Where can you apply for a tourist visa for Cyprus?
Tourist Visas are issued by all the Diplomatic Missions (Embassies and General Consulates) and all the Honorary Consulates of the Republic of Cyprus abroad in their respective countries. They can be extended for a maximum period of 3 months. Visas with the term FINAL can only be extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when special reasons exist (e.g. humanitarian reasons, holders of property in Cyprus etc).
In the case where foreigners from third countries receive visas from a consular authority of Cyprus and their aim is to achieve an extension in their stay, the term FINAL is not noted and the Civil Registry and Migration Department (C.R.M.D.) can accept an application “MVIS3” after the submission of all the required documents, duly certified.
What is an Asylum seeker? Can they study at the University of Cyprus?
This is a person who has fled his or her country of origin and is seeking recognition and protection as a refugee in the Republic of Cyprus, and whose application is still under consideration. In case of a negative decision on their application, they will need to leave the country voluntarily or face deportation.
The asylum seekers are allowed to study at the University of Cyprus, provided that they have been accepted to register to a Program of Study at the University of Cyprus.
(Of course, for the asylum seekers there is the possibility of not obtaining a visa and forced to leave the country. In such a case, the studies at the University are also interrupted).
Can a Refugee study at the University of Cyprus?
Yes, they may attend UCY. Resettled refugees are permanent residents on arrival and have all the rights of other permanent residents.
Can Refugees work in Cyprus?
According to the Cyprus Refugee Law, once you are recognised as a refugee or granted subsidiary protection, you will have immediate access to employment from the date your status is granted. There are no restrictions to working in a particular sector or occupation.
Is the entry permit visa application fee refundable?
No, visa fees once submitted to the Migration Department is non-refundable.
How do I pay my visa fees?
The payment for the entry visa fees should be made via JCC SMART, through the website https://www.jccsmart.com/e-bill/9356296 (Application will not be processed without this non-refundable fee).
When should I start making travel arrangements?
We strongly recommend not to book your flight until you have received the Visa/Blue Slip. Before booking your flight, you should also check the latest travel policies of your own government for any restrictions about leaving (and returning to) your country. Be aware that as long as there are travel restrictions in place, the availability of flights to and from Cyprus may be limited.
Where can I certify my documents in my home country for the entry permit visa purposes?
Each document has its own verification formalities hence attestation varies depending upon each certificate. Most of the countries follow the below verification process as standard procedure: Home Ministry verification / Foreign Affairs verification / Embassy Attestation and finally Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation from the foreign country. However, the process may vary depending on the document and the laws of the origin and destination country.
When should I apply for my entry permit visa?
You can only apply for your entry permit visa once you have been accepted to study/work at the University of Cyprus. We will then provide you with an admission/employment letter and with an email explaining you the visa procedure.
I am a third country national with a valid European permit card. Can I enter Cyprus without obtaining a visa?
You are allowed to enter Cyprus without obtaining an entry permit visa. You can enter as a tourist/visitor and when coming in Cyprus you must apply for the residence permit visa application to the Migration Department.
I can’t find accommodation. What should I do?
Finding accommodation in these troubled times can be difficult, but we have implemented a dedicated Housing Office to support our students/staff. Should you have any problem finding temporary or long-term accommodation, please contact http://ucy.ac.cy/housing/en/
Do EU citizens require an entry permit visa for entry to Cyprus?
EU citizens do not require a visa for entry to Cyprus, but they must carry a passport which must be valid at least until the day of departure from Cyprus, or their national identity card provided there is a photo and the citizenship is declared. The application for the issue of a Registration Certificate must be submitted by the European Union citizen and family members who are also citizens of a Member State, within four months from the date of entry into the Republic.
Can I enter Cyprus with a Schengen visa?
Cyprus is not yet a member of the Schengen area, but holders of valid dual or multiple-entry Schengen visas can enter, stay and transit in or through Cyprus for tourism purpose, without the need for an additional visa. For more information please visit the following website: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa_en.
I am going to stay only for a short-time period. What do you suggest?
The nationals of many non-EU countries do not require a visa to enter Cyprus for a stay not exceeding three months. Details of visa-exempt countries and visa application procedures are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website https://mfa.gov.cy/
What is a Temporary Residence Permit Card?
Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, allows Non-European Union passport holders to extend their stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months (90 days). It will also enable tourists and visitors to extend their stay no matter what was the duration of their initial visa. They should apply before their current visa expires.
Can a non-EU student work while on a study visa?
Non-EU students who came in Cyprus after 31st of October 2022, are not allowed to work.
If a student/staff is awaiting the outcome of their residence permit visa issuance/renewal, can they depart Cyprus?
