There’s welcome news for holidaymakers in search of Mediterranean sun and sand! As more and more of us get vaccinated against the coronavirus, a growing number of countries are beginning to open their borders to international visitors again.

With this in mind, it’s an opportune moment to take a fresh look at Cyprus’ visit visa policy. In particular, if you’re an international traveller planning to stroll Nicosia’s gorgeous Old Town or sunbathe on Nissi Beach, you’ll want to know: what are the visa requirements for Cyprus, and how long can you stay?

Fortunately, Cyprus’ visit regulations are straightforward for the citizens of dozens of countries and territories. To explain, this sun-kissed island nation operates a very similar visa policy to the EU’s Schengen Area, even though Cyprus is yet to formally become a Schengen member. Here are the need-to-know details.

Citizens of the UK, USA and 61 other countries are visa-exempt

If you’re coming to Cyprus from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or any of 61 other nations, then you’re visa-exempt for the Schengen Zone and thus Cyprus too. In this case, you’re eligible to stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

This means, for example, that if you come to enjoy this Mediterranean country’s balmy temperatures and blue skies from July to September, for three months, then the next time you could return would be at the start of the next 180-day period, in January. To enter, you just require a passport with at least six months validity remaining.

Notably, from 2022/3, and once Cyprus joins the Schengen Zone, you’ll require what’s called the EU’s ETIAS visa waiver to visit. You can learn more about this on visa website Byevisa’s ETIAS Cyprus page.

EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement

Meanwhile, if you’re journeying to Cyprus from another EU member state, you ordinarily enjoy Freedom of Movement. As such, you can enjoy Cyprus’s famous Aphrodite’s Rock, Coral Bay, and Fig Tree beach for up to three months without having to register.

That said, it’s recommended to keep your passport or ID card with you on your visit, in case you’re asked to show it.

If you’re neither from the EU or Visa-Exempt, you need a visa

Alternatively, if you’re from a country that’s neither an EU member nor visa-exempt, you need a visa to enter Cyprus. These cost 20 euros for Single Entry passes and 60 euros for Double or Multiple Entry passes, unless you’re Russian, in which case they’re free.

The Multiple Entry visa is valid for three or even five years and allows visits of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The visa takes the form of a sticker in your passport.

Disclaimer: With the information we’ve provided here, you’ll know whether you need a visa to visit Cyprus, and how long you can stay! Importantly, though, with the international travel outlook changing frequently, be sure to pay attention to your government’s and the Cyprus government’s guidelines before booking any travel.