Cyprus Closer to Joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

The number of Cypriots whose visa applications to the United States were rejected has now fallen below the minimum threshold required for Cyprus to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

According to Deputy President Irini Piki, the visa rejection rate for Cypriots has dropped to just 2.16%. This means Cyprus now meets the necessary criteria to be included in the program.

This milestone reflects the significant progress the Cypriot government has made through technical consultations with the U.S., bringing the country closer to joining the Visa Waiver Program.

"We remain focused on our goal of Cyprus joining the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by 2025. We will continue to work systematically toward this objective, allowing Cypriot citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without the need for a visa," stated Irini Piki.

Julie Fisher, the U.S. Ambassador to Nicosia, also commented on the development, calling it "a major milestone that brings Cyprus one step closer to joining the Visa Waiver Program and offering Cypriots the opportunity to travel to the U.S. without a visa."

Earlier, government spokesperson Constantinos Letimbiotis mentioned that Cyprus was very close to reaching the target of a 3% visa rejection rate last year.

If Cyprus secures visa-free entry for its citizens, it will join 42 countries, including 24 European Union member states, that currently participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Instead of applying for a visa, Cypriot citizens would only need to complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days per visit.