A few weeks ago, the Cypriot government issued an ETIAS for citizens of Israel. This document is meant to help Israelis evade being grilled about their whereabouts when they enter and leave Cyprus.
This comes at a time when the Israeli-Cypriot relations are deteriorating rapidly. The main issue is that Jerusalem is insisting on UN Cypriot recognition of the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem, which is categorically opposed by Nicosia.
So, what does this mean for Israelis living in Cyprus?
For one, it means that you’ll need an ETIAS if you want to travel to mainland Cyprus. An ETIAS application can also provide extra protection if you get arrested—your nationality will automatically be listed as belonging to a “friendly” country, which in this case would be Israel. However, this document won’t exempt you from any travel restrictions that Cyprus may have put in place (i.e. no traveling to dangerous areas).
Applying For Cyprus ETIAS From Israel
Israeli citizens can apply for an ETIAS visa online at the Cyprus embassy in Tel Aviv or through their nearest diplomatic mission. Applicants must have a valid passport and be in good physical health. The visa application process takes around two weeks and costs around €60. Once the application is complete, applicants will receive a confirmation email and should also print out their ETIAS visa confirmation pages. When travelling to Cyprus, Israeli citizens must carry their confirmation pages with them and show them upon arrival.
Reasons You Should Get An Cyprus ETIAS
The Cyprus ETIAS was recently announced and it is now available for citizens of Israel. According to the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ETIAS constitutes a new visa category that will be used “for tourism or business trips.” The Cyprus ETIAS has been created in order to better manage arrivals and facilitate the transfer of persons between different parts of the island. The application process for the Cyprus ETIAS is also said to be streamlined.
The Cyprus ETIAS is a short-stay visa that will be available for citizens of Israel and is valid for a period of three months beginning from the date of issuance. For travel purposes, the Cyprus ETIAS will replace the current visa requirements for Israelis traveling to Cyprus. The cost of the Cyprus ETIAS is €50 ($60). holders of a valid Israeli passport can apply online at e-tias.gov.cy or at any Cypriot diplomatic mission.
Things To Consider Before Coming To Cyprus
If you are a citizen of Israel, you should consider the following before coming to Cyprus:
Cyprus has an ETIAS agreement with the European Union. This allows for visa-free travel for citizens of the EU and Norway, but not for citizens of Israel.
Israeli citizens must show an ETIAS exemption certificate if they plan to travel to Cyprus for more than 90 days. There are a few restrictions on this certificate: it is only valid for holders of Israeli passports, it cannot be used by people who have been deported or refused entry to another country, and it is valid only once and can be used only once within six months of issue.
You must also have a valid passport that is not more than six months expired at the time of arrival in Cyprus. Finally, you must also have a return ticket or sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cyprus if your visit is longer than 90 days.
Cyprus ETIAS For Citizens Of Israel – FAQ
What is the Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
The Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel is a visa-free travel program that allows nationals of Israel to travel to Cyprus without a visa. The program was first introduced in December 2018 and is currently available to Israelis who hold valid Israeli passports or identification cards.
How do I qualify for the Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
To qualify for the Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel, you must have a valid Israeli passport or identification card. Alternatively, if you are travelling on a diplomatic or official passport, you may be exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa.
Is there a fee associated with the Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
There is no fee associated with the Cyprus ETIAS for citizens of Israel. However, you will need to pay any applicable taxes when traveling to Cyprus.
Conclusion
Israel has officially issued an ETIAS for Cypriots and as such, Israeli citizens traveling to Cyprus can benefit from the same visa-free regime as Cypriots. Israelis are still required to carry a valid passport when in Cyprus, stay within the tourist areas only and exercise caution while travelling.