United States entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cyprus passport holders need a visa to enter the United States for tourism or business in 2026. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Nicosia well before your planned travel. The process includes an online application, an in-person interview, and a $185 fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. visaYou must apply for and receive a visa at a U.S. consulate before flying to the United States. Visa required | A valid U.S. visa (e.g., B-1/B-2 visitor visa) must be obtained from a U.S. embassy or consulate before travel. No visa-free entry or ESTA is available for Cypriot passport holders. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for a visa or traveling. 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page is needed for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to stamp upon arrival. At least 1 page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page (not including endorsement pages) for entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketWhile not a legal requirement, carrying a return ticket can prevent boarding issues. Not explicitly required | U.S. immigration regulations do not mandate a return or onward ticket for visa holders, but airlines may request proof of onward travel at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can support yourself during your visit. Not explicitly required | No specific amount of funds is required by U.S. immigration, but you should be able to demonstrate sufficient means to cover your stay if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any pre-arrival form beyond the visa application process. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Cypriot passport holders entering the United States. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationAll visa applications are processed in person; no online-only visa is offered. Not available | There is no eVisa option for Cypriot citizens traveling to the United States. You must apply for a visa sticker at a U.S. embassy or consulate. | Not required |
Apply well in advance
U.S. visa processing can take weeks or months. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved. Interview slots at the Nicosia embassy fill up quickly, especially during summer and holiday seasons.
Visa-free travel is not available
Cyprus is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use an ESTA or enter without a visa. The only way to visit the U.S. for tourism or business is through a B-1/B-2 visa.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 Form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application. Upload a recent passport-style photo. After submission, print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 fee online via the U.S. visa appointment system or at a designated bank in Cyprus. Keep the payment receipt — it's required to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule Your Interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment website, select the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, and pick an available date. Wait times vary by season — check current estimates on the embassy's site. Book as early as possible.
4
Attend the Interview
Arrive at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia (corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi) on your appointment day. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents. The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Cyprus. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for Processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker within a few days to a couple of weeks. You can track the status online. If refused, the officer will explain why.
6
Prepare for Arrival in the U.S.
Once you have the visa, book your flight and accommodation. At U.S. border control, have your passport, visa, and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your plans — keep answers short and consistent with your visa application.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$185
Standard visa for tourism/business; must apply at U.S. embassy Nicosia
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stayUp to 90 days per visit
Validity2 years or until passport expiry
Cost$21
Not available for Cypriot passport holders; Cyprus is not in VWP
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 visa application fee (MRV fee)Non-refundable, paid before interview | $185 |
| SEVIS fee (if applying for F, M, J visa)Only for student/exchange visitor visas, not B-1/B-2 | $350 |
| Visa extension (I-539 application fee)For extending B-1/B-2 stay beyond I-94 expiry | $420 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application (DS-160)30%
Insufficient ties to Cyprus25%
Inadequate financial proof20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
No transit visa needed
Cypriot passport holders do not need a visa for airside transit through the U.S. if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area for less than 8 hours. However, most travelers will need a C-1 transit visa if leaving the airport or if the layover exceeds 8 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 8h
Exceptions & conditions
- Travelers with a valid U.S. visa or ESTA do not need a transit visa
- Citizens of countries with a visa waiver agreement (Cyprus not included)
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International (JFK) · Los Angeles International (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Required for entry
COVID-19As of 2026, non-U.S. citizens must show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to board flights to the U.S., unless exempted.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially Northeast and Upper Midwest
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; seasonal risk in summer/fall
Air pollution in major citiesLow risk
May affect those with respiratory conditions
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nicosia
U.S. Embassy Nicosia
Metochiou & Ploutarchou Streets, 2407 Engomi, Nicosia
Monday–Friday 8:00–17:00 (visa section by appointment only)
Washington D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Monday–Friday 8:00–16:00 (appointment required)
Practical information for CY travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 8 weeks. Interview wait times at the Nicosia embassy vary by season; check the current estimated wait time on the embassy's website. Processing after the interview usually takes 3–7 business days.
No. Most applicants aged 14–79 must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 may qualify for an interview waiver in some cases.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one recent passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements, property deeds, travel itinerary, and any previous U.S. visas. The officer may not look at everything, but having them ready shows preparation.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (approximately €170 as of 2026). This covers processing and the interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
If refused, the consular officer will give you a reason under U.S. immigration law (e.g., insufficient ties to Cyprus, incomplete application). You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reason for refusal. There is no appeal process.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is for temporary visits only. You cannot extend your stay beyond the date stamped on your I-94 form at entry. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel to the U.S.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Cyprus does not). Even for a short layover, you need a valid U.S. visa. There is no transit visa exemption for Cypriot passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.