We recommend that the student/staff remain in Cyprus while they await the outcome of their visa. If they want to travel to their home country, they can use the Receipt they have from the Migration Department. If it is mandatory to travel to another EU country, they must contact the respective country’s Embassy in Cyprus for advice.
Will I be able to travel outside of the Republic of Cyprus on my residence permit visa?
If you wish to go to another country for a study trip or holiday, you should contact that country’s embassy in Cyprus to find out if you need a visa and how to apply. However, your Temporary Residence Permit will be cancelled automatically if you’re absent from Cyprus for more than 3 consecutive months.
Will there be any consequences if an International student/researcher remains in Cyprus after their visa has expired?
YES! When a foreigner overstays the validity of their visa it is illegal. This will likely be detected when the International student/Researcher leaves Cyprus and goes through passport control to have their passport and visa checked. Once they are identified as having overstayed, they will be declared undesirable and receive a ban on re-entering Cyprus until a certain period have lapsed.
My Temporary Residence Permit will expire shortly. How can I renew it and when shall I apply for the renewal of my residence permit?
Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus is valid for up to one year and can be renewed on an annual basis. You shall submit the application for renewing your residence permit at least one (1) month before the expiry of the residence permit you are holding.
How long will the examination of my application for a residence permit take?
The Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department is responsible for issuing residence permit cards. The examination of an application for a residence permit depends on the category of residence and the complexity of the application. According to the legislation in force applications are examined: (1) employment – within four months, (2) family reunification of a third country national – within nine months, (3) long-term residents – within twelve months, (4) students – within three months.
From where will I will receive my residence permit?
The International Students and Staff Support Office will inform you when your residence permit card is ready to collect it from them.
Can I enter Cyprus as a tourist and then transform my visa to a student’s visa?
If you enter Cyprus on a tourist visa, this cannot be changed to a study visa once you’re here. Tourist visas only allow you to legally enter and remain in Cyprus for up to 90 days. You can leave Cyprus and re-enter as a student by applying for Entry Permit Visa.
Where is the Civil Registry and Migration Department located?
The Civil Registry and Migration Department is at Arch. Makariou Avenue, 90, 1077, Nicosia.
How can I invite a third country national to Cyprus?
When a third country national is invited in Cyprus for tourist reasons, the assumption for responsibility of hosting form is completed and submitted along with a bank guarantee (€855 for Asian Countries, €515 for Eastern Europe Countries and €340 for Middle East Countries) and a copy of the foreigner’s passport.
Can the University help me speed up my residence permit card application?
The International Students and Staff Support Office is always in communication with the Migration Department and ready to provide assistance to all International Students and Staff, so as to minimize the processes and address any obstacles that may arise. However, the Migration Department is a governmental department and its procedures are independent from the University of Cyprus.
I am a student. Can I bring my spouse with me in Cyprus?
Unfortunately, no. According to Cyprus legislation, you cannot bring your spouse on a dependent visa if you are a student. Cyprus doesn’t allow the dependent visa for International Students.
I am a Researcher. Can I bring my spouse with me in Cyprus?
Non-EU Researchers are able to bring their family in Cyprus with them. Their spouse must grant a tourist visa from the Cyprus Embassy/General Consulate in their respective country so they will be allowed to enter Cyprus. Once they enter Cyprus they must submit their papers to the Migration Department for their residence permit visa as a Researcher’s dependants.
How do I issue the University Student’s Card?
You can find instructions for the issuance of the University Student’s card on the following link https://www.ucy.ac.cy/fmweb/documents/Announcements/INSTRUCTIONS_FOR_UNIVERSITY_STUDENTS_FOR_THE_ISSUANCE_OF_THE_UNIVERSITY_STUDENT_2016.pdf
I am a Third Country National (Non-EU citizen) student/staff of the UCY. Am I a GHS beneficiary?
Primarily, you must reside in the areas that are controlled by the Republic of Cyprus. If you are a resident of the government-controlled areas you are a GHS beneficiary if a) you are employed, or b) you have acquired permanent residence status, or c) you have been granted refugee or supplementary protection status, or d) you are a member of the family of a beneficiary or e) you are insured in another EU Member State. For more information regarding the GHS you can visit the Cyprus Government Web Portal http://www.gesy.org.cy/
Who can I contact with further questions regarding my visa?
Students/Staff with immigration and visa-related queries can contact the International Students and Staff Support Office by email: [email protected]
I don’t see my question mentioned. What should I do?
The University of Cyprus is working hard to answer all relevant questions. If you have any specific questions about your visa/residence application process, that are not answered in this FAQ, please contact [email protected]
