Cyprus Short Stay Visa: Eligibility Criteria and How to Apply
If you want to obtain a Cyprus Short Stay Visa, you are not planning to stay long in the country. Holding the visa allows you to remain in the country for up to 90 days. You can apply for a single or multiple-entry short-stay visa if you wish.Â
Meanwhile, the island country of Cyprus is located in the East Mediterranean just beyond the Southern borders of Turkey. Its historical wealth spans as far back as hundreds of years BC. Cyprus has become a popular tourist center in the Mediterranean because of the rich history of the land and the stories it tells, plus its stunning beaches with scenic sites.Â
In this article, we shall discuss the Cyprus short-stay visa and everything you need to know about it. This includes who qualifies for the visa, how they can obtain it, and the short-stay visa categories in Cyprus. It promises to be an exciting read for you.
About Cyprus Short-Stay Visa
A Cyprus visa is a document that grants your legal entry into the country as a foreign national. There are two significant kinds of visas in Cyprus. They include the short-stay visa, which allows foreign nationals to stay in Cyprus for only 90 days, and the long-stay visa, which lets them last much longer. For this article, we’ll focus on the short-stay visa.
As we’ve already pointed out, the short-stay visa lets foreign nationals enter Cyprus, provided they haven’t breached the 90/180 rule. The 90/180 rule only allows foreign nationals to come to Cyprus if they haven’t been there for more than 90 days in the previous 180.
Who Needs a Cyprus Short-Stay Visa?
Cyprus is a member of the European Union; it has been since 2004. The country also belongs to the EEA and EFTA. Hence, it is subject to the EU’s visa-free travel agreement. This agreement allows people whose countries belong to the EU, the EEA, and the EFTA to enter Cyprus without needing a visa. In addition, citizens of countries with a visa-free travel agreement with the EU can visit Cyprus without needing a visa. Such countries include the USA, Japan, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
On most occasions, such benefits are extended to other foreigners (non-citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA) who hold residence permits from member-states to travel to Cyprus without needing a visa.
The travel agreement obeys the 90/180 rule as well. These citizens can only go to Cyprus freely so long as they do not stay beyond 90 days of every 180. So, who then needs a Cyprus short-stay visa?
People that need a Cyprus short-stay visa are foreign nationals who want to visit Cyprus but aren’t citizens of EU/EEA/EFTA, the Schengen, or any other country with a visa-free travel agreement with the EU. These citizens are the ones who shall obtain a short-stay visa should they decide to visit Cyprus.
Types of Cyprus Short-Stay Visa
There are many kinds of Cyprus short-stay visas. Some of them are based on the reason for entry, while others are based on the frequency of use. Some of the most popular of those are;
#1. Tourist Visa
We’ve already established that Cyprus is the biggest tourist attraction in the East Mediterranean. Hence, the Tourist visa is one of the biggest short-stay sellers in Cyprus. People use it to go there on vacations, for academic tourism, etc.
#2. Business Visa
The Business visa, as the name implies, is for those who go to Cyprus for Business intentions. Your business meetings, conferences, training, etc., could be happening in Cyrus. The short-stay visa helps you make sure you attend.
#3. Medical Visa
Suppose you have a medical condition that requires special attention, and you’ve been referred to Cypriot specialists. In that case, the medical visa is for you. You just need to present proof of your condition and why it has to be treated in Cyprus.
#4. Pro Visa
The Cyprus Pro visa is a tourist visa for Russians coming to Cyprus. It enables them to apply for a visa via email or the embassy website. They can thus get an electronic travel authorization document which they print and take to Cyprus. Then, at the airport in Cyprus, they can receive the normal visa sticker on their passport.
#5. Regular Short-Stay Visa
The regular short-stay visa allows you to enter Cyprus once and stay for up to 90 days. However, even if you do not complete the 90-day validity period, you will have to apply for another visa if you wish to enter again, provided it will not cause you to exceed the 90/180 rule.
#6. Multiple-Entry Short-stay Visa
The multiple-entry short-stay visa follows the 90/180 rule as well. However, it is usually valid for 1 – 5 years and allows the holder to enter Cyprus multiple times while honoring the 90/180 rule. It’s issued chiefly to business people who will need to enter Cyprus frequently.
