ATHENS — January 11, 2025
Cyprus is on track to resolve all technical requirements necessary to join the Schengen free-travel zone by the end of this year, according to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
Cyprus and Ireland remain the only European Union member states outside the Schengen area, which allows passport-free travel among 27 nations. On January 1, Romania and Bulgaria became the newest members of the Schengen zone.
Speaking at a conference in Nicosia on Friday, President Christodoulides announced that Cyprus has addressed political concerns regarding the cease-fire line dividing the island since 1974 and is finalizing the technical requirements for accession.
Benefits of Schengen Membership
President Christodoulides emphasized the significant advantages of joining the Schengen area, particularly for tourism and investment. “Schengen membership will enhance Cyprus’s appeal as a destination and bolster investor confidence,” he stated. A specialized task force within the foreign ministry is overseeing the integration process.
Cyprus, an EU member since 2004, already enjoys freedom of movement across the bloc, but the island itself is not part of the Schengen zone. This unique situation stems from Cyprus’s division between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish-occupied north since 1974.
Challenges of Division and Border Management
The potential accession of Cyprus to the Schengen area raises complex issues related to its division. The Green Line, currently a buffer zone, would become an external EU border under Schengen rules, necessitating passport checks at crossing points. Experts warn this could increase tensions and alter the status quo.
EU officials have stressed the importance of amending the Green Line Regulation, which currently governs movement across the island, to accommodate Cyprus’s Schengen integration.
European Commission Support
The European Commission reiterated its commitment to supporting Cyprus’s Schengen bid. A Commission spokesperson stated that the ongoing first-time Schengen evaluation of Cyprus includes additional visits in 2025 to assess compliance with technical requirements.
The spokesperson welcomed Cyprus’s creation of a dedicated task force to address outstanding issues and noted that European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner will visit Cyprus this week to review progress.
U.S. Visa Waiver Progress
President Christodoulides also revealed that Cyprus is nearing the elimination of the U.S. visa requirement for Cypriot travelers. An American delegation is expected to visit Cyprus soon to finalize the process, with formal announcements anticipated in the near future.
With momentum building on multiple fronts, Cyprus appears poised to solidify its integration into global and European systems, marking a pivotal year for the island nation.
