Cyprus visa-free travel to U.S. delayed

Cyprus will not join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program this year, despite completing all technical requirements and maintaining one of the world’s lowest visa rejection rates.

According to Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, the U.S. fiscal year ended September 30 without any political decision on countries in the process of joining the program, including Cyprus. Under current rules, Cypriots must continue to apply for B-type visas for tourism or business travel. Citizens of other European countries can travel to the U.S. using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), valid for two years and multiple entries.

Cyprus has completed all technical prerequisites, including ratifying bilateral agreements and fully implementing passenger data collection (PNR) systems at airports and ports. The government has also signed agreements to enhance cooperation with the U.S. on crime and terrorism prevention, another key requirement for entry into the program.

Despite these efforts, U.S. political priorities, changes in administration, stricter immigration rules, and the recent government shutdown have delayed decisions. This year, no country in the application process has been approved; only Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania remain outside the program.

Cypriot officials remain optimistic that the issue will be raised again during the next U.S. policy cycle, which started October 1, and continue to pursue it bilaterally. Success would ease travel, strengthen U.S.-Cyprus ties, and mark a major strategic achievement for the island.