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List of Visa-Free Countries for Cyprus Passport Holders

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Last updated: August, 2024. Please note that visa regulations can change rapidly, and this information should be verified with official sources before travel.

The Cyprus passport is a valuable asset for global travelers, offering extensive visa-free access across numerous countries. With its strong ties to the European Union and favorable international agreements, a Cyprus passport opens doors to a significant number of destinations without the need for a visa. In recent years, the Cyprus passport has gained recognition for its travel benefits, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking to enhance their mobility and global reach. This article explores the current status of visa-free travel for Cyprus passport holders, providing a comprehensive guide to the countries they can visit with ease.

Overview of Visa-Free Travel for Cyprus Passport Holders

As of the latest updates, Cyprus passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 178 countries and territories. This ranks the Cyprus passport highly on the Henley Passport Index, reflecting its strong global presence and the freedom it affords its citizens. The extensive list of countries available for visa-free travel highlights the strategic advantages of holding a Cyprus passport, particularly within the European Union and beyond. In this article, we will delve into the details of visa-free travel, including a categorized list of countries and other essential travel information.

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List of Visa-Free Countries

Cyprus passport holders have the privilege of traveling to a vast number of countries without the need for a visa. These visa-free travel opportunities are spread across different regions, allowing Cypriots to explore diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences with ease. Below is a comprehensive list of countries categorized by region where Cypriot citizens can travel without a visa, along with the maximum duration of stay permitted in each country.

Europe

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Austria

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Belgium

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Bulgaria

90 days

Croatia

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Czech Republic

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Denmark

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Estonia

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Finland

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

France

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Germany

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Greece

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Hungary

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Iceland

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Ireland

90 days

Italy

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Latvia

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Lithuania

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Luxembourg

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Malta

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Netherlands

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Norway

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Poland

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Portugal

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Romania

90 days

Slovakia

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Slovenia

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Spain

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Sweden

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Switzerland

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area)

Americas

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Argentina

90 days

Bahamas

90 days

Barbados

90 days

Brazil

90 days

Canada

180 days

Chile

90 days

Colombia

90 days

Costa Rica

90 days

Dominican Republic

30 days

Ecuador

90 days

El Salvador

90 days

Guatemala

90 days

Haiti

90 days

Honduras

90 days

Jamaica

90 days

Mexico

180 days

Panama

180 days

Paraguay

90 days

Peru

90 days

Saint Kitts and Nevis

90 days

Saint Lucia

90 days

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

90 days

Trinidad and Tobago

90 days

Uruguay

90 days

Venezuela

90 days

Asia

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Armenia

180 days

Georgia

365 days

Israel

90 days

Japan

90 days

Jordan

90 days

Kazakhstan

30 days

Kyrgyzstan

60 days

Lebanon

90 days

Malaysia

90 days

Philippines

30 days

Singapore

90 days

South Korea

90 days

Thailand

30 days

United Arab Emirates

90 days

Africa

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Botswana

90 days

Eswatini

30 days

Lesotho

14 days

Mauritius

90 days

Seychelles

90 days

South Africa

30 days

Oceania

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Fiji

120 days

Micronesia

30 days

New Zealand

90 days

Samoa

60 days

Solomon Islands

90 days

Tonga

31 days

Vanuatu

30 days

This list represents the current countries where Cyprus passport holders can travel without a visa, offering significant freedom and flexibility for global exploration. Each country’s specific duration of stay should be carefully noted to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Visa on Arrival Countries

In addition to the extensive list of visa-free destinations, Cyprus passport holders also benefit from the ability to obtain a visa on arrival in several countries. This option provides additional flexibility, allowing travelers to apply for a visa upon entry into the destination country, usually at the airport or border crossing. Below is a detailed list of countries where Cypriot citizens can obtain a visa on arrival, along with the maximum duration of stay and any relevant information regarding the visa application process.

Asia

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Notes

Bangladesh

30 days

Visa issued at major ports of entry

Cambodia

30 days

Available at airports and major land borders

Jordan

30 days

Visa obtainable at entry points

Laos

30 days

Visa obtainable at airports and some land borders

Maldives

30 days

Tourist visa available on arrival

Nepal

90 days

Available at the airport and major land crossings

Sri Lanka

30 days

Requires ETA prior to arrival, visa issued on arrival

Timor-Leste

30 days

Visa available at the airport

Africa

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Notes

Comoros

45 days

Visa issued on arrival

Egypt

30 days

Visa obtainable at airports

Madagascar

90 days

Visa available on arrival

Malawi

30 days

Visa issued at the airport

Mozambique

30 days

Visa obtainable at entry points

Rwanda

30 days

Visa available on arrival

Senegal

90 days

Visa issued on arrival

Tanzania

90 days

Visa available at entry points

Togo

7 days

Visa issued on arrival, extendable

Uganda

90 days

Visa available on arrival

Zambia

90 days

Visa issued on arrival

Zimbabwe

90 days

Visa obtainable at entry points

Oceania

Country

Duration of Stay (Days)

