Cyprus is closer than ever to joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), with all major technical and legal steps now complete. The final recommendation for Cyprus’s inclusion is expected to reach the U.S. Congress in September 2025. If Congress approves, Cypriot citizens could start traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 without a visa by late 2025 or early 2026.
This development marks a major shift for travelers, businesses, and families in Cyprus. For years, Cypriots have needed to apply for a visa, attend interviews at the U.S. embassy, and wait for approval before visiting the United States 🇺🇸. Soon, this could change, making travel much easier and faster for thousands of people.
Key Milestones and Recent Progress
Cyprus’s journey toward VWP membership has been long and complex. The country has worked for over a decade to meet the strict requirements set by the United States 🇺🇸. In July 2025, Cyprus cleared the last major hurdles:
- Technical Requirements: Cyprus now securely exchanges digital data with U.S. authorities. This includes sharing information about travelers and cooperating on security matters. The country also meets U.S. standards for passport security and border checks.
- Legislative Steps: On July 17, 2025, Cyprus ratified a new agreement with the United States 🇺🇸 to fight serious crime together. This agreement builds on earlier laws passed in October 2024 and a 2015 security deal. These steps show Cyprus’s commitment to working closely with U.S. agencies.
- U.S. Inspections: In April 2025, U.S. officials visited Cyprus’s ports and airports. They checked that all security measures were in place and working as promised.
- Visa Refusal Rate: Cyprus’s visa refusal rate is now just 2.16%. This is the third lowest in the world and well below the 3% limit required for VWP entry.
With these achievements, Cyprus has completed all the main tasks needed for VWP membership. The next step is a formal recommendation to the U.S. Congress, expected in September 2025. After Congress reviews and approves the recommendation, there will be a three-month period for U.S. systems to update and include Cyprus in the program.
What Will Change for Cypriot Travelers?
If Cyprus joins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Cypriot citizens with e-passports will enjoy several new benefits:
- Visa-Free Travel: Cypriots will be able to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days for business or tourism without needing a visa.
- No Embassy Interviews: Travelers will not have to go to the U.S. embassy for in-person interviews or wait for visa approval.
- ESTA Application: Instead of a visa, travelers will use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an online system that checks travelers before they board a plane or ship to the United States 🇺🇸. It is valid for two years and allows multiple trips.
- Data Sharing: Cyprus and the United States 🇺🇸 will share travel and security information. This helps both countries keep travelers safe and prevent crime.
To use the VWP, Cypriot travelers will need to:
- Have an e-passport with an electronic chip.
- Apply for ESTA online before traveling. The official ESTA application can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
- Travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days for business or tourism.
- Skip the visa process and embassy interview if traveling under VWP rules.
Why Is This Important for Cyprus?
Joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program is a big step for Cyprus. It will make travel to the United States 🇺🇸 much easier for families, students, businesspeople, and tourists. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the move is expected to boost tourism, business ties, and cultural exchange between Cyprus and the United States 🇺🇸.
Government officials in Cyprus have highlighted the importance of this achievement. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis and President Nikos Christodoulides both confirmed that all technical and legal requirements have been met. They say that joining the VWP will help Cyprus strengthen its relationship with the United States 🇺🇸 and open new opportunities for its people.
Statements from Key Officials
President Nikos Christodoulides said, “Cyprus has worked hard to meet all the requirements for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. We are now waiting for the final decision from the U.S. Congress. This will be a historic moment for our country.”
U.S. officials have also recognized Cyprus’s efforts. After their inspections in April 2025, they confirmed that Cyprus is following all the rules needed for VWP membership. The final decision now rests with the U.S. Congress, which will review the recommendation in September 2025.
Background: A Decade-Long Effort
Cyprus has wanted to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for more than ten years. The process gained speed after Cyprus ended its citizenship-by-investment program in 2020. Since then, the country has focused on improving security and working more closely with U.S. agencies.
Cyprus’s low visa refusal rate and new security laws have helped its case. The country’s leaders have made VWP membership a top priority, seeing it as a way to bring Cyprus closer to the United States 🇺🇸 and the wider world.
How Does the U.S. Visa Waiver Program Work?
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program lets citizens of approved countries travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for short visits without a visa. Instead, travelers use the ESTA system to get permission before their trip. The program is designed to make travel easier while keeping security strong.
To join the VWP, a country must:
- Have a low visa refusal rate (below 3%)
- Use secure, electronic passports
- Share information with U.S. authorities about crime and terrorism
- Pass regular security checks and inspections
Cyprus now meets all these requirements.
What Is ESTA and How Do You Apply?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an online form that travelers fill out before going to the United States 🇺🇸. The form asks for basic information, such as your name, passport number, and travel plans. It also checks if you are eligible to travel under the VWP.
To apply for ESTA:
- Go to the official ESTA website.
- Fill out the online form with your personal and passport details.
- Pay the application fee (currently $21 as of 2025).
