ETIAS Cyprus permit for U.S. citizens
The United States will be part of the countries whose citizens have to present an approved ETIAS permit upon entry in Cyprus. ETIAS permit can be obtained online, by filling out the ETIAS application form online and receiving your ETIAS via e-mail when the application is approved. This ETIAS permit will allow U.S. citizens to enter Cyprus for tourism, transit, work, or for medical reasons, provided that the duration of the trip is under 90 days, and it will be valid for multiple trips made via air, sea, or land. In addition, minors and people over 70 years of age will be able to apply for ETIAS free of charge.
What is ETIAS Cyprus for Americans?
ETIAS permit will come into force in November 2023, as part of a program of the European Commission aimed at strengthening European borders and keeping a digital track on all people entering the European Schengen Area. This program was already approved in 2016, after the terrorist attacks that affected some European countries. During the last years, the creation of the ETIAS visa system has been made possible by the implementation of data sharing between European Union countries, allowing to connect the ETIAS applications with already existing databases from European authorities.
How does ETIAS Cyprus visa work for U.S. citizens
Starting from November 2023 U.S. citizens must have an ETIAS visa before travelling to Cyprus. But if the trip has other purposes than those provided for ETIAS, or it will be longer than 90 days, they will have to obtain a full visitor Schengen permit, at the embassy or consulate of Cyprus, respecting the requirements and timing for the visa they are applying for. Once issued, ETIAS permit is valid for 3 years, and will allow to travel multiple times in Cyprus and other countries within the Schengen Area, provided that each visit has a duration of less than 90 days. To make sure you get your approved ETIAS permit in time for the trip, it is recommended to apply for ETIAS at least 4 days before the departure date. If ETIAS is denied, you can still apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of Cyprus or present an appeal to the country that denied ETIAS.
ETIAS destination countries for U.S. citizens
From 2023 ETIAS visa will come into force for U.S. citizens in order to travel to the following countries:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
At the time being, Americans will not have to obtain an ETIAS permit to enter Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, since these are not Schengen countries yet. However, these countries may enter the Schengen Area in the future, so please keep updated with the requirements.
ETIAS permit requirements for U.S. citizens and how to apply
To apply for the ETIAS visa, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and hold a valid electronic passport issued by the United States of America. If you do not have an U.S. passport, you will require a full visitor Schengen visa.
ETIAS visa application can be completed online, entering all required information by following the required steps, and making sure all the data is entered correctly. Once the application form is completed, you will also be required to pay a fee of 7 euros, applicable to all citizens aged between 18 and 70 years, using a credit or debit card. Generally, most ETIAS are issued within few minutes, or at most in a few hours, and you will receive the approved ETIAS visa via e-mail as a PDF file.
How much does ETIAS visa cost for Americans
The ETIAS application for American citizens has a cost of 7 euros for all citizens between 18 and 70 years of age, which must be paid at the end of the online application process, using a credit or debit card. U.S. citizens under 18 and over 70 years of age can apply for ETIAS permit free of charge.
About Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest Mediterranean island; it lies 480 miles southeast of mainland Greece, 60 miles to the west of Syria and 40 miles to the south of Turkey.
The maximum width of the island of Cyprus is 60 miles; it’s maximum length is 140 miles with a combined area of 3,572 sq. miles.
Cyprus has been a nation divided since 1974. In response to a military coup and backed by the Athens government, Turkey invaded the north. After the restoration of constitutional order and the return of Archbishop Makarios III to Cyprus, Turkish troops remained, occupying the northeastern portion of the island of Cyprus.
In 1983 the northeastern part of the island was proclaimed the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by the Turkish Cypriot leader. This title is recognized only by Turkey.
Cyprus is a member of the European Union. The European Union’s body of common rights and obligations (acquis communautaire) is suspended in the region administered by Turkish Cypriots until a Cyprus settlement can be achieved.
The population stands at 1.1 million people altogether who have the official languages of Greek and Turkish. English is also widely spoken, party because of tourism and partly because of previous British rule of the island. Other languages spoken are Russian, French and German.
