Cyprus is on the verge of securing membership in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, a significant development that will soon allow Cypriot passport holders to travel to the United States without a visa.
A team of American technicians is set to visit Cyprus in the coming weeks to finalize the necessary procedures, including system interconnection, marking the last steps before the visa-free travel agreement can be formalized, reports Schengen.News. This move follows Cyprus’ successful fulfillment of all eligibility criteria for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Meeting the Criteria
One key requirement for participation in the Visa Waiver Program is a low visa rejection rate, set at a maximum of 3%. Cyprus has exceeded this threshold, with its visa rejection rate now at a commendable 2.16%. This reduction marks a significant achievement for the country, which has worked diligently to meet the program’s stringent conditions.
Moreover, Cyprus has made substantial strides in enhancing cooperation with the U.S., particularly in cross-border security measures and information exchange between the two governments. These efforts were formalized with the approval of a parliamentary agreement to share relevant data with the American authorities.
Final Steps Before Implementation
Once the technical assessments are complete, the final step will involve the signing of the agreement between Cypriot President Christodoulidis and U.S. President Joe Biden, ideally before the end of the current administration on January 20, 2025.
This milestone places Cyprus alongside Romania and Bulgaria, which are also in the process of joining the Visa Waiver Program. Romania, in particular, has made significant progress by lowering its visa rejection rate below the 3% threshold in 2024, paving the way for its citizens to travel visa-free to the U.S. starting in 2025.
A Step Towards Stronger Global Mobility
The addition of Cyprus to the Visa Waiver Program will strengthen the Cypriot passport, which already enjoys visa-free access to a number of countries. This change will further bolster Cyprus’s international standing and provide its citizens with enhanced travel opportunities to the United States.
As these nations move forward with their integration into the Visa Waiver Program, the long-term impact will be felt both in the ease of travel for their citizens and the strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties with the U.S.
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