The Schengen Agreement was adopted in order to, amongst others, enhance the free movement of persons. Citizens can cross internal borders of the Schengen Area without being subject to checks. Below you my find a few facts in respect of the Schengen Area and Cyprus:
- Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen Area and therefore persons traveling from and to Cyprus are subject to border checks;
- However, Cypriot citizens do not require a visa to enter into the Schengen Area, they may reside for 90 days every 6 months;
- Cyprus as such accepts persons traveling to Cyprus on a Schengen visa (some nationalities do require a visa issued by the Republic of Cyprus);
- A person holding a Cypriot residence card (whether permanent or not) may not travel to the Schengen Area without a visa, unless the residence card was obtained due to marriage with a Cypriot citizen;
- A transit visa is not necessary for a holder of a Cypriot residence card;
- At this moment Cyprus is a candidate country for joining the Schengen Agreement.
Having said that, bear in mind that the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) regulation is expected to be operational in 2021 and all visa-exempted third country nationals traveling to the Schengen area, will be obligated to obtain such.