United States Visa RequirementsFor Cyprus passport holders
Cyprus passport holders require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States. Though an EU member, Cyprus is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The application is submitted at the US Embassy in Nicosia and requires an in-person interview and an $185 fee.
Cyprus passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in Nicosia (Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi, Nicosia). Complete DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview at ais.usvisa-info.com. Bring financial statements, employment documentation, and proof of property or family in Cyprus. Approved B1/B2 visas are typically issued for 10 years.
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
DS-160 application form
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the US
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable machine-readable visa fee, paid before interview
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo, white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via the US Embassy appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com)
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties, or other evidence of return
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Cyprus to United States: What You Need to Know
Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 but is not a member of the US Visa Waiver Program, which would allow visa-free travel to the United States. The VWP requires bilateral agreements and specific eligibility criteria that Cyprus has not yet fully met. Cypriot citizens therefore require a B1/B2 visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
The Republic of Cyprus maintains strong ties with both the EU and the United States. A Cypriot-American community exists primarily in cities like New York and Los Angeles. The B1/B2 visa, once issued, is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries, with the CBP officer determining the length of each stay at the port of entry.
Note: The northern part of Cyprus is administered by Turkish Cyprus and is not recognized by the Republic of Cyprus or the EU. Travel from that area requires passing through the Republic of Cyprus or Turkey. US visa applicants must hold a Republic of Cyprus passport.
How to Get There
Fly from Larnaca International Airport (LCA) or Paphos Airport (PFO) to the United States, typically with connections through London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, or Athens. Journey time from Cyprus to New York is approximately 14 to 16 hours with one stop. British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM offer convenient connecting services.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency of the United States. Cards are accepted virtually everywhere. ATMs are available at airports and throughout all cities. Notify your Cypriot bank before travel. Daily costs in US cities range from approximately $130 to $260 USD. Tipping 18 to 20 percent in restaurants is expected and is a core part of service industry income.
Practical Tips
Appointment wait times in Nicosia are generally shorter than at busier embassies in larger EU countries. Bring original documents, not photocopies, to your interview. In the US, 911 is the emergency number. US healthcare costs are very high; comprehensive travel insurance with at least $100,000 medical coverage is strongly recommended. Sales tax is added to prices at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cyprus need a US visa if it is an EU member?
EU membership does not automatically grant access to the US Visa Waiver Program. The VWP has its own eligibility requirements including a low visa refusal rate and bilateral security agreements. Cyprus has not yet been admitted to the VWP, so Cypriot citizens must apply for a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States.
Is Cyprus on a path to joining the US Visa Waiver Program?
Cyprus has made less public progress toward VWP eligibility compared to other EU members such as Bulgaria and Romania. As of 2026, there is no confirmed timeline for Cyprus joining the VWP. Cypriot citizens should continue using the standard B1/B2 visa process.
What do I need to prove at my US visa interview in Nicosia?
The consular officer will assess whether you have strong ties to Cyprus that will compel you to return after your visit. You should bring: an employment letter from your Cypriot employer, recent bank statements showing stable finances, proof of property ownership or a long-term rental agreement, and any other evidence of roots in Cyprus such as family obligations.
Can Turkish Cypriots apply for a US visa in Nicosia?
US visa applications require a valid national passport. Turkish Cypriots typically hold Turkish or TRNC documents. The US Embassy in Nicosia primarily serves Republic of Cyprus passport holders. Turkish Cypriot citizens with Turkish passports would typically apply at the US Embassy in Ankara or another US Embassy in Turkey. Individual cases vary; consult the embassy directly.
How long is the US visa interview appointment wait in Nicosia?
The US Embassy in Nicosia handles a relatively smaller volume of visa applications than larger EU capitals, which often means shorter appointment wait times. Wait times are typically 2 to 8 weeks. Check current availability at ais.usvisa-info.com.
Does a 10-year US visa mean I can stay for 10 years?
No. The 10-year validity refers to how long you can use the visa to seek entry into the United States. Each time you enter, the CBP officer at the border determines your authorized period of stay, typically up to 6 months for tourism. You cannot extend your stay beyond what the CBP officer grants without applying for an extension through USCIS.