Cyprus Nears US Visa Waiver Program As Refusal Rate Drops Below 3%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 28, 2024

Cyprus has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program, with the 2024 visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens reported at just 2.16%. This figure, announced by the US Department of State, is well below the program’s required threshold of 3%, marking a crucial step toward visa-free travel for Cypriots.

Progress Towards Inclusion

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that Cyprus has met a “key prerequisite” for its inclusion in the program. She credited the progress to successful technical consultations between Cyprus and the United States over the past year.

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Piki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Cyprus’ inclusion in the program by 2025, allowing Cypriots to travel to the US for tourism and business without the need for a visa.

Support from US Officials

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, also acknowledged the milestone, describing it as a significant step forward. She expressed optimism that Cypriots would soon enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel to the US.

What’s Next?

The Cypriot government plans to continue its focused efforts to meet all remaining requirements, ensuring the process stays on track. This achievement underscores the growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US, paving the way for stronger ties and easier travel.

As Cyprus moves closer to this goal, the prospect of visa-free access to the US represents an important development for both business and leisure travellers.

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Cyprus Tourism Revenue Rises 7.4% In Early 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 11, 2026

Recent data from the Cyprus Statistical Service reveals that tourism revenues rose by 7.4% during January and February 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This upward trend in earnings comes ahead of the onset of the US-Israel conflict targeting Iran, highlighting the sustained recovery in the tourism sector.

Steady Growth In Tourism Revenues

In February 2026 alone, tourism revenues reached €85.3 million, marking a 7% increase from €79.7 million in February 2025. Over the combined period of January and February 2026, total earnings from tourism climbed to €159.9 million from €148.9 million recorded the previous year.

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Increasing Arrivals And Shifting Spending Trends

The robust growth in revenues has been supported by a notable rise in tourist arrivals. January 2026 saw an 8.5% increase in visitors compared to January 2025, with February recording a 9.5% climb. However, the average expenditure per tourist experienced a modest decline; in February 2026, the per capita spend dropped by 2.3% to €581.85 from €595.71 in the same month last year.

International Market Dynamics

Analysis of the visitor demographics indicates that the United Kingdom remained the largest tourism market for Cyprus in February 2026, representing 19.3% of all arrivals. British tourists spent an average of €72.72 per day. Additionally, Poland accounted for 18.4% of visitors, with Polish tourists spending an average of €75.02 daily. Israel emerged as the third-largest market, with 12.6% of arrivals, and its visitors led in daily spending at €157.15.

The continued growth in tourism revenue, coupled with rising visitor numbers, underscores the resilience of Cyprus’ tourism industry amid a shifting geopolitical landscape. As the island nation capitalizes on its appeal to international travelers, strategic investments and market diversification will be critical to sustaining long-term economic momentum.

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