Cyprus business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Cyprus Visa Policy

The Schengen Visa policy influences the visa policy of Cyprus despite not being a Schengen nation. Visitors who wish to visit Cyprus must get a visa before entering the country unless they are from a visa-exempt country. Visa exemption is determined by different factors like the island nation's policy and the policy of the Schengen Union.

As is the standard practice, most visitors don't need to obtain visas for short visits to Cyprus that last no more than 90 days because of their tourist attraction sites, and most of their revenues come from tourism. However, citizens from a few countries require visas in advance, even for short visits, and they are Armenia, Syria, and Nigeria. Bangladeshi nationals are refused entry into Cyprus by air.

Persons looking to visit for longer periods must apply to the office of the Immigration Department, but if they do not wish to do so, they must exit and re–enter to restart the 90-day cycle. Cyprus also has a policy of issuing financial penalties to persons who violate the maximum 90 days rule. For each day they overstay, they pay a specific amount; otherwise, they will not be allowed to enter the island in the future.

Passport Exemption

Citizens from the EU, Turkey, and EFTA enjoy passport exemptions and may enter Cyprus with only their national identity card. Citizens of Ireland can do so with their passport cards.

Although Cyprus is not a member of the Schengen Area, it still harmonizes its policy with other Schengen countries, so persons with Schengen visas are allowed into Cyprus.

Also, those who enjoy passport-free travel to Schengen countries also enjoy passport-free travel to Cyprus.

This is also the case with the visa Waiver Program of Schengen countries; countries that appear on the Schengen visa waiver program also appear in the Cyprus visa waiver program as well.

Cyprus ETIAS

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an online automated system that pre-screens visitors before they enter Schengen Europe. This security screening system is for visitors from visa-exempt countries who qualify for visa-free access to Europe. Since Cyprus maintains the same visa waiver list and adopts the Schengen visa policy, it will also adopt Cyprus. The new policy is set to go into full operation in 2024 for short-stay visitors.

Before, eligible visitors only required a valid passport or ID card to enter these countries, but all that is set to change. For now, they can still use their ID cards or passports if they want to, but from 2024, ETIAS will become mandatory to enter Cyprus.

The European Commission commissioned the program in early 2016 with a long-term vision of strengthening the border security of European countries, including other non-Schengen countries like Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The application for Etias will be done online and is linked to the user's passport, so there is no need for applicants to visit any embassy to get ETIAS. ETIAS expires after three years or once the user's passport expires (whichever comes first). You can use it for tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment.

Key Information About Cyprus ETIAS

If you wish to apply for Cyprus ETIAS, there are vital details you need to remember so you don't violate the policy or run into problems when you arrive. To get you prepared, we document some of these details below.

Don't violate the 180-Day Rule: Although you can enter Cyprus as many times as you want if your Etias is valid, you are not allowed to violate the 180-day rule. This rule simply states that no visa-exempt visitor can stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days in 180 days. If you must stay longer, you have two options: exit and re-enter the country to break the count or apply for a visa.

Use The Same Passport: You should always use the same passport for your trips. This is because the European Travel Information and Authorization System is electronically linked to the traveler's passport. Once you arrive in Cyprus, the border agents will scan your passport to generate the ETIAS, and with a different passport, you will encounter issues at the entry point.

Not For Work: Bear in mind that this permit is not for any form of employment. In fact, it is a violation to engage in economic activities during your short stay in Cyprus. This is only permissible if you have a work visa which also grants you a work and resident permit. Persons caught working without proper documentation will be sanctioned and deported.

For Minors: Minors can visit with an adult who may be their parents or legal guardians, but they need their own Etias' approval. Furthermore, the adult accompanying them must show proof of parental consent with a notarized letter of consent in the case of legal guardians. As for parents, a valid birth certificate is important.

Primary Destination Rule: Remember the primary destination rule. If you plan to visit more than one country in Europe and Cyprus is the first country on your list, indicate this in your form. The primary destination is the first port of call among two or more countries, and you must make sure you visit that location before going anywhere else.

Additional Documentation: Additional documentation will also be required for the application. The passport you use must remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned exit date, and it must also have at least one empty page for passport stamps. Business visitors may be required to provide a cover letter explaining the reason for the trip and a letter of invitation from the host in Cyprus. Proof of funds and accommodation may also be required as well. These documents will be requested at the entry point, and further questions will be asked of you.

Cyprus Visa Online – Get your Cyprus e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you planning a trip to Cyprus for a short visit? You can apply for an online entry permit from a visa-exempt country through VisaHQ. This is the fastest way to get your travel documents instead of visiting a Cyprian foreign mission to submit a physical application.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

Applying for Etias with VisaHQ has got to be one of the easiest things you ever do online because of how smooth and stress-free the application process can be. You only need to follow these steps to complete and submit your application for approval.

Complete Your Application: The first step is to complete your application form, which is available on our platform. Please fill out each section with valid information, and they will appear on your document. You must provide passport information, personal details, and information about your Itinerary.

Attach Documents: The next stage is to upload copies of all your documents based on the requirements and pay the application fee using your credit or debit card. Then submit.

Get The ETIAS: The processing takes about 20 minutes or less, and once approved, it will be forwarded to your email address. Please print a copy for reference and travel with it to Cyprus.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You should use VisaHQ for your trip for the following reasons

• Fast application form completion
• We provide technical support in times of need
• Protect your data with our advanced data encryption software
• Online application status tracking

These and more are some of the benefits of applying through VisaHQ. Visit our application page now to get started.