List of Visa-Free Countries for Cyprus Passport Holders
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.
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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