Government submits bill to join U.S. visa waiver program

The Cyprus government submitted a bill to the House of Representatives plenary on Thursday, aiming to fulfill the necessary preconditions for the Republic of Cyprus to join the United States Visa Waiver Program.

Approved by the Cabinet on June 19, the bill authorizes the Minister of Justice and Public Order to present it to the House for enactment. The primary objective is to ratify the agreement between the Cyprus and U.S. governments on travel information cooperation, signed in Washington D.C. on June 17, 2024, in accordance with Article 169.2 of the Constitution.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two countries in evaluating, reviewing, and exchanging travel information. It also aims to develop risk assessments to identify specific individuals traveling internationally who may pose a security threat to either nation.

Currently, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria are the only EU member states whose nationals still need a visa to enter the U.S. This bill marks a significant step towards removing that requirement for Cypriots, potentially easing travel between the two countries and strengthening bilateral relations.

[With information from CNA]