Application Requirements for Cyprus Short-Stay Visa
Once you have identified the kind of short-stay visa you need, the next step is to begin to assemble the relevant documents for the application. Here is a list of those documents with their descriptions;
#1. Application Form
The number one thing you need to obtain is your Cyrus visa application form. On this form, you will state whether it is a short-stay visa you need. Ensure you fill out this form, answering all questions very clearly. Make sure your writing is legible too.
If the applicant is a minor, the parents/guardians must co-sign and accompany them to the embassy to submit the form.
#2. Passport-Sized Photographs
The visa application also requires two identical passport photographs. In addition, both must meet the standard Cyprus visa application specifications for color, background color, dimensions, etc.
#3. National Passport
Your national passport identifies you as a foreign national staying in Cyprus; hence, it is an important document. Even more so, it is part of the application process. For your national passport to be considered valid, it must be less than ten years old, with at least two blank pages left to fill. Finally, it should be valid for at least three months on your proposed return date.
#4. Proof of Accommodation
Next, you need proof that you have prepared accommodation for yourself in Cyprus. This could be a hotel, Airbnb booking, or a relative/friend’s house you intend to stay in when you get there. Finally, the said relative/friend must fill out an “Assumption of Responsibility” form. This will clearly state that they’re willing to play host to you in your time in Cyprus.
#5. Itinerary
Your itinerary will also help determine what kind of visa you will be given. You will inform the embassy of the day you intend to travel to Cyprus, what you intend to do there (and for how long), and the date you hope to return. In some cases, you may need to specify how you intend to return (mode of transportation) and present return tickets.
#6. Proof of Funds
Another document you will present at the embassy is a bank statement as far back as six months, showing you have access to enough money to fund your stay in Cyprus. This could be your bank statement or that of a willing sponsor who has enough to foot the bills.
#7. Travel Health Insurance
Before you come to Cyprus, you will also need to obtain an EU travel health insurance plan. The standard is usually to get one worth 30,000 EUR. It will cover any medical emergencies you may have while in Cyprus.
#8. Visa-Specific Requirements
Depending on the kind of Cyprus short-stay visa you apply for, you’ll have to present certain documents specific to that application. For instance, you’ll need a medical appointment for a medical visa, a company invitation for a business visa, an offer letter for a training visa, etc.
#9. Payment Receipt
Finally, you will also pay the visa fee and present proof of payment as you submit the documents available. The short-stay visa costs between 20 EUR and 60 EUR, depending on which type you’re applying for.
Application Procedure for Cyprus Short-Stay Visa
Applying for a Cyprus short-stay visa, albeit tasking, is not that complex. You can follow some short guidelines to make your application.
- Download and print the application form, then fill it out completely.
- Gather the documents as stated above. Contact your country’s Cyprus embassy, consulate, or visa application center.
- Book an appointment for your interview.
- Submit all the documents.
- Attend the interview on the agreed day; try to be punctual, as the impression you leave will affect your visa decision.
- Wait patiently for the verdict.
The processing time for the Cyprus short-stay visa is two weeks, except for unforeseen delay circumstances. Hence, it would be best if you began your processing about four to six weeks earlier than you intend to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What is the Cyprus Pink Slip?
The Cyprus pink slip is a long-term permit, valid for four years, allowing non-EU/EEA/EFTA citizens to live and work in Cyprus. EU citizens do not need this document; they get the yellow slip instead.
#2. What is the Cyprus Yellow Slip?
The Cyprus yellow slip is a residency registration permit issued to EU/EEA/EFTA citizens who have come to live in Cyprus long-term. These citizens do not require a visa to come into Cyprus at all.
#3. What happens if I overstay my visa validity in Cyprus?
Staying in Cyprus beyond your visa validity only makes it difficult for you the next time you wish to travel. The longer your stay, the more pathetic it gets. At some point, the authorities will warn you to leave or face punishment.
#4. Can one obtain a Permanent Residency in Cyprus?
Yes, you can. To obtain permanent residency in Cyprus, you must either purchase a real estate property in the country or live there legally for up to 5 years. Only then can you apply for permanent residency.
#5. Can I become a Cyprus Citizen?
Yes, you can. Once you have lived legally in Cyprus for up to 7 years, you are free to apply and become a legal citizen of Cyprus.
Conclusion
Cyprus is a beautiful country with many resources for relaxation, tourism, business, etc. As long as you’re sure you don’t intend to stay there permanently or even for too long, you must apply for a Cyprus short-stay visa.
