Cyprus Passport Holders May Soon Enter the U.S. Without a Visa

President Nikos Christodoulides and Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letimbiotis made statements regarding this development yesterday.

According to reports from Fileleftheros and other newspapers, Christodoulides expressed hope that the goal of removing the U.S. entry visa requirement by the end of 2024 or early 2025 could be achieved. He highlighted the significance of the "Strategic Dialogue Establishment Agreement" between South Cyprus and the U.S., which involves multiple ministries and areas such as energy, urging ministers to work towards implementing the agreement.

Christodoulides emphasized the necessity of collaboration from everyone to achieve the inclusion of Cyprus passport holders in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. He stated that they are in the final stage of this goal and expects concerted efforts from all parties involved.

Statements by Letimbiotis

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letimbiotis, after a Cabinet meeting, reiterated that the target of visa-free entry to the U.S. for Cyprus passport holders by the end of 2024 or early 2025 is feasible. Letimbiotis mentioned that a practical challenge remains on the U.S. side: the visa refusal rate must be less than 3%. This means that fewer than 3 out of every 100 Cyprus passport holders' visa applications should be rejected.

In response to a question, Letimbiotis clarified that any country applying for this program must accept the criterion of a low visa refusal rate.