Cyprus Visit Visa - Definitive Guide

There are different kinds of short term visa to visit Cyprus. One of the common ones is a visitor visa. It is quite similar to the tourist type and generally falls under the single entry category. This kind differs from the tourist visa by the purpose of the visit and therefore requirement of one extra document. There are other different document requirements as well. It is needed at the time when you are looking forward to visiting your family members or friends in the country. To obtain a visitor visa, you require an invitation from the person you are visiting in Cyprus. The validity for a Cyprus visitor visa is 180 days as well, which can be extended as per the requirement.

The application process for the issuance of the visa is mainly offline. You can apply at the certified visa application centres or the High Commission directly. However, before that, you need to make sure that you have the eligibility to apply for the visa. You need to make sure that you have a valid passport and other important documents that are required. The guidelines that are put forth by the Consulate and the Civil Registry and Immigration Department must be followed. The step by step procedure for the issuance of the Cyprus visit visa is as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the Cyprus High Commission.
2. Go to the visa section and look for the Cyprus visit visa application form.
3. Download and print out the visa application 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 office of Cyprus High Commission, New Delhi.

At the time of filling out the application form, you must take care that the information provided on the application form checks out with the details on your passport and other relevant documents. If there is any kind of 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.

There are certain factors that you need to consider to be able to obtain a visitor visa. The criteria must be taken into consideration before going ahead with the application process. The criteria that make you eligible for the permit are mentioned as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Cyprus.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Cyprus.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof.
• You must be within the age limit to be able to apply for a work permit.
• You must meet the character requirements

• You must be of good character and have genuine intentions behind working in Cyprus.
• You need to provide a relevant documentary proof for the same as well (if asked) in the form of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
• You must have sufficient funds

• You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Cyprus.
• Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

Documents required for Cyprus visit visa  are as  follows:

When you are applying for the visa, there are certain documents that you require. The requirements for the Cyprus visit visa are listed 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
• 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 processing time required for the issuance of the Cyprus tourist visa is about 15 days. The time will still vary depending on certain factors like the workload at the Consular office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others. The time increases and decreases affected by these parameters.

The fee for a Cyprus visit visa is paid at the time of submission of the visa application form. 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.

At the time of submission, there are a few things that you need to take care of -

• 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 or directly to the Consulate. 
• The application form must be submitted in person. 
• If in case you are more than 200 miles (300 km) away from the Consulate, or if you do not have access to a nearby visa application centre, you can mail the documents through a registered courier service. 
• If you are mailing the documents, you must make sure to mail them in a special envelope and the parcel must be self-addressed and prepaid so that you can get your documents and passport back safely. 
• You must also make sure to submit the application at least 15 days prior to the date of travel.
• If there are any amendments to be made in the application, the consulate must be informed.
• In case there is a change of plans and you need to cancel the application, the Consulate must be informed.
• The visa fee is normally non-refundable.

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.

When the visa has been received, you need to make sure that your actions do not get the visa cancelled. There are rules and regulations that are to be followed in order to do so. Also, a visa doesn’t necessarily grant you an entry in the country, if any kind of misconduct or if any other kind of issue is observed by the authorities of the airport, you may not be allowed entry. Some pointers can be found in the following:

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Cyprus within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company.
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified.
• Obtain the entry stamp on your passport.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Cyprus
• Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do volunteer work.
• The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
• Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.