Cyprus ‘in final stage’ of securing visa-free travel to US
The Cypriot government is in the “final stage” of its quest to secure visa-free travel for its citizens to the United States, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he hailed the “historic nature and importance” of the strategic discourse established between the Cypriot and American governments and called on his cabinet to work for the agreement’s implementation.
“It impacts many ministries, many issues, such as energy, security, trade, attracting investment, research and technology, and culture, so everyone’s cooperation is needed,” he said.
Should Cyprus secure visa-free travel to the US for its citizens, it will join a total of 41 countries, of which 24 are European Union member states, which currently have access to the US’ Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).
Instead of applying for a visa, Cypriot citizens would therefore fill out the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) to thus be granted access to the country for up to 90 days per visit.
Those travelling to the US through the Esta are required to have a fully valid biometric passport and to have evidence of a return or onward ticket.
Citizens of countries covered by the VWP are still required to apply for a visa if they have entered Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 1, 2011, or if they have entered Cuba since January 12, 2021.