Newsroom
Cypriot citizens are one step closer to the dream of hassle-free travel to the United States. The final approvals are just around the corner, as Cyprus awaits inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and the wait may be over sooner than expected.
According to Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, the Cypriot authorities have already prepared everything necessary for the final green light from the US. A team of experts from the US Department of State and Congress is expected to visit Cyprus before Easter to give their final approval. The approval process is expected to move smoothly, with all the required steps and documentation already in place.
Cypriot officials from several ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, have been working diligently to ensure that everything is in order. They’ve completed the necessary legislative work, and crucial agreements with the US have already been signed and ratified by Cyprus’ Parliament. These agreements focus on enhancing security and ensuring better cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism and crime. This cooperation is one of the key requirements for joining the VWP.
Once Cyprus officially joins the Visa Waiver Program, Cypriot citizens will be able to travel to the US for business or tourism purposes without the need for a traditional "B" passport visa. Instead, travelers will simply need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is an online application that pre-screens travelers. The ESTA is easy to apply for, and it is valid for up to two years, allowing multiple trips to the US during that period.
This change means that Cypriots will no longer have to go through the lengthy visa application process for stays of up to 90 days. Instead, the process will be faster and more streamlined, making it simpler for Cypriots to visit the US. It’s a move that promises to make travel between Cyprus and the United States much easier, and it's a development that many Cypriots have been eagerly awaiting for years.
With the expected visit from US experts just ahead, it seems that Cyprus’ long wait to join the Visa Waiver Program is almost over. The benefits of this inclusion for Cypriots—whether for business or leisure—are clear, and it's likely that this simpler, faster travel option will be a welcome change for many.
