Cypriots may soon have the chance to travel to the United States without needing a visa, thanks to Cyprus’s efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If successful, this would allow Cypriots to visit the US for up to 90 days without applying for a visa, starting as early as 2025. Here’s a closer look at what this means, the progress Cyprus has made, and what’s left to achieve.
Why Cyprus is Pushing for Visa-Free Travel
Currently, Cypriots need a visa to visit the US, while citizens from 40 other countries, including many in Europe, can travel to the US without one under the Visa Waiver Program. Cyprus is one of three EU countries (alongside Bulgaria and Romania) not yet in the program. Joining would simplify travel for Cypriots, making the US more accessible for tourism, business, and family visits.
Beyond the convenience for travelers, the program could enhance Cyprus-US relations. Over recent years, both countries have strengthened cooperation in various areas, such as security, energy, and defense, paving the way for a deeper diplomatic relationship.
Key Requirements for Visa Waiver Status
To join the Visa Waiver Program, Cyprus must meet several requirements, primarily:
- Visa Rejection Rate: Cyprus must achieve a visa rejection rate below 3%. Cyprus is close, with rates nearing this target, but maintaining this level remains essential to their application’s success.
- Data Security and Information Sharing: The US requires that candidate countries have systems to exchange security-related data. This data-sharing helps both countries manage potential risks and ensure traveler safety. Cyprus has made strides here, signing agreements for secure data exchange and implementing measures to protect traveler privacy.
- Other Security and Crime Prevention Standards: Cyprus must also demonstrate effective systems for fighting transnational crime and terrorism. To meet these standards, it has invested in security measures and collaborated with US authorities to align on these issues.
Timeline and Next Steps
Cypriot officials are optimistic about achieving visa-free travel by late 2024 or early 2025. After Parliament ratified the required agreement in mid-2024, Cyprus is now finalizing the remaining technical details. Once these are complete, the US will review the application, a process expected to take approximately three months.
If Cyprus meets all requirements, Cypriots traveling to the US could simply apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) instead of a traditional visa. This would save time, as travelers would no longer need an in-person interview at the embassy before their trip.
What Visa-Free Travel Could Mean for Cypriots
Visa-free access would make travel to the US much simpler, benefiting not only tourism but also educational and business exchanges. The US is increasingly popular among Cypriots, with over 5,500 non-immigrant visas issued to Cypriots in 2023, up significantly from previous years. Simplified travel requirements would likely encourage even more visits and help strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.