Cyprus and the Schengen Area: Update on the Prospects of Joining

The Schengen Area allows speedy travel from one country to another without unnecessary formalities. This association includes 29 countries.

Is Cyprus in the Schengen Area?

As of May 2025, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area. However, the process of joining the Schengen Zone has started.

This means that national visas issued by Cyprus embassies are valid for Cyprus only. They do not permit the holder to enter other Schengen zone countries.

Latest updates on Schengen accession

On January 10, 2025, President Nikos Christodoulides announced that Cyprus will resolve all technical issues required to join the Schengen Area by 2025. He added that the political aspects of this matter have already been addressed (source).

On July 12, 2024, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus issued a guideline to inform carriers about their obligation under the European Entry-Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) (source).

On November 21, 2023, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos announced that one of the key foreign ministry goals in 2024 is to join the Schengen Area. This objective is part of the ministry's action plan and budget, which has been increased by 8.9% to support this initiative. Access to the Schengen Area is crucial for Cyprus in achieving broader objectives, such as national protection and reunification (source).

On July 25, 2023, Cyprus successfully issued its first alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS), marking a significant milestone for the European Union. This integration makes Cyprus the latest of the 34 participants, including 25 EU Member States and 4 Associated Countries, to fully operate the SIS. The SIS is a critical IT system for border management and internal security in Europe, facilitating the exchange of information on persons and objects of interest among national authorities (source).

Schengen area countries

As of May 2025, the Schengen Area comprises 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

What is the Schengen Area?

The European Union (EU) provides standardised laws for 27 different countries. Members share a single market where all members act as one, allowing for the free movement of goods. The EU applies standardisation to travel, permitting the free movement of people.

The Schengen Area (or Schengen Zone) is a border-free area that allows for free movement for nearly all EU citizens and third-country nationals holding a Schengen visa. Travellers can travel from one country to another without passport checks or other formalities.

Non-EU citizens travelling to Europe can apply for a Schengen visa. This allows them to travel to any member for 90 days.

Additionally, the EU is introducing a new system known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Under ETIAS, non-EU citizens are required to complete an online application using a biometric passport. ETIAS is expected to be active in May 2025 (source etias.com).

Travellers can apply online, and the process should not take longer than 10 minutes. Visas are valid for three years and permit multiple entries during that period.

The Schengen Zone also dictates cooperation among national police and judicial systems. Police from one country can pursue a suspect in another, and courts allow for the quick extradition of suspects.

Not all EU nations are included in the Schengen agreement: Cyprus and Ireland. Some are in the Zone without being EU member countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.

The benefits of Cyprus in the Schengen Zone

Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the Euro in 2008, creating economic standardisation. However, it hasn't joined the Zone due to continued disputes over Cyprus's national borders.

Cyprus is difficult to access as an island nation. As such, it would receive far fewer benefits from the Zone than nearly all European nations. However, substantial gains are still expected.

For the period from January to December 2024, total tourist arrivals reached 4,040,200, a 5.1% increase compared to the 3,845,652 arrivals in the same period of 2023. This also surpasses the previous record of 3,976,777 arrivals in 2019. Making access to Cyprus easier will increase tourism. When Switzerland joined the Zone, its tourism numbers shot up.

Cyprus is expected to experience an increase in cross-border trade and immigration. Foreigners moving to Cyprus have been a significant driver of real estate prices in Cyprus over the last decade.

Real estate prices

If Cyprus joins the Schengen Area, real estate prices are expected to increase. This is because the demand will soar. Non-nationals are likely to own most of the country's real estate, developing it into high-end projects.

It is unclear how high prices will rise. Returns on investments may vary, but investors can expect some profit.

Nicosia and Limassol are the two most significant metropolitan areas in the country. Both are cities on the rise, with fast-growing cultural and industrial hubs. Purchasing and selling real estate in either location is likely to yield substantial profits.

Additionally, an important aspect that will affect the increase in demand is the following: Once Cyprus joins the Schengen members, its permanent residency will be equivalent to a Schengen visa. This allows passport-free travel in the zone and will be very attractive for foreigners, and thus, the demand for residency through property investment is expected to increase.

Joining the Zone

In September 2019, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides announced that Cyprus had started the process of joining and getting Schengen membership. All EU member states are required to apply (in case they wish to join) so that the evaluation process can start.

To join the Schengen Area, states must meet several requirements, and Cyprus is fulfilling them. In November, EU experts assessed whether Cyprus could protect travellers' personal information. They concluded that the country could.

The country must now demonstrate that it can maintain its border integrity and security. This is especially important because Cyprus is an island. Cypriots cannot pool resources with others to protect the border.

It is unclear when Cyprus will receive formal approval to join.

Can you go to Cyprus with a Schengen visa?

It is possible to enter Cyprus with a valid Schengen Visa (category C, double or multiple entries). This type of visa is considered equivalent to a national entry visa. It allows for transit, entry, and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The Cyprus-Schengen Relationship

Cyprus is about to join the Schengen Area in 2025. The Schengen Area is a union of more than two dozen European countries. The Cyprus-Schengen relationship is expected to boost tourism and enhance trade. Real estate demand and prices are expected to rise. The application process is ongoing, but Cyprus has passed its first requirements.

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