Cyprus May Join Schengen Zone Soon

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has announced that Cyprus is making significant progress toward meeting all technical requirements for joining the Schengen free-travel zone by the end of this year.

Speaking at a recent conference in Nicosia, the president highlighted how Schengen membership could boost tourism, enhance border management, and strengthen Cyprus’s integration within the EU.

Schengen Membership: Process and Challenges

Cyprus remains one of only two EU member states, along with Ireland, outside the Schengen area. Romania and Bulgaria, by contrast, joined on January 1, 2025. Although Cyprus has been an EU member since 2004, its status as a divided island poses unique challenges for Schengen inclusion.

Since 1974, Cyprus has been split into the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-occupied north. Experts suggest that Schengen membership could turn the current buffer zone, known as the Green Line, into a regulated external EU border, potentially requiring additional passport controls and creating complexities for cross-island movement.

President Christodoulides reassured that political concerns surrounding the cease-fire line have been resolved. A dedicated team within the foreign ministry is now addressing the technical aspects required for the transition.

Progress Toward U.S. Visa-Free Access

Cyprus is also nearing the completion of its efforts to lift U.S. visa requirements for Cypriot travelers. With a U.S. delegation expected to visit soon, final evaluations are underway to ensure that Cyprus meets the necessary criteria for visa-free travel to the United States. This development would significantly enhance travel convenience for Cypriot citizens and further strengthen the country’s global connectivity.