“Is Schengen Visa Valid for Cyprus?” is one of the most common questions asked by travelers visiting Cyprus on their Europe trip. Many times, individuals get confused when it comes to a nation like Cyprus. Therefore, this valid concern of all such travelers needs to be addressed.
The fact that Cyprus doesn’t come under the Schengen zone makes it perplexing for most travelers. As travelers, we should be aware of the legit conditions and visa requirements before entering the Republic of Cyprus. The law must be followed at all times. Without it, you might just end up in prison instead of having a fun-filled trip.
Trust me, you do not want to miss out on all the exploration in the wonderful country of Cyprus. So, in my current blog, I will address the frequently asked question of , “Is Schengen Visa Valid for Cyprus?” My intention here is to provide more clarity to travelers.
Cyprus provides an excellent travel-friendly atmosphere with enthralling historic remains, beautiful natural caves and luscious food. Over decades, it has absorbed all the cultural essence from the surrounding lands, and yet stayed individualistic. What’s great is that getting a visa to enter Cyprus is not difficult at all. I’ve explained everything to do with it in this post.
Is Schengen Visa Valid for Cyprus?
Yes, a Schengen Visa is valid for visitors traveling to Cyprus.
All holders of a valid Schengen Visa are allowed to visit Cyprus without a visa. They can legally stay in Cyprus for a period equal to the remainder of the time for which the Schengen visa is valid.
When I mentioned the terms – Holders of a valid Schengen Visa, I meant the individuals who have already entered the Schengen area in accordance with the terms upon which their Schengen visa was issued in the first place.
This means that if you already have a legally issued Schengen Visa from your home country, it is very much allowed for entry in Cyprus as well.
Travelers with the subsequent documents are exempted from having a separate visa for Cyprus.
| Schengen Visa rated for two or multiple entries. |
| Schengen Long Stay Visa. |
| Residence permit issued by a Schengen Country. |
| Romanian, Croatian and Bulgarian Visa, Valid for two or multiple entries. |
| Residence permit issued by Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. |
The above information has been shared in an official statement by the official authorities of Cyprus itself. It was important for me to share it with you so as to provide more clarity on the documents.
This is a city on the northern coast of the country, called Kyrenia. If you’re visiting the country, I’d suggest you to try to spare as many days as possible, and explore different parts of it. You’ll see how the landscapes shift and change from place to place. Although most of Cyprus is characterised by clear blue waters, it’s also home to some impressive mountains.
What is the Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is a document that permits short stays to a traveler. It is mandatory for the traveler to be a member of any country that falls under the Schengen Area.
Since there are no border controls within the Schengen Area, a traveler can enter, freely travel within, and leave the Schengen zone from any of the Schengen member nations.
It needs to be mentioned here that under a Schengen Visa, you can stay up to a maximum of 90 days only.
What is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area comprises 26 nations. All these nations lie within the boundary of Europe.
Currently, the Schengen Area consists of the following nations.
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Hungary |
| Iceland |
| Italy |
| Latvia |
| Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Malta |
| Netherlands |
| Norway |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
| Switzerland |
In the near future, there might be more additions to this list.
Schengen Zone versus European Union Nations
Although the European Union and Schengen Zone and connected, they do not mean the same thing.
Some nations are part of the European Union but are not a part of the Schengen Zone. Then there are others that are a part of the Schengen Zone but not the European Union.
As a traveller trying to ask the question,”Is Schengen Visa Valid for Cyprus?”, always remember this difference.
A map showing the validity of the Schengen Visa. Map by Evan Centanni, from the blank map by Ssolbergj. License: CC BY-SA
Validity of Schengen Visa in Cyprus
The validity of your Schengen visa in Cyprus will depend on the official authorities. Now what happens is that usually a traveler is provided with a set time frame within the Schengen area.
However, many times, a traveler might get a visa of a shorter or a longer validity than desired.
Read your Schengen time frame carefully.
Therefore, I urge you to please carefully go through your visa as far as the time frame is concerned.
Your visa will comprise the first date you can step into the Schengen zone and the last day that you have to leave the area.
Also, the total number of days that you are legally allowed to stay abroad will be mentioned.
Permissible days in Cyprus
Remember that the number of days you are permitted to stay in Schengen countries (or in your case Cyprus) is always a shorter period, while the validity of your visa is longer.
Be careful not to overstay your visa validity, and the number of days you are permitted to stay. If you do so, you may face fines or even a ban from the Schengen Area.
Cyprus has art and creativity all over its streets. While here, take a stroll along its lanes and streets. They’re full of surprises – vintage cars, authentic cafes, colourful doors and windows, graffiti-covered walls, unique architecture, etc. It’s really picturesque!
What are the Normal Visa Conditions for Cyprus?
The normal visa conditions for travelers vary from country to country.
Cypriot Visa for EU nations
Citizens of countries from the European Union do not need a visa to travel to Cyprus. They can travel to Cyprus with their National Identity Card. There should be a picture of the visitor on the ID card. This is mandatory.
Cypriot Visa for Non-EU nations
Travelers from certain countries other than the European Union, also do not need a visa to visit Cyprus for travel purposes. They need to have a passport valid up to at least three months from the date of return.
However, travellers from some non-EU countries do need a visa. It can be obtained very easily from VFS global visa application within 20-25 days.
Remember, if you need to apply for a Visa, the officers might ask you for the address of the accommodation and flight tickets at the interview.
Entry Points to Cyprus
It needs to be mentioned here that any traveler who is not a part of the European Union, can enter Cyprus via flight from Larnaca or Paphos airport.
A traveler visiting Cyprus via sea can enter through the ports of Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Latsis only.
While in Paphos, do explore its enchanting ruins of tombs and fortresses, and its Archaeological Park. It’s certainly popular for its spectacular beaches, but it also has several sites relating to Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
Countries Besides Cyprus where Schengen Visa is Allowed
In addition to the Republic of Cyprus, the non-Schengen countries you can visit with a Schengen visa are mentioned as follows.
| Albania |
| Antigua and Barbuda |
| Belarus |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Bulgaria |
| Colombia |
| Croatia |
| Georgia |
| Gibraltar |
| Kosovo |
| Montenegro |
| Romania |
| Sao Tome and Principe |
| Serbia |
I hope that the basic question of, “Is Schengen Visa Valid for Cyprus?” has been addressed by me in the current blog and you’re all set for your trip now.
Traveling abroad can be super fun if we remain aware of all the travel documents needed for the trip. Respecting the law of any nation is as important as respecting your own.
A responsible traveler is always an asset.
Happy wayfaring 🙂