Cyprus Plans to Join the Schengen Zone by the End of 2025: Details and Implications

Cyprus is taking significant steps toward joining the Schengen Zone by the end of 2025, marking a major milestone in its integration into the European Union’s free movement framework. President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the country is on track to resolve all necessary technical and political issues, with the goal of boosting tourism and economic growth.

The Path to Schengen Membership

Since joining the European Union in 2004, Cyprus has remained outside the Schengen Zone, which allows for passport-free travel between member states. Currently, Cyprus and Ireland are the only EU countries not part of this arrangement. The Schengen Zone expanded in January 2025 to include Romania and Bulgaria, bringing the total number of member states to 29.

President Christodoulides emphasized that joining Schengen will strengthen Cyprus’s position as a key tourism destination. Speaking to Politico, he stated:
“We have addressed all political concerns regarding the ceasefire line and are now finalizing the technical details required for accession.”

A critical step toward Schengen membership was Cyprus’s integration into the Schengen Information System (SIS), which became operational in the country in July 2023. However, the evaluation of Cyprus’s readiness for full membership is ongoing, and the government is working to meet all requirements.

Parallel Progress on U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Alongside efforts to join the Schengen Zone, Cyprus is advancing its negotiations to participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). President Christodoulides revealed that discussions with the U.S. are nearing completion, and an American delegation is expected to visit Cyprus soon to finalize the process.

The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for short-term visits without obtaining a visa. The key hurdle for Cyprus is reducing its visa refusal rate to below the required 3%. According to a 2023 report by VisaGuide.World, Cyprus’s refusal rate stood at 4.48%, close to the target.

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis expressed optimism about meeting the requirement:
“We are very close to achieving the necessary refusal rate. The three-percent threshold is challenging, but we are confident that it is attainable.”

Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

Both initiatives aim to enhance Cyprus’s appeal as a travel destination and improve its global connectivity. Tourism is a cornerstone of the Cypriot economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and cultural exchange. Joining Schengen will simplify travel for millions of visitors from Schengen member states, while the Visa Waiver Program will provide Cypriots with greater access to the U.S., fostering bilateral tourism and business opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Meeting Schengen’s strict technical and security standards requires substantial investment in border management and digital infrastructure. Additionally, achieving the U.S. visa refusal target demands further efforts to streamline application processes and address common grounds for denial.

Cyprus’s bid to join the Schengen Zone and the U.S. Visa Waiver Program represents a dual effort to enhance its global integration and economic potential. If successful, these initiatives will position the country as a more attractive destination for tourism and business, while providing Cypriot citizens with broader mobility rights. However, the path ahead requires rigorous compliance with international standards and careful navigation of logistical and political challenges. Achieving these milestones could mark a transformative moment for Cyprus’s international standing and economic resilience.