhile, residents from many other countries must obtain a visa (pass). Those transiting through the country might require a transit visa. Business visitors can obtain multiple entry visas, but they are limited to three months within six months, valid for a year. There are five work visa application options. Importantly, it is feasible to work in the country if provided full-time employment, as long as the choice of a non-Cypriot does not cause excessive local competition. These employment opportunities are mostly in the tourism and healthcare sectors.
Cyprus visa categories
The visas available in this country are classified as follows:
Short-term visa
The Cyprus short-stay pass is often known as a travel or tourist visa. They are frequently provided for multiple entry and enable the bearer to remain in the country for up to 90 days total within 180 days. There are also multiple-entry short-stay visas for Cyprus that are valid for up to a year. These visas are exclusively available to foreign individuals with a valid reason for frequent Cyprus visits, such as business trips. In certain situations, individuals may qualify for a short-stay Cyprus pass valid for up to five years. Even in these instances, the stay in Cyprus cannot exceed 90 days in six months.
Long-term visa
Non-EU citizens seeking to reside in this country for an extended period (more than 90 days) must get a Cyprus long-stay pass. This includes Cyprus work and study visas. To remain in the country legally for a period exceeding 90 days, all foreign individuals must possess a residency permit granted by the Cypriot Minister of Interior and sanctioned by the Immigration Control Board.
Others
Additionally, there are Group Visas available for groups of individuals who intend to travel together and will collectively enter and depart from the country. The Airport Transit Visa (ATV) is for visa-required nationalities who need to change aircraft in a Cyprus airport on their route to a third destination. A Transit pass is for visa-required travelers passing through Cyprus on their route to a third destination.
How to apply for a Cyprus visa
You must apply for a Cyprus visa in person at a Cypriot embassy or consulate abroad, or via an approved visa application facility. The application procedure for a Cyprus pass is as follows:
Determine which Cypriot embassy or consulate you must apply to
It might be one in your nation or the closest one if there is no Cyprus diplomatic post where you reside. Reach out to them to arrange an appointment or gather information about their requirements. Additionally, note that certain embassies or consulates have delegated visa application submissions to visa application centers, where you may be required to apply.
Gather the necessary documentation
The documentation required for a Cyprus pass varies based on your nationality and the kind of visa you want. However, there is a set of standard papers that every candidate must have, such as:
- Cyprus visa application form, completed and signed.
- A passport valid for three months after leaving Cyprus and has two empty pages.
- Photos at passport size.
- Proof of accommodation in the country (hotel reservation, home rental).
- Proof of substantial financial resources.
- A travel itinerary or a plane ticket.
- Payment of the Cyprus visa cost.
Submit the papers and pay the visa cost
Once you’ve acquired the necessary papers, you must present them on the day of your appointment. That is when you must also pay the pass cost or produce confirmation that you have already paid it. You must apply in person unless the consulate or embassy where you must submit your paperwork is more than 200 kilometers (300 miles) distant. In such a scenario, you may apply by mail but include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the consulate to return your paperwork to. You must gather your supporting documentation once your visa application has been processed if you are submitting it in person. The Cypriot consulate or embassy will stamp your passport with the pass if your application is approved.
The country visa is typically completed in 5–10 working days, however, the time frame may change depending on the circumstances. To avoid disappointment, it is best to apply at least three months before your anticipated trip.
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