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Cyprus is stepping closer to a big travel milestone: visa-free trips to the U.S. are becoming a real possibility! The U.S. Department of State recently announced that the visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens has dropped to an impressive 2.16% for 2024, well below the 3% threshold needed for inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This marks a significant step forward for the island nation.
Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, celebrated the news, calling it a "critical step" towards achieving visa-free travel for Cypriots. In her statement on X, Piki highlighted how this achievement reflects the progress made through focused consultations between Cyprus and the U.S., particularly over the last year. She expressed optimism that Cyprus could join the program as soon as 2025, making it easier for Cypriots to visit the U.S. for both tourism and business purposes without the hassle of obtaining a visa.
U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, echoed this sentiment, calling the reduced refusal rate a "milestone" and a big leap toward Cyprus’ membership in the Visa Waiver Program. The announcement underscores the growing partnership between the two nations and the shared commitment to making travel more accessible for Cypriots.
While there’s still work to be done, this news is cause for celebration, signaling that a future of streamlined U.S. travel for Cypriots is closer than ever.
