From 3 August 2026, old-style Cypriot identity cards can no longer be used as travel documents within the EU and the Schengen Area. This is an important change for residents of the island who were used to travelling around Europe using only their Cypriot ID. The change is linked to European security requirements for national identity cards. Documents without a machine-readable zone (MRZ) and the required set of security features under ICAO 9303 standards are gradually being phased out as travel documents.
For old-style Cypriot IDs that did not have an expiry date, a specific deadline was set for their use for travel — 3 August 2026. In practice, the rule is simple: for travel outside Cyprus, it is now better to carry a valid passport or a modern biometric identity card. The old blue ID card can still be used within Cyprus where proof of identity is required.
Cyprus has been issuing biometric identity cards since August 2020. They contain a microchip with the holder’s biometric data. At the same time, the digital ID card available in the “Digital Citizen” app does not replace the physical document for international travel. From 20 August 2026, parents were also given the option to add the digital identity cards of their minor children to the app, provided the child has a valid physical ID card.
United Kingdom: ETA now costs £20
Cypriot citizens planning a trip to the United Kingdom are subject to a separate requirement. Since 2 April 2025, EU citizens, including Cypriots, have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance for short stays in the UK unless they have another legal basis for entry.
From 8 April 2026, the cost of an ETA increased from £16 to £20. ETA is not a visa. It allows travel to the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man for stays of up to 6 months per visit. The authorisation is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is linked to a specific passport, so if the passport is replaced, a new ETA must be obtained.
A separate application is required for every traveller, including children. UK authorities recommend using the official GOV.UK service, as third-party websites may charge additional fees. Carriers check that passengers have the necessary authorisation before boarding.
United States, Schengen and new European systems
Despite the growing strength of the Cypriot passport, the United States remains one of the notable destinations where Cypriot citizens still require a visa. Cyprus is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so tourist and business trips still require a B-1/B-2 visa rather than ESTA.
Overall, the Cypriot passport remains one of the strongest in the world. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Cyprus ranks 13th, moving up one position compared with the previous year. Holders of a Cypriot passport have access to 175 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance or with a visa on arrival.
Another issue is Cyprus’s accession to the Schengen Area. At present, Cyprus is not yet a full member of the Schengen Area, so travel between Cyprus and Schengen countries continues to take place on the basis that the island is outside the common area without internal border procedures.
The accession process is continuing. The European Commission has previously noted significant progress by Cyprus in preparing for the full application of Schengen rules. In 2025, the European Commission carried out monitoring of the country’s readiness, after which the Cypriot authorities continued the necessary reforms and technical preparations.
EES and ETIAS: what Cypriots need to know
It is important not to confuse the new European systems. EES — the Entry/Exit System — is intended primarily for citizens of non-EU countries making short-term visits to the Schengen Area. The system has been fully operational at the external borders of participating countries since 10 April 2026 and records passport details, facial images, fingerprints, and information on entry and exit. EU citizens, including Cypriot citizens, are not registered in EES.
ETIAS is a completely different system. It is intended for citizens of third countries who do not require a Schengen visa. As EU citizens, Cypriots are not subject to this requirement either. The European Commission has not yet launched ETIAS and has not yet announced an exact start date.
For residents of Cyprus, ETIAS may be relevant in another context — when travelling with friends or relatives who are citizens of countries whose nationals will need such authorisation.
Finally, when planning a trip, travellers should check not only whether their passport is valid, but also the specific passport-validity requirements of the destination country. Some countries apply a 6-month validity rule, while others additionally require that the passport was issued no more than 10 years ago. For travel in 2026, it is important to carefully check the document being used, the entry requirements of the destination country, and whether any prior electronic authorisation is required. Rules may differ even for destinations that Cypriot passport holders can visit without a visa.