The goal to eliminate US visa requirements by the end of 2024 or early 2025 is entirely feasible, stated Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis today, Wednesday.

In statements at the Presidential Palace after the Cabinet meeting, Letymbiotis referred to President Nikos Christodoulides’ assertion that the visa waiver process for the US is in its final stage. He reminded that during the Foreign Minister's visit to the US, one of the last pending agreements for Cyprus’s inclusion in this program was signed, effectively putting the process in its final stage.

Mr. Letymbiotis mentioned that the Deputy Minister to the President, appointed last year as the coordinator for Cyprus's efforts to join the program—which would eliminate visa requirements for Cypriot passport holders traveling to the US—is preparing the necessary documents to be submitted to the US.

He explained that the remaining hurdle is a practical issue stipulated by the US: the visa rejection rate must be below 3%.

"In other words, out of 100 applications submitted by Cypriot passport holders, fewer than three should be rejected. Last year, we were very close to this goal, and we hope to achieve it this year. One more agreement needs to be signed, and we hope this will happen very soon," he stated.

Mr. Letymbiotis emphasized that Cyprus is meeting all its obligations and that the 3% rejection rate remains a challenge, but expressed optimism about achieving this goal.

"Once these documents are submitted, there will be a period of about three months for the US to evaluate and accept or reject the rate. Therefore, the target for the end of 2024 to early 2025 is entirely feasible and was set from the beginning of this administration's term," he noted.

In response to another question, the Spokesperson clarified that any country applying for the program must meet this rejection rate criterion.