Traveling will become easier: Cyprus aims to join the Schengen Zone in 2024
Cyprus' accession to the EU's Schengen area and visa-free travel program is among the country's priorities for 2024, as stated by Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos.
Cyprus is currently undergoing the Schengen assessment process to determine the country's readiness to become part of Schengen. This information is reported on the Schengenvisainfo website.
Minister Konstantinos Kombos envisions his country joining the passport-free zone in 2024, as mentioned during the presentation of his ministry's action plan for 2023-2024.
Although Cyprus is not currently a member of the Schengen area, it has been a part of the European Union since May 1, 2004. As a result, citizens of all EU countries have the right to travel to Cyprus without visas. Additionally, citizens of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway can also travel to Cyprus without visas.
On July 25th of this year, Cyprus was granted access to the Schengen Information System (SIS) for border security and management in Europe. At that time, Luca Tagliaretti, the Deputy Executive Director of EU-LISA, considered Nicosia's entry into the system as an important milestone for EU-Lisa and the EU.
"Eu-LISA would like to congratulate all parties involved in reaching this milestone. Without the close cooperation and commitment demonstrated over the past few years, today's successful integration would not have taken place," added Luca Tagliaretti.
In addition to anticipating becoming the newest member of the Schengen area, Nicosia is also seeking to join the US Visa Waiver Program.