United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor Cyprus passport holders
Cypriot citizens can visit the UK without a visa for stays up to 180 days. Post-Brexit, the UK introduced a visa-free policy for EU citizens for short visits, and Cyprus is included. As a former British Crown Colony (until 1960) with two permanent UK Sovereign Base Areas (Akrotiri and Dhekelia), the UK-Cyprus relationship is uniquely close.
Great news! Cyprus passport holders can enter United Kingdom without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 180 days.
No visa required for tourist visits. Note: Since 2024, the UK has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for certain non-British nationals, including EU citizens. Cypriot citizens must obtain an ETA before travel. The ETA costs GBP 10 (approximately $12) and can be obtained online through the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
ETA application
Applied online at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation before travel.
Required at Entry
Valid Cypriot passport
Must be valid for the full duration of stay in the UK.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Required since late 2024 for EU citizens visiting the UK. Apply at gov.uk. Cost: GBP 10.
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from the UK.
Proof of sufficient funds Recommended
May be requested; credit card or bank statement.
Proof of accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or host invitation.
Current Travel Situation
Cyprus to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
After Brexit (January 2020), EU citizens no longer have automatic freedom of movement in the UK. However, the UK introduced a visitor visa exemption for EU member state passport holders including Cyprus, allowing stays up to 6 months (180 days) for tourism and short visits. EU citizens can no longer work or study in the UK without specific visas. Cyprus has a particularly close relationship with the UK: it was a British Crown Colony until independence in 1960, and two UK Sovereign Base Areas (Akrotiri and Dhekelia) remain on Cyprus. Large Cypriot diaspora communities exist throughout the UK, particularly in London.
How to Get There
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) at GBP 10 is the standard entry requirement for Cypriot citizens since late 2024. Apply at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation before booking flights.
Money & Banking
Cyprus uses the Euro (EUR). The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Currency exchange is available at Larnaca airport. ATMs are widely available in the UK. Cards are universally accepted.
Practical Tips
London is one of the world's greatest cities, offering world-class (and mostly free) museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, V&A), extraordinary theatre (West End), diverse food, and iconic landmarks. Beyond London: Edinburgh (castle, festivals), the Scottish Highlands, Wales, the Cotswolds, and Northern Ireland (Giant's Causeway) offer very different experiences. The UK drives on the left. Tipping (10 to 15 percent) is customary in restaurants. UK weather is famously unpredictable; pack layers and waterproof clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cypriot citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No traditional visa is required, but since late 2024, Cypriot citizens must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. It costs GBP 10.
What is the UK ETA and do Cypriots need it?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital pre-travel authorization introduced for visitors from visa-free countries, including EU nationals. Apply at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation for GBP 10.
How long can Cypriot citizens stay in the UK?
Cypriot citizens can stay in the UK for up to 180 days (6 months) as visitors. This changed after Brexit; EU citizens no longer have automatic long-term residency rights in the UK.
Why does the UK have Sovereign Bases in Cyprus?
When Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, the UK retained two Sovereign Base Areas (SBA): Akrotiri in the south and Dhekelia in the east. These remain British Overseas Territory and are used as military bases.
Can Cypriot citizens work in the UK post-Brexit?
No. After Brexit, EU citizens including Cypriots require a specific work visa (Skilled Worker visa) to work in the UK. The freedom of movement that applied before December 2020 no longer exists.
Are there direct flights from Cyprus to the UK?
Yes. Numerous direct flights connect Larnaca and Paphos to London (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Birmingham, and other UK cities. The UK is one of the most connected international routes from Cyprus.
What currency does the UK use?
The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Euros are not generally accepted in the UK. Currency exchange is available at airports and throughout the country.
Is there a large Cypriot community in the UK?
Yes. One of the world's largest Cypriot diaspora communities lives in the UK, particularly in London (North London areas like Haringey, Enfield, and Southgate have significant Cypriot-origin populations). This reflects the historical ties between Cyprus and the UK.