Cyprus is on the verge of joining the United States’ Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a development that would allow Cypriot citizens to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. After years of bilateral negotiations and the completion of all required legal and technical steps, only a final political decision from Washington remains.

According to Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Cyprus has fulfilled all prerequisites demanded by the U.S. government. The next move lies entirely with the American administration’s internal decision-making process. U.S. authorities are expected to recommend Cyprus’s inclusion in the VWP to Congress within the next few months—potentially by September 2025.

Once approved, a three-month implementation phase would follow. During this period, Cypriot travelers would be integrated into U.S. systems, gaining access to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This platform, already in use by most European nations, enables travelers to apply online for pre-screened entry to the United States.

Cyprus has already satisfied several critical milestones necessary for VWP inclusion.

Once Cyprus officially joins the program, its citizens will no longer be required to apply for a B-type U.S. visa for short-term tourism or business trips. Instead, they’ll fill out the ESTA form online at least 72 hours before departure. The ESTA authorization remains valid for two years and permits multiple entries.

However, the waiver does not extend to purposes such as employment, study, or immigration, for which travelers must still apply for the appropriate visas.