Cyprus is a diverse country, home to residents from various nations, including India. If you have family members residing in Cyprus, you can pay them a visit by obtaining a Cyprus visit visa. This enchanting country offers a fantastic destination for your vacation.

What is a Cyprus Visit Visa?

Cyprus offers various short-term visas for visitors. One common option is the visitor visa, often categorized as a single-entry visa. It shares similarities with the tourist visa but serves a different purpose, requiring additional documentation. This visa is essential when you plan to visit family or friends in Cyprus. To secure a visitor visa, you’ll need an invitation from your host in Cyprus. The visa’s validity is typically 180 days, extendable as needed.

How to Apply for a Cyprus Visit Visa

The application process for a Cyprus visit visa is primarily offline, conducted through certified visa application centers or directly at the High Commission. However, before starting your application, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including having a valid passport and the necessary documents. Adherence to guidelines provided by the Consulate and the Civil Registry and Immigration Department is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Cyprus visit visa:

1. Visit the official website of the Cyprus High Commission.
2. Go to the visa section and locate the Cyprus visit visa application form.
3. Download and print the visa application form.
4. Complete the form with your details from your passport and other documents.
5. Sign the form and attach the required supporting documents.
6. Submit the completed and signed visa application form to the Cyprus High Commission in New Delhi.

When completing the application form, ensure that the information matches your passport and other relevant documents. Any incorrect or unverifiable information can lead to visa rejection, impacting future visa applications. To avoid this, consider seeking professional advice to ensure error-free submissions.

Eligibility

To obtain a visitor visa, certain factors must be considered, and eligibility criteria must be met before applying:

• Proof of the purpose of your visit is required.
• If visiting family or friends, you must provide an invitation letter from your host in Cyprus.
• Your visit should be for tourism or visiting acquaintances, without seeking or undertaking employment.
• Meeting health requirements is mandatory; you must be fit to travel to Cyprus.
• A medical test before traveling and relevant documentary proof may be required.
• Age limits may apply for work permits.
• Good character and genuine intentions are essential; you may need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as proof.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover your stay and expenses in Cyprus, supported by bank statements or equivalent documents.

Documents Required

When applying for a Cyprus visit visa, specific documents are needed:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your travel date.
• A completed and signed visa application form.
• Colored passport-sized photographs meeting specified criteria.
• A cover letter with all necessary details.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Proof of income tax returns.
• Travel health insurance.
• A detailed itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation, such as an invitation letter or hotel reservation.
• Proof of the purpose of your visit, such as an invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds, supported by bank statements or equivalent documents.
• Proof of identification and nationality, such as a PAN card or Aadhaar card.

Note: If you wish to retain your original documents, you can mail the required originals along with photocopies. Documents must be in English, Greek, or Turkish. For documents in other languages, certified translations and attestation are necessary.

Cyprus Visit Visa Photo Specifications

Ensure your visa photos adhere to these specifications:

• Provide two copies.
• Photo size: 40 mm x 50 mm.
• Colored copies are required.
• The face should cover about 70-80% of the frame (32 mm x 36 mm).
• The head should be well-centered.
• The photo should be no older than six months.
• Maintain a white background.
• Maintain a neutral facial expression.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgear is allowed for religious reasons only.
• Clothing should not match the background.

Cyprus Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Cyprus tourist visa typically takes around 15 days. However, this duration can vary depending on factors like the workload at the Consular office, staff availability, and the completeness of your documents. Be aware that these factors may influence processing times.

Visa Fees

Visa fees are payable when you submit your visa application form. These fees must be paid in cash and in Indian Rupees (INR). It covers document processing and data verification. Note that the Consulate does not accept ₹500 notes.

After Submission

During the submission process, keep these important points in mind:

• Submitted documents must be in good condition, and no appointment is necessary for submission.
• The fully filled and signed visa application form can be submitted either at the visa application center or directly to the Consulate.
• The application form must be submitted in person.
• If you reside more than 200 miles (300 km) away from the Consulate or do not have access to a nearby visa application center, you can mail the documents via a registered courier service.
• When mailing documents, ensure they are sent in a special envelope, self-addressed, and prepaid for the safe return of your documents and passport.
• Submit your application at least 15 days before your travel date.
• If any amendments are required in the application, inform the Consulate.
• In case of plan changes or the need to cancel your application, notify the Consulate. Visa fees are generally non-refundable.

Checking Visa Status

As Cyprus visas are processed offline, you can check your application’s status by contacting the Visa Application Center or calling the Consulate. Ensure you have your visa application number for status inquiries.

Upon Receiving Your Visa

Once you’ve received your Cyprus visit visa, it’s crucial to follow the rules and ensure your visa remains valid:

Before You Travel

• Note the visa’s expiry date and the number of allowed entries. Do not stay beyond the visa’s expiration.
• Travel to Cyprus within your visa’s validity period.
• Carry copies of your passport and other travel documents while in Cyprus.
• Obtain health and travel insurance from a certified provider.

At the Border

• Have your documents checked, and your passport verified.
• Get an entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult airport authorities for any necessary assistance.
• Review your visa copy for additional guidelines and rules.

During Your Stay in Cyprus

• Refrain from engaging in any form of employment; volunteering is allowed.
• Avoid restricted tourist areas.
• Do not overstay; apply for a visa extension if needed.