Starting in 2022, Russians will only be able to travel to Cyprus with a national or Schengen visa. Therefore, it is important to calculate how many days you will be staying on the island to ensure you remain within the law. The calculations are not that difficult to do yourself, but to make it easier, you can familiarize yourself with the nuances and examples.
What does the 90/180 day rule mean?
The 90/180 system is a common restriction on foreigners' stays in many countries. On average, it allows for three months of legal stay within a six-month period. Visitors to Cyprus may spend a maximum of 90 days (in total) on vacation or for other purposes during any 180-day period.
To avoid exceeding the limit, it is recommended that you keep a travel calendar where you can mark the dates, or use an online calculator. This meticulous approach will help you plan your vacation, leave on time, and avoid unnecessary questions from immigration services or an unpleasant travel ban.
Tip: Even a handwritten note in a regular diary or calendar can serve as a useful reminder.
Are the days of entry and departure included in the calculation?
Yes, the days of entry and departure are always included in the calculation. Even if a tourist crosses the border late in the evening, the entire day is included in the total. For this reason, it is advisable to keep all tickets until the end of the 180-day period, as they can be used to prove the dates of entry and departure in case of any disputes.
How do you calculate the 180-day period?
To understand the calculations, it is best to look at a specific example. Suppose you plan to fly to Cyprus on July 2, 2025, and return on July 19, 2025. Prior to this, you took two trips: the first from November 25, 2024, to December 25, 2024, and the second from April 4, 2025, to May 2, 2025.
First, determine which trips fall within the calculation period. Subtract 180 days from the planned departure date (July 19) to find the cutoff date: January 20, 2025. Anything that ended before this date is not taken into account. However, it is important that the previous 180-day period end on this date.
The first trip ended on December 25, meaning it did not fall within this period and can be disregarded. The second trip, however, falls entirely within the period. It should be noted, though, that 29 days in Cyprus from April 4 to May 2 have already been used.
How to Calculate 90 Days of Stay in Cyprus
The new trip will take another 18 days (July 2 to July 19). This means that the total stay in Cyprus for the selected 180-day period will be 47 days (29 days already used plus 18 days remaining). After the permitted period, 43 days remain. This means you can plan your vacation with peace of mind, as you have a substantial "reserve."
To ensure that everything goes according to plan, it is best to enter the dates and number of days in a table or app in advance and save them with your insurance and tickets. Some tourists set additional reminders so as not to lose track — some people find this method easier.
How to Stay in Cyprus for Longer
For short stays, a single-entry Type C tourist visa is most often used. It is issued to those who book a hotel or come at the invitation of friends. This option has been popular for several years, especially among Russians, since 2022. With this visa, you do not need to count how many days your trip will last because it is a single-entry visa.
Multiple-entry tourist, guest, Bulgarian, and Romanian visas allow you to return to Cyprus several times during the permitted period, i.e., six months. These visas are more often issued upon invitation from relatives who legally reside in the country.
A Schengen multi-entry visa allows you to travel to Cyprus and through the countries of the Schengen area. However, you must first enter through the territory of the country that issued the visa.
If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days within six months, you will need a category D visa. You can obtain it through the consulate by submitting an extended set of documents. This type of visa is valid for up to one year and is ideal for studying, working, or doing internships. The requirements are usually stricter and depend on the purpose and circumstances. To stay on the island for several years, you must apply for a residence or permanent residence permit.
Tip: Many companies can help you compile a complete set of documents and calculate how much time you have spent and can spend in Cyprus. They also accept card payments that work abroad.
DOM Real Estate Agency website provides up-to-date information on entry rules, travel, car rentals, attractions, events, and local news. DOM website also has the larges database of properies in Cyprus available for long term rental and for purchase.
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