Cyprus Visa Guidelines-2026

Planning a trip to Cyprus and have questions like “Do I need a visa” or “Is Cyprus in the Schengen zone”?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about Cyprus visa, including how to apply, what documents to prepare and where to get a compliant Cyprus visa photo.

Table of contents

• Cyprus Visa Policy for 2026
• Cyprus Visa Types
• Cyprus Visa Application Process
• Documents Required for Cyprus Visitor Visa Application
• Cyprus Visa Photo Requirements
• Get a Cyprus Visa Photo Online
• Visa Photo Making App
• Cyprus Visa Validity and Fees
• Cyprus Visa Processing Time
• How to Check Your Cyprus Visa Status Online
• FAQ

Cyprus Visa Policy for 2026

Cyprus visa Schengen or not? — Cyprus is not a member of the Schengen Area. However, if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can enter Cyprus without needing a separate Cypriot visa. You must first enter a Schengen member country before heading to Cyprus.

Important Note: This exception does not apply to citizens of Turkey or Azerbaijan. Even if they hold a Schengen visa, they are required to obtain a separate visa to enter Cyprus.

Is Cyprus visa valid for Schengen? — No, it does not allow you to travel to Schengen countries.

Do you need a visa for Cyprus? — Visa requirements for Cyprus depend on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries outside the European Union may need to apply for a visa. You can find more detailed information on who needs a visa and who doesn't on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:

• Categories of persons and countries whose nationals do not require a Cyprus visa
• Countries whose nationals are required to hold a visa to enter the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Visa Types

There are different Cyprus visa types depending on why and how long you plan to stay:

• Short-Stay Visa (Category C)
  • Purpose: For tourism, business, or short educational programs.
  • Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Single-entry Visa: One-time entry.
  • Multiple-entry Visa: Multiple entries, usually valid for 3 to 5 years, with stays of up to 90 days each time.
• Long-stay Visa (Category D)
  • Purpose: For extended stays for work, study or to join family members.
  • Duration: Up to one year.
  • Who can apply: Self-employed persons, students or people reuniting with family in Cyprus.
• Airport Transit Visa (ATV)
  • Purpose: For travelers changing planes in Cyprus airports without entering the country.
  • Requirement: Required for people from certain countries, even if they stay in the airport transit area.
• Permanent residence visa (Category F)
  • Purpose: For non-EU nationals wishing to reside permanently in Cyprus.
  • Requirements: Must provide proof of income from abroad and often need to buy property in Cyprus.
  • Restrictions: Cannot work in Cyprus.
• Golden Visa Program
  • Purpose: Residency program aimed at attracting investors.
  • Eligibility: Requires significant investment in Cypriot real estate or businesses.
  • Benefits: Fast approval (usually within two months) and a potential path to citizenship after seven years of residency.
• Other Cyprus Visa Options:
  • Group Visa: For groups of 5 to 50 people travelling together, valid for up to 30 days.
  • PRO Visa: For Russian and Ukrainian citizens travelling directly to Cyprus, valid for up to 30 days.

Cyprus Visa Application Process

To apply for a Cyprus visa, follow these steps:

1. Book an appointment at the nearest Cyprus embassy, consulate, or an authorized visa application center like VFS Global. You must attend this appointment in person.
2. Submit your application and all required documents at your appointment.
3. Pay the necessary visa fees during your appointment.
4. Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification to get your Cyprus visa on passport from the embassy or consulate where you applied.

Documents Required for Cyprus Visitor Visa Application

Here are the main documents you'll need according to Cyprus visit visa requirements:

• Application form. Fill out the application form in English and sign it. You can download the form from the Cyprus Consulates and Embassies website. Photograph. Provide a color photo that meets Cyprus visa photo requirements.
• Passport and photocopy. Submit your passport and a copy of its first page. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 90 days after your trip ends, has your signature, and has a blank page for the visa.
• Flight tickets/itinerary. Show your travel plans, including flight reservations.
• Proof of funds. Provide evidence that you have sufficient money for your stay.
• Proof of accommodation. Show where you will be staying in Cyprus.
• Travel health insurance. Buy travel health insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation for your entire stay.
• Employment certificate. If applicable, provide a letter from your employer that includes contact details, your position, and your salary.

Note that the required documents may vary based on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. All documents must be in English, if not, they must be translated by an official translator.

Cyprus Visa Photo Requirements

To apply for a Cyprus visa, your photo must meet these official requirements:

• The Cyprus visa photo size should be 35×45 mm.
• Your head should take up 70-80% of the photo and be centered.
• The distance from the top of your head to your chin should be between 31.5 to 36 mm.
• There should be a 3 mm gap from the top of your head to the top edge of the photo.
• The background must be white.
• The photo must be in color.
• You must have a neutral facial expression and look straight into the camera.
• Headwear is generally not allowed, except for religious reasons (e.g., wearing a hijab). The hijab should not cover the face's oval.
• Prescription glasses are allowed if the lenses are not tinted. The frame must not cover your eyes.

Here is an example:

Get a Cyprus Visa Photo Online

Streamline your Cyprus visa application process by getting your photo professionally taken online. With Visafoto, you can obtain a photo that is guaranteed to meet all requirements without visiting a photo studio.

Here's how it works: Snap a picture against a plain white background. Visit Visafoto.com and upload your image. Our tool adjusts the size, format, background color, and face positioning to ensure compliance with visa photo standards. If you're not happy with the result, we offer a full refund.

You'll receive both a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready version.

Let’s look at some examples. First, take a selfie under daylight:

And you will get photos for printing and online submission:

Visa Photo Making App

For an even more convenient experience, try the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This app uses advanced algorithms to perfect your photo and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Use your phone to take a photo of yourself and upload it to the 7ID app. Don’t worry, the app will handle the format, background, sizes, and dimensions for you. You'll also get a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you have any questions, our 24/7 technical support team is here to help.

Cyprus Visa Validity and Fees

The Cyprus tourist visa cost depends on the Cyprus visa validity period and type of visa:

• Short-stay Visa (1-90 days): €90
• Airport Transit Visa: €90
• Children between 6–12 years old: €45
• Children under 6 years old: Free
• Special rate for nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine: €35

Cyprus Visa Processing Time

How long does it take to get Cyprus visa? — Most Cyprus visa applications are processed within 5 to 10 working days. Transit visas are typically processed more quickly.

How to Check Your Cyprus Visa Status Online

If you applied for your visa through VFS Global, you can check the status of your application online. Simply enter your reference number and last name on the VFS Global Visa Tracking Portal.

To avoid any hassle, get a professional Cyprus visa photo from the 7ID App and Visafoto.com!

FAQ

Does a Cyprus visa work for Schengen?

No, a Cypriot visa does not grant entry to Schengen countries.

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Cyprus visa?

Yes, a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical and emergency expenses is required. It must be valid across the EU and Cyprus and shown during the application and at border control.

Can I travel to Northern Cyprus with a Republic of Cyprus visa?

Yes, but you must enter the Republic of Cyprus first legally. Direct entry to Northern Cyprus may risk cancellation of your Republic visa. Citizens with UK or Commonwealth passports can enter Northern Cyprus freely.

Does Cyprus offer a digital nomad visa?

No dedicated program exists yet. However, the long-stay Pink Slip (Category D) allows a one-year stay for remote workers who can prove savings of €10,000 or more.

Last Update: March 2026