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Cypriot Passport Ranks 13th Globally for Travel Freedom

The Cypriot passport has achieved an impressive 13th position in the global ranking for travel freedom, according to the latest report by Henley & Partners, an esteemed firm specialising in global citizenship and residence advisory. This notable ranking reflects the strength and versatility of the Cypriot passport, granting its holders extensive travel privileges worldwide.

The Henley Passport Index, which assesses the travel access provided by different nations’ passports, has placed Cyprus in this prestigious position based on the number of destinations its citizens can visit without a prior visa. As of the latest update, Cypriot passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 178 countries and territories, underscoring the significant mobility and convenience afforded by Cypriot citizenship.

This achievement is a testament to Cyprus’s robust diplomatic relationships and its standing within the international community. The country’s EU membership plays a pivotal role in this high ranking, facilitating visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and numerous other countries. Additionally, Cyprus’s bilateral agreements and participation in various international organisations further enhance its passport’s global reach.

The high ranking of the Cypriot passport is particularly advantageous for business professionals, frequent travellers, and those seeking international opportunities. It enables seamless travel for business, tourism, and personal purposes, reducing the administrative burden and costs associated with visa applications. This ease of travel is a significant asset for Cypriots, fostering greater global mobility and connectivity.

Moreover, the strength of the Cypriot passport contributes positively to the country’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investors and expatriates. The ability to travel freely to a wide array of countries is a compelling factor for individuals considering Cyprus as a base for business or residence. This aspect enhances the island’s reputation as a favourable location for international business operations and high-net-worth individuals seeking global mobility.

The rise of the Cypriot passport in the Henley Passport Index also reflects the ongoing efforts by the Cypriot government to bolster its international ties and enhance the nation’s global standing. Diplomatic initiatives, economic agreements, and collaborative efforts with other countries have played a crucial role in expanding the travel freedoms enjoyed by Cypriot citizens.

In addition to the practical benefits, the ranking is a source of national pride, highlighting Cyprus’s successful navigation of global diplomatic and economic landscapes. It underscores the island’s commitment to maintaining strong international relations and ensuring that its citizens can enjoy the benefits of extensive travel access.

Despite its high ranking, the Cypriot government continues to work towards further enhancing the passport’s strength. Ongoing negotiations and efforts to establish new visa-waiver agreements aim to expand the list of accessible destinations, ensuring that Cypriot passport holders can enjoy even greater travel freedoms in the future.

Economist’s 22nd Cyprus Summit To Bring Political And Business Leaders To Nicosia On 9–10 November

Overview

The 22nd Annual Cyprus Summit, organised by Economist Enterprise, will take place on 9–10 November 2026 at The Landmark Nicosia, bringing together political leaders, European policymakers, business executives and international experts to discuss the economic and geopolitical challenges facing Cyprus and the wider eastern Mediterranean.

Under this year’s theme, “A Strategic Gateway for Regional Co-operation,” the two-day conference will examine Cyprus’s position in a changing international environment, with discussions covering investment, energy security, artificial intelligence, financial technology and Europe’s economic competitiveness.

President Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to deliver the official opening address on Monday, 9 November, focusing on stability and resilience in the eastern Mediterranean and Cyprus’s role in the region.

The programme will also feature senior representatives from European institutions, international organisations and the private sector.

What To Expect

The summit will examine how geopolitical developments, technological change and economic pressures are affecting business and policymaking in Cyprus and across Europe.

The first day, Monday, 9 November, will focus primarily on international relations, investment and energy.

An opening discussion led by John Peet, associate editor of special reports at The Economist, and Joan Hoey, Europe consultant at the Economist Intelligence Unit, will consider the economic and political outlook for Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.

A session titled “Investing in Turbulent Times: Make It Simple” will examine how Europe can attract investment, reduce barriers to growth and strengthen its economic resilience.

The programme will also address US-Cyprus relations, diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and Europe’s evolving foreign policy priorities.

Energy will feature prominently, including discussions on regional energy security and the Great Sea Interconnector, the proposed electricity connection between Greece, Cyprus and Israel. Speakers will examine the project’s commercial viability and the geopolitical challenges associated with its development.

On Tuesday, 10 November, attention will turn to issues including the Cyprus problem, healthcare resilience, artificial intelligence, fintech and workforce development.

The session “AI: Driving Growth or Deepening Inequality?” will consider the economic opportunities created by artificial intelligence alongside concerns about employment, unequal access to technology and the distribution of its benefits.

A separate fintech discussion, “Smart Finance: The Fintech Era,” will explore how technological developments are affecting banking and financial services.

The conference will conclude with a discussion on preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy, including the relationship between education, skills development and future employment needs.

Speaker Line-Up

The programme includes senior political figures, policymakers and business representatives from Cyprus and abroad.

Among the announced participants are:

  • Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus
  • HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, joining remotely
  • Sir Julian King, former European commissioner for the security union
  • Ehud Olmert, former prime minister of Israel
  • Amre Moussa, former secretary-general of the League of Arab States
  • Ioannis Tsakiris, vice-president of the European Investment Bank
  • Constantinos Kombos, Cyprus’s minister of foreign affairs
  • Michael Damianos, Cyprus’s minister of energy, commerce and industry
  • Nicodemos Damianou, Cyprus’s deputy minister of research, innovation and digital policy
  • Evgenios Evgeniou, chairman of Invest Cyprus
  • Stavros Stavrou, president of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Andreas Yiasemides, chief executive and chairman of PwC Cyprus

The business and technology discussions will also feature representatives from financial services and investment, including Lucia Pecchini, secretary-general of the European FinTech Association, Ornit Shinar, managing partner at Sanchi Capital, and executives from ECOMMBX and Capital.com.

Other announced speakers include Athena Michaelidou, Cyprus’s minister of education, sport and youth, and Manuela Geleng, director for jobs and skills at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

Who Should Attend

The summit is particularly relevant to business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, financial services professionals, policymakers and executives working in sectors affected by regional economic and technological developments.

Its discussions on investment, AI, fintech and energy may be of particular interest to Cyprus-based businesses considering international expansion, technological investment or new financing opportunities.

The conference also offers an opportunity to follow discussions on the policies and international relationships affecting Cyprus’s economic development.

Date And Venue

Dates: Monday, 9 November and Tuesday, 10 November 2026

Venue: The Landmark Nicosia, 98 Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, 1077 Nicosia

Programme:

  • Monday, 9 November: Registration begins at 08:15, followed by the opening sessions at 08:45.
  • Tuesday, 10 November: Registration begins at 08:45, with the conference programme scheduled to conclude at 15:30.

The programme includes keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking lunches.

How To Attend

Those interested in attending can submit an enquiry through the official 22nd Annual Cyprus Summit website.

About The Annual Cyprus Summit

The Annual Cyprus Summit is part of the international conference programme associated with The Economist, bringing together representatives from government, business and international institutions to discuss developments affecting Cyprus and its regional partners.

The 2026 edition is centred on the country’s potential role in strengthening cooperation between Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, with particular attention to geopolitical stability, competitiveness, investment and technological development.

Further information, including the full agenda, is available through Economist Enterprise.

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