The Schengen zone, comprising 29 European countries and over 448 million citizens across 4.7 million km², offers one of the world’s largest areas of free movement. Non-EU citizens with a Schengen visa can travel within this vast zone without internal border controls—a symbol of unity, freedom, and economic opportunity.
For Cyprus, joining the Schengen Area has long been a strategic goal. After years of delay—largely due to Green Line security concerns—progress finally accelerated. On July 25, 2023, the European Union approved Cyprus’s entry into the Schengen Information System (SIS). This marks a critical first step, as Cyprus is now under evaluation for full membership. The next milestone will be unanimous approval from the EU Council, pending Cyprus's compliance with all Schengen criteria.
What is Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa allows non-EU citizens to travel within the Schengen zone, which includes 29 countries and covers 4,718,84 km² with a population of 448 million. These countries have no internal borders, allowing free movement.
Cyprus' application to join the Schengen zone was pending for years due to issues with Green Line security. On July 25, 2023, the EU approved its entry into the Schengen Information System. Cyprus will now be examined to ensure it meets the criteria for joining the Schengen zone. Once compliance is confirmed, unanimous approval from the EU council is required. Cyprus is currently categorized as a Schengen member, indicating all external controls are met, with internal controls of the Green Line pending examination.
Cyprus aims to join the Schengen zone to benefit economically by attracting investors, facilitating business growth, and removing bureaucratic barriers. Located between the Middle East and Europe, Cyprus is an ideal spot for companies to set up headquarters, offering management easier travel without visa restrictions.
Increased travel to Cyprus offers economic benefits, but addressing the Green Line issue is crucial. Cyprus should implement stricter rules at checkpoints for arrivals from occupied areas, enhancing border control, security, and data management.
Advantages of entering
- Freedom of movement: Travel within the zone without passport controls.
- Economic benefits: Increased trade and business growth between zone countries.
- Tourism: Attract tourists worldwide without visa requirements.
- Security: Zone countries share security data for improved safety.
- Investments
- The island will be attractive to various business and be able to attract new business in the trading sector, funds, mergers, since by joining the zone, the island will enjoy the benefit of a safer and a more stable place to visit.
Disadvantages of entering
- Immigration
- Opening the borders can result in increased immigration from other countries.
- Security
- The Green line is the most crucial point where can make it easier for terrorist, criminals, to move easily. Cyprus may need to receive help from an external and more intelligence county, on how to achieve the expected results.
- Economic
- Countries within the zone with high GDP may experience advantages in terms of workforce, while those with low GDP may encounter challenges in adapting to the new workforce supply.
- Administrative issues
- Implementing and maintaining an effective security system related to the Greenline is a significant administrative concern for Cyprus. The zone agreement demands substantial effort.
Schengen visa:
- Types:
- Single entry – where entry is allowed to Schengen zone only once
- Multiple entry – where entry is allowed multiple times the Schengen zone.
- Airport transit – allow to transit through the international airport within a Schengen zone.
- How long you can stay in a country:
Having a Schengen visa allows to the holder to stay within the zone not more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Apply for a Schengen visa:
Who needs to apply:
- Citizens that are non - EU citizens.
Where to apply:
- Applications needs to be done to the consulate of the country the citizen intends to travel. If visiting more than one country, then you will need to apply to the consulate of the country that you will spend more days or be the first country that you will visit.
When to apply:
- Submission of the application must be done at least 15 days prior of the trip and no earlier than 6 months.
Documents needed to apply:
- A valid passport
- Visa application
- Photo
- Medical insurance
- Fingerprints
- Supporting documents
- Purpose of the stay
- Evidence of the financial status
- Accommodation during the stay
- A prove that after the trip you will return to your home country.
Approval / Refusal:
- Application approved = visa on the passport
- Rejection = reason of rejection