The major religions on Cyprus are Christianity and Islam; the currency is divided between the euro in the south and the Turkish lira in the north.
Cyprus at a glance
Capital: Nicosia
Timezone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Languages: Greek 80.9%, English 4.1%, Romanian 2.9%, Russian 2.5%, Bulgarian 2.2%, Arabic 1.2%, Filippino 1.1%, Turkish 0.2%, Other 4.3%, Unspecified 0.6%
Area: 9,250 KM2
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 1,102,677
Calling Code: +357
Travel to Cyprus
Cyprus’s major cities, including its capital city of Nicosia, have been influenced by generations of travelers. Despite political difficulties experienced by the island, it remains a favorite tourist destination.
Cyprus enjoys more than three hundred days of sunshine per year, attracting visitors to its many beaches.
East of Larnaca are some of the most popular beaches, with crystal clear water edged by fine white sand. In the resort of Protaras, both FigTree Bay and Konnos Beach are enjoyed by tourists young and old. Ayia Napa’s Nissi Beach is more of a party destination during the summer, off-season it is a quieter destination.
For divers, the preferred destination is Cape Greco, an outcrop of limestone caves and arches, home to one of the world’s most highly regarded diving sites, the wreck of the Zenobia.
Along the coast of Paphos, Aphrodite’s Rock juts out into the Mediterranean sea. According to legend, the goddess of beauty and love was born on the rock and then floated out to sea on a clamshell. Aphrodite’s birthplace may explain why Cyprus is a very popular honeymoon destination.
A short trip from Paphos is the harbor village of Latchi from where it is possible to rent a boat for the day to reach stunning beaches and quiet lagoons inaccessible by land.
The Troodos Mountain range is positioned nearly 2,000 meters above sea level. From January through to the end of March, visitors can ski at the highest point in the range, Mount Olympus.
The US and Cyprus
Travel to Cyprus, whilst being a favorite tourist destination, also opens up further travel opportunities.
There are occasional freighters from European ports, such as Italy, Portugal, and Southampton. A ferry service is operated from Greece, and there are cruises operated between Cyprus and Israel or Egypt. Mini cruises have also run to The Adriatic, The Black Sea, The Greek Islands, Rhodes, Syria, and Lebanon.
There is also a regular ferry service to Turkey.
Bilateral relations between the U.S and Cyprus are very strong. Both belong to the following international organizations
- The United Nations
- World Trade Organization
- World Bank
- International Monetary Fund
- Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
Cyprus is also an observer to the Organization of American States.
For American nationals traveling to Europe, the ETIAS scheme will not be a hindrance. On the contrary, the ETIAS scheme will enable a smoother passage through border control, quicker processing times and greater peace of mind. Greater security will not just benefit European Union residents, travelers throughout the Schengen zone will benefit also.
FAQ about ETIAS Cyprus
List of US diplomatic offices in Cyprus
The Embassy of USA in Nicosia, Cyprus
Address: Metochiou & Ploutarchou Street 2407, Engomi Nicosia, Cyprus
Phone: 357-22-393939
Fax: 357-22-780944
Facts: Kathleen Doherty – Ambassador
The Embassy of Cyprus in Washington, USA
Address: 2211 R Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202)462-5772
Fax: (202)483-6710
Email: info@cyprusembassy.net
Facts: Marios LYSIOTIS – Ambassador
Consulate of Cyprus in New York, USA
Address: 15 West 38th Street, 11th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10018
Phone: (646) 905-1143
Email: nyconsulate@mfa.gov.cy
Consulate of Cyprus in Los Angeles, USA
Address: 4219 Coolidge, Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: (310) 397-0771
Fax: (310) 398-6775
Email: andreaskyp@verizon.net
Consulate of Cyprus in New Orleans, USA
Address: One Canal Place, Suite 2720 365 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Phone: 504-568-9300
Fax: 504-568-0056
Email: posinola@bellsouth.net