Notes

Palau

30 days

Visa issued on arrival

Papua New Guinea

60 days

Visa available on arrival

Tuvalu

30 days

Visa issued on arrival

Cyprus passport holders should be aware of the specific requirements for each country, as some may require additional documentation or a fee at the point of entry. Visa on arrival offers a convenient option for spontaneous travel, but it’s always advisable to check the latest entry requirements before departure to ensure a smooth entry process.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Countries

In addition to visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries, some nations require Cyprus passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their arrival. An eTA is a digital entry requirement that grants permission to travel to and enter a country. The process is generally straightforward, involving an online application that must be completed before departure. Below is a list of countries where Cypriot citizens must obtain an eTA, along with details on the application process and any relevant documentation required.

Americas

Country

Application Process

Notes

Canada

Apply online before travel

Valid for multiple entries within 5 years or until passport expiry

United States

Apply online via the ESTA system

Valid for 2 years, allows stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Required for air and sea travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

Oceania

Country

Application Process

Notes

Australia

Apply online via the eVisitor system

Valid for multiple entries within 12 months

New Zealand

Apply online via the NZeTA system

Valid for multiple entries within 2 years

The eTA process is typically quick, with approvals often granted within minutes or hours of application. However, travelers are advised to complete the eTA application well in advance of their planned travel date to avoid any potential delays. It’s also important to ensure that the passport used for the eTA application is the same one that will be used for travel, as the eTA is electronically linked to the passport.

Countries Requiring a Visa

Despite the extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges enjoyed by Cyprus passport holders, there are still several countries where a visa must be obtained prior to travel. This section provides a list of countries where Cypriot citizens are required to apply for a visa before departure. The table below includes information on the type of visa required (eVisa or regular visa) and brief notes on the application process.

Asia

Country

Type of Visa

Notes

China

Regular Visa

Application required at a Chinese embassy or consulate

India

eVisa

Apply online before travel; valid for 60 days

Pakistan

Regular Visa

Application required at a Pakistani embassy or consulate

Russia

Regular Visa

Application required at a Russian embassy or consulate

Saudi Arabia

eVisa

Apply online before travel; valid for tourism purposes

Africa

Country

Type of Visa

Notes

Algeria

Regular Visa

Application required at an Algerian embassy or consulate

Ghana

Regular Visa

Application required at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate

Nigeria

Regular Visa

Application required at a Nigerian embassy or consulate

Sierra Leone

Regular Visa

Application required at a Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate

Sudan

Regular Visa

Application required at a Sudanese embassy or consulate

Americas

Country

Type of Visa

Notes

Cuba

Tourist Card (Visa)

Obtainable through Cuban consulates or authorized travel agencies

Middle East

Country

Type of Visa

Notes

Iran

Regular Visa

Application required at an Iranian embassy or consulate

Iraq

Regular Visa

Application required at an Iraqi embassy or consulate

Yemen

Regular Visa

Application required at a Yemeni embassy or consulate

Oceania

Country

Type of Visa

Notes

Nauru

Regular Visa

Application required at a Nauruan embassy or consulate

The process for obtaining a visa typically involves submitting an application, providing necessary documentation (such as a passport, photographs, and proof of travel plans), and paying a visa fee. Processing times can vary, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of the intended travel date. Some countries offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which may be useful for last-minute travel plans.

Special Considerations

While the Cyprus passport offers extensive travel benefits, there are a few special considerations that Cypriot travelers should be aware of. These considerations include unique travel agreements, restrictions, and regional nuances that may affect travel plans.

One of the most notable aspects is the Schengen Area agreement. As Cyprus is a member of the European Union, Cypriot citizens enjoy unrestricted travel within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries. However, it’s important to note that Cyprus itself is not part of the Schengen Zone. This means that while travelers from Cyprus to Schengen countries do not need a visa, and similarly, citizens of Schengen countries can enter Cyprus without a visa, the entry and exit stamps are still required when traveling between Cyprus and the Schengen Area.

Additionally, some countries may impose specific entry restrictions or require additional documentation due to health, security, or diplomatic considerations. For example, some countries may require proof of vaccination, especially in the context of COVID-19, or may have specific rules regarding entry from certain regions. It’s crucial to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and requirements issued by the destination country and the Cypriot government.

Finally, dual citizens should be aware of the potential complications that can arise when traveling with multiple passports. Some countries have restrictions on dual nationality, and travelers should ensure that they enter and exit countries using the appropriate passport to avoid legal issues.

The Power of a Cyprus Passport

The Cyprus passport is a powerful tool for global travel, offering significant freedom and flexibility to its holders. With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, as well as the ability to obtain eTAs for additional destinations, Cypriot citizens can explore the world with relative ease. However, it’s important for travelers to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and travel advisories, as these can change frequently. Overall, the Cyprus passport provides a wealth of opportunities for international exploration, making it an invaluable asset for those who hold it.

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