All Cypriot citizens—who are also European Union citizens—can currently travel as tourists to other EU countries for up to three months using a valid passport or ID card. They also have the right to reside in any EU member state for work purposes, enjoying equal treatment with nationals of the host country.

In addition, entrepreneurs benefit from the right of establishment, and students may pursue higher education anywhere within the EU. These freedoms are among the many opportunities expected to expand further once Cyprus joins the Schengen Zone, a milestone anticipated in the first half of 2026.

According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaking to Brief, Cyprus has initiated its path toward full Schengen membership, having made significant progress in aligning its policies and practices with Schengen standards, particularly regarding open-border policies.

Until now, Cyprus has not been able to join the Schengen Zone due to the existence of the Green Line. Visas issued by Cypriot embassies only allow entry into Cyprus and not into other Schengen countries.

Full Schengen accession will allow Cypriot citizens to travel freely across all member states without border checks or additional visas. This would simplify travel for tourists and business professionals, fostering cross-border mobility and cooperation.

Business associations told Brief that accession to the Schengen Zone will strengthen the tourism sector and simplify travel arrangements for visitors. As a result, tourist arrivals are expected to increase, boosting the economy and supporting local enterprises.

Eliminating internal border checks will also reduce bureaucracy and improve the free movement of goods and services across borders. This will enhance cross-border trade, create new business opportunities, and support broader economic growth.

Beyond mobility, Cyprus's Schengen membership will bring closer cooperation with other member states in security matters. It will allow access to shared databases and information networks, contributing to enhanced efforts in crime prevention and counter-terrorism.

Cyprus is currently undergoing a series of evaluations to confirm its readiness to fully implement Schengen rules. Once the country meets all criteria and gains approval from the Council, the decision will require unanimous support from Schengen members, following consultation with the European Parliament.

Schengen is the world’s largest area of free movement and internal security. It guarantees unrestricted movement to over 450 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals living in or visiting the EU for tourism, study, or business.

Bulgaria and Romania were the most recent countries to fully join the Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. The zone currently includes 25 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. These countries benefit from the abolition of internal border checks and enhanced cooperation that would not be possible on a national basis alone.

Although Cyprus is already considered a Schengen partner—participating in various forms of cooperation—internal border checks have yet to be lifted by the Council.

Ireland, on the other hand, has opted out of Schengen’s full implementation. It maintains its own border and visa policies but has opted into certain aspects, such as the Schengen Information System and judicial and police cooperation.