Cyprus visa rules: who needs a visa and who can enter visa-free
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa for Cyprus, while British, US, Canadian, Australian and many other passport holders can make short visits without one, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other nationalities generally need a visa in advance unless a specific exemption applies. The guidance, last checked on October 13, 2026, covers holidays, family visits, short business trips and transit, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes the visa-exempt categories and countries and the visa-required countries, including footnotes on biometric passports and special travel documents.
Visa-free entry only covers short stays, so anyone planning to live, work or retire in Cyprus must use the separate residency route rather than rely on the 90/180-day rule. Travellers should check their own passport category and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs footnotes before booking.