Cyprus continues to seek visa-free travel to the United States, but the process has stalled again. According to information published on August 25, US authorities confirmed Cyprus’s technical progress and its compliance with the necessary requirements. However, Washington is currently reviewing the Visa Waiver Program as a whole and is not admitting any new countries. There is still no timeline for when Cyprus’s application will resume being considered.
The latest talks took place in July 2026, when US Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Rob Lowe visited Cyprus on July 13 and 14. Following meetings with representatives of the Cypriot government, both sides confirmed that the technical criteria had been met and that the next steps depended on internal US procedures. This means that Cyprus no longer needs to address any technical obstacles — it must now wait for a decision from the American side.
What will change for Cypriot citizens
Participation in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) would allow Cypriot citizens to travel to the United States without a regular visa for tourism and business trips of up to 90 days. Instead of a visa, travellers would need to obtain an electronic ESTA authorisation. At present, 42 countries participate in the US program. Cyprus had hoped to become the 43rd. Among EU countries still outside the program are Cyprus, Romania and Bulgaria. Twenty-four of the 27 EU member states already participate in the VWP.
To join the program, Cyprus must meet a number of requirements, including:
- a non-immigrant visa refusal rate below 3%;
- secure travel documents;
- cooperation with US law enforcement and immigration authorities;
- the exchange of certain data under agreements aimed at combating serious crime.
Cyprus has already completed the technical assessment of its security systems. In addition, parliament ratified an agreement with the United States on the exchange of information concerning persons suspected of or investigated in connection with serious crimes.
Why no one is naming a date for visa-free travel anymore
The main problem is that meeting all the technical criteria does not guarantee automatic admission to the program. Romania is a telling example. Its inclusion in the program was announced on January 9, 2025, but in March of the same year the decision was suspended by the US side, and on May 2, 2025, it was cancelled.
For this reason, it is currently impossible to give a specific date for when Cypriot citizens will be able to travel to the United States without a visa. The US side must first complete its review of the program itself.
The US is also tightening traveller screening
Even if Cyprus gains access to the Visa Waiver Program, visa-free travel will not mean automatic entry into the United States. Travellers will still need to obtain ESTA authorisation and pass border control. In addition, in 2026 the United States is considering further expanding the requirements for ESTA applicants, including additional information about the applicant and their background.
As of today, Cypriot citizens still need a regular US visa to travel to the United States. In the US diplomatic system, Cyprus also remains a country where non-immigrant visas are issued. Cyprus has effectively reached the final stretch, but the finish line has been postponed. The technical requirements have been met, but Nicosia must now wait for Washington’s decision. Most importantly, there are still no official dates for the introduction of visa-free travel for Cypriot citizens.