Cyprus Visa for Indians - Definitive Guide

At the time of visiting any other country, there are certain procedures that are to be performed. These include the personal verification, approval of documents, getting a permit to enter the country among others. The important and the initial procedure that you need to worry about is the issuance of the visa. In order to be allowed to enter Cyprus for your required purpose, you will need to issue a particular type of visa to Cyprus for the same. With this visa, you can tour the country, visit your friends and family members in Cyprus, do business in the country and others. The validity offered by the visa depends on the type that you have opted, although generally, the validity ranges from 6 months to a year. However, it allows a stay of 90 days per visit.

The process of application for Cyprus visa is mainly offline and is carried out by the certified visa application centres and the embassy. However, there are certain things to consider before going ahead with the application process. You must first check if you have a valid passport and other requirements, also, you need to meet the eligibility criteria for the application process. The steps for the application for issuing a visa to Cyprus are given as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the Cyprus High Commission.
2. Go to the visa section and find the form for application for Cyprus visa.
3. Download and print out the form.
4. You can then fill out the form with all the required details from the passport and other documents.
5. Sign the form and attach the supporting documents with the form.
6. You can then submit the form to the nearest office of VAC.

The documents to be submitted must be in good condition and there is no need for an appointment for the submission. The completely filled and signed visa application form can be submitted to the visa application centre (VAC). You must also make sure to submit the application at least 90 to 15 days prior to the date of travel.

Also, at the time of filling out the form, you need to make sure that the information provided on the visa application form checks out with the details on your passport and other documents. If there is any incorrect or unverifiable information, there are chances that the visa application may get rejected. This kind of visa rejection can even affect your future applications for any kind of visa to Cyprus or any other country as well. To avoid the same, you can even pursue consultation from the professionals to make sure not to make a mistake that could have consequences.

Different kinds of visas are required for different kinds of purposes. There are Cyprus visa types as per the purpose of visit and the number of entries allowed. Mainly, the visas are classified on the number of entries permitted. The classification of Cyprus visa is as follows:

• Single entry
  This is the category in which you will be allowed to issue visas for a single entry in Cyprus. The validity of this visa is ranges from 90 to 180 days and the traveller is allowed to stay in the country for up to 90 days per visit within the validity. The duration of stay is to be decided by the High Commission.
• Tourist visa
  A tourist visa is issued at the time when the traveller is willing to visit the country for tourism. The tourist visa spans for about 3 months and can be extended as per the requirement.

• Visitor visa
  This visa is required when you are looking forward to visiting your family or friends in the country. To obtain this visa, you require an invitation from the person you are visiting in Cyprus. The validity is the same as the tourist visa.

• Multiple entries
  This type of visa is issued when the applicant requires multiple entries to Cyprus. The validity is, therefore, more than the single entry type. The multiple entry visa is grants validity for a year allowing stay of 90 days per visit.

• Business visa
  When a business person is travelling to Cyprus for carrying out business-related transactions or making business deals, a business visa is needed for the same. The span for the business visa depends on your purpose of visit. It is mainly considered as a type of multiple entry visa.

There are different kinds of documents needed for different types. The documents mainly vary depending on the purpose of the visit. The list of common documents for Cyprus Visa is given as follows:

• An original passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of the date of travel.
• Visa application form, completely filled and signed
• Coloured photographs as per the photo specifications
• A cover letter with all the required details
• Confirmed flight tickets
• Income Tax Returns proof
• Travel Health Insurance
• Detailed Itinerary
• Assumption of Responsibility letter
• Invitee’s passport and residence proof
• Proof of accommodation - invitation letter, hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof of purpose of visit - invitation letter, exhibition or conference pass, etc. 
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement or any other equivalent document.
• Proof of identification and nationality - PAN card, Adhaar card

Note: If you are willing to keep the original documents with you, you can mail the required originals with their photocopies. The documents must be in English, Greek or Turkish. If they are in any other languages, the documents must be translated from certified translators and attested as well.

Two copies must be provided

• Photo size: 40 mm x 50 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame - 32 mm x 36 mm. 
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The visa fee is paid at the time of application. It must be paid in cash and in INR. It is paid for the processing of the documents and the verification of the data. It is also important to note that the Consulate does not accept ₹500 notes.

Since the Cyprus visa is offline, the status of the processing of the visa can be checked by confirming with the visa application centre or by calling the Consulate. You just have to contact the Consulate, make sure you have your visa application number with you as this is required to check the status.

You will have to apply offline to the High Commission of Cyprus to get the visa. The High Commission is based in Delhi. There are other ways for application as well. You can apply through a visa application centre or third party. Most importantly, it needs to be ensured that the application is submitted well in advance so that the processing is done in time.

At times, the process may seem complicated and the formalities involved can seem difficult to be carried out individually. In such cases, professional visa consultation can be considered from the visa agencies. This will allow you to have your documents handled professionally and the procedure may even be quicker than the normal process.