- Wait for approval, which usually comes within minutes.
- Print or save your ESTA approval to show at the airport.
ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple trips, but each visit must be 90 days or less.
Who Will Benefit from Cyprus Joining the VWP?
Many groups in Cyprus will benefit from joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program:
- Tourists: Easier travel means more Cypriots can visit family, friends, or tourist sites in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Business Travelers: Companies can send employees to the United States 🇺🇸 for meetings, conferences, or deals without waiting for a visa.
- Students: While the VWP is not for long-term study, students visiting for short courses or campus tours will find it easier to travel.
- Families: Relatives can visit each other more easily, especially for special events or emergencies.
The travel industry in Cyprus also expects a rise in U.S.-bound trips. Airlines, travel agencies, and hotels may see more business as travel becomes simpler.
Security and Data Sharing
One of the main reasons for the long approval process is security. The United States 🇺🇸 wants to make sure that all VWP countries can share information about crime, terrorism, and travelers. Cyprus has now set up secure digital links with U.S. agencies. This means both countries can quickly share information if needed.
Security experts say this is a big step. It helps keep both countries safe while allowing more people to travel freely. Cyprus’s new laws and agreements show that it takes security seriously.
What Happens Next?
The next big step is the recommendation to the U.S. Congress in September 2025. Congress will review all the documents and decide if Cyprus can join the VWP. If Congress approves, there will be a three-month period for U.S. systems to update and include Cyprus.
If everything goes as planned, Cypriot citizens could start traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 without a visa by late 2025 or early 2026. However, if there are delays and the process is not finished in 2025, Cyprus would have to start over with a new evaluation cycle.
What Should Cypriot Travelers Do Now?
While waiting for the final decision, Cypriot citizens can prepare by:
- Making sure they have an e-passport with an electronic chip
- Learning about the ESTA application process
- Watching for official updates from the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus and the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
For the latest information, travelers can visit the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus visa page or use the U.S. State Department’s VWP information page.
Expert and Industry Perspectives
Security experts have praised Cyprus for meeting strict U.S. standards. They say the new data-sharing systems and security checks are important for keeping both countries safe.
Travel industry leaders expect a big increase in trips to the United States 🇺🇸 once the VWP is in place. They believe this will help tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
Policy analysts point out that Cyprus’s success could inspire other European Union countries to improve their own systems and apply for the VWP.
Summary Table: Cyprus and U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) – July 2025
| Aspect | Current Status (July 2025) | Next Steps / Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Requirements | Fully resolved | N/A |
| Legislative Requirements | Completed (July 17, 2025 agreement ratified) | N/A |
| Visa Refusal Rate | 2.16% (well below 3% threshold) | N/A |
| U.S. Inspections | Completed (April 2025) | N/A |
| Congressional Recommendation | Expected September 2025 | Await decision |
| Implementation | 3-month adjustment period post-approval | Visa-free travel late 2025/early 2026 |
| Affected Travelers | Cypriot citizens with e-passports | Apply for ESTA, travel up to 90 days |
Cyprus ended its citizenship-by-investment program
Earlier laws passed related to security
U.S. officials inspected Cyprus’s ports and airports
Cyprus ratified a new agreement with the United States to fight serious crime
Final recommendation for Cyprus’s inclusion expected to reach U.S. Congress
What If There Are Delays?
Cyprus has called 2025 a “make-or-break” year for joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If the process is not finished this year, Cyprus will have to start over with a new evaluation. This would mean more waiting and more work for both countries.
Officials in Cyprus are hopeful that the U.S. Congress will approve the recommendation quickly. They say that all requirements have been met and that Cyprus is ready to join the program.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Cyprus stands on the edge of a major change in its relationship with the United States 🇺🇸. If Congress approves, Cypriot citizens will soon enjoy visa-free travel, making it easier to visit, do business, and connect with family and friends in the United States 🇺🇸.
Travelers should prepare by getting an e-passport and learning about the ESTA system. For the most up-to-date information, keep an eye on official announcements from the U.S. Embassy in Cyprus and the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For more details on the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and how it works, visit the U.S. State Department’s official VWP page.
As Cyprus moves closer to joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, the benefits for travelers, businesses, and families are clear. The final decision now rests with the U.S. Congress, and all eyes will be on September 2025 for the next chapter in this important story.
Learn Today
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) → U.S. program allowing citizens of approved countries to travel visa-free for short visits.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an online travel permission system for VWP travelers.
Visa refusal rate → Percentage of visa applications denied, which must be below 3% for VWP eligibility.
E-passport → Passport with an embedded electronic chip that stores biometric data for security.
U.S. Congress → The legislative body that reviews and approves country entries into the VWP.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cyprus nears joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, easing travel for citizens. Congress reviews final recommendation September 2025. Visa-free trips up to 90 days with ESTA will simplify business, tourism, and family visits, boosting bilateral relations significantly by early 2026, marking a historic milestone for Cyprus and the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com
