Cyprus is making significant progress toward joining the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow Cypriots to travel to the US without needing a visa. The country is focusing on improving certain requirements, including efforts to combat serious crime, a key condition for being eligible for the program. Cyprus aims to complete all necessary steps and join the program by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Progress in Fighting Serious Crime
To meet the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program, Cyprus has been working hard to address concerns about serious crime. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance cooperation with US authorities. A representative from Cyprus’s Foreign Ministry recently informed the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs that Cyprus has made significant progress in this area. However, a few technical issues remain before the country can present its final report to the US State Department and Congress.
Data Sharing Concerns Addressed
In addition to combatting serious crime, another requirement for joining the US Visa Waiver Program involves improving data sharing between Cyprus and the United States. Some officials in Cyprus have expressed concerns about how this data exchange will be managed. They emphasize that complying with this requirement does not mean giving the US unrestricted access to Cypriot databases. A police official clarified that the confidentiality of Cyprus’s information will remain intact while meeting this requirement.
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Cyprus Hopes for Visa-Free Travel by 2025
Konstantinos Letymbiotis, a spokesperson for the Cypriot government, has shared that Cyprus aims to achieve visa-free travel to the US by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025. This timeline depends on how quickly Cyprus can finalize its preparations and meet all the required standards. If successful, Cypriot nationals will be able to visit the US without needing to apply for a visa beforehand, making travel easier for many.
The Importance of the Visa Waiver Program
Joining the Visa Waiver Program is important for Cyprus as it seeks to strengthen ties with the United States. The program allows citizens from participating countries to visit the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Many countries in Europe have already joined, including nations like Greece, which became part of the program in 2010. Cyprus has been working toward this goal for many years, alongside other European countries like Bulgaria and Romania, which are also making progress in their own efforts to join the program.
Romania’s Recent Progress
Romania recently announced that it has met all the necessary requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program. Romanian authorities expect that their citizens will soon be able to travel to the US without a visa. Romania’s progress has given hope to Cyprus as both countries work toward similar goals. These efforts demonstrate a broader trend among European countries to strengthen ties with the US through easier travel.
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Increase in US Visa Applications from Cyprus
As Cyprus works toward visa-free travel, there has already been an increase in the number of Cypriots applying for US visas. According to data from the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, 5,537 visas were issued to Cypriot nationals in 2023, representing a 50.4% increase compared to the 3,681 visas issued in 2022. This rise in applications shows that more Cypriots are interested in visiting the US, highlighting the growing importance of easier travel arrangements.
Challenges of Meeting Visa Waiver Requirements
One of the most challenging aspects of joining the Visa Waiver Program is maintaining a low visa rejection rate. Countries seeking to join must keep their rejection rates below three percent. This has been a difficult goal for many nations, including Romania. However, Cyprus remains committed to meeting this requirement as part of its efforts to become eligible for visa-free travel.
Final Steps Toward the Goal
While some technicalities still need to be addressed, Cyprus’s determination to join the Visa Waiver Program remains strong. The final steps involve completing the necessary improvements and presenting the country’s progress to the US government. Once these requirements are met, Cyprus hopes to see its citizens benefit from easier travel opportunities to the US.
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With 2025 as the target for visa-free travel, Cyprus is on the path toward closer cooperation with the United States. If successful, this move would not only benefit Cypriot travelers but also strengthen the bonds between the two countries. As Cyprus continues to work on its eligibility, many are hopeful that the goal of visa-free travel will soon become a reality.