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Cyprus risks missing its chance to join the United States Visa Waiver Program this year, despite meeting all technical requirements and securing bilateral agreements.
According to an article by Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, the program would allow Cypriots to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, as citizens of most European countries already do through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Cypriots currently file about 5,000 visa applications annually.
Cyprus ratified key security agreements, granted U.S. access to its fingerprint database, and upgraded airport security systems to comply with program prerequisites. Its visa refusal rate now stands at 2.16%, well below the 3% threshold.
But U.S. political delays have stalled progress. The final evaluation of Cyprus’ readiness was only completed in April, and Congress has yet to approve its entry. With the U.S. fiscal year ending Sept. 30, time is short. Missing the deadline would force Cyprus to restart the process in the next review cycle.
Cypriot officials remain optimistic, insisting Washington has not shifted its stance. Still, U.S. internal policy changes, including recent visa restrictions announced by the Trump administration, may be complicating the decision.
The government argues the program would benefit both countries, strengthening travel, trade, and security cooperation. Whether Cyprus secures inclusion before the deadline now depends on swift U.S. political will.
