Information has appeared on the official websites of Turkish consular services announcing significant changes to entry rules for citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. Starting from 2 January 2026, travel to Turkey will only be possible with a visa obtained in advance. Previously, Cypriot citizens were able to receive a visa on arrival, but this practice is being completely abolished.
Under the new rules, visas must be obtained exclusively through Turkish embassies or consulates abroad. The option to receive entry permission at the border will no longer be available, meaning travelers will need to plan trips more carefully and submit documentation well in advance.
Confirmation and media reaction
The changes have already been confirmed by Turkish media outlets, although no formal statements have yet been issued by Turkey’s relevant authorities at the time of publication. Nevertheless, the appearance of this information on official consular resources is considered sufficient grounds to begin preparing for the new entry requirements. Experts note that such measures are rarely purely technical and often reflect deeper political dynamics in the region.
Geopolitical context and reasons for the change
Political analysts link the tightening of visa rules to broader tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. In late December 2025, Cyprus, Greece, and Israel held another trilateral summit, reaffirming their intention to continue cooperation in the areas of security, energy, and regional coordination. This partnership framework excludes Turkey, which experts believe has contributed to a cooling of diplomatic relations.
Against the backdrop of energy projects, maritime boundary disputes, and strategic influence in the region, visa policy is increasingly viewed as an additional tool for signaling political positions and exerting pressure.
What this means for travelers and businesses
For citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, the new rules mean that trips to Turkey will require advance planning, taking visa processing times into account. This could affect both tourism flows and business contacts, particularly in sectors such as trade, logistics, and real estate.
Tourism industry specialists note that such changes may reduce spontaneous travel and increase the administrative burden on travelers. At the same time, much will depend on how simple and efficient the new visa procedure proves to be in practice.
Outlook and possible scenarios
It remains unclear whether this decision is intended as a long-term policy or a temporary measure. What is evident, however, is that visa policy between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus has become another reflection of the complex political processes unfolding in the Eastern Mediterranean. Experts do not rule out the possibility that entry conditions could be revised if the geopolitical situation changes, but for now Cypriot citizens are advised to prepare for the new rules and factor them into future travel plans.