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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China-Cyprus Trade Rises 26% As Businesses Seek New Opportunities

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 28, 2026

Trade between China and Cyprus rose 26% year on year to $1.44 billion (€1.29 billion) in 2025, opening further opportunities for cooperation in shipping, tourism, green technology and digital services.

Speaking at a business forum in Nicosia on Tuesday, China’s ambassador to Cyprus, Yang Yundong, said China had become Cyprus’ fourth-largest trading partner. Cypriot products, including halloumi, zivania and fresh juices, are also gaining ground in the Chinese market.

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Expanding Bilateral Business Ties

Yang highlighted shipping, tourism, green technologies and the digital economy as promising areas for cooperation, while positioning Cyprus as a potential bridge between China and the European Union.

Organised by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE), the forum marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

KEVE chairman Stavros Stavrou said the priority was to turn longstanding ties into concrete business partnerships. Cyprus offers Chinese companies access to the EU single market, while China provides opportunities for Cypriot businesses seeking to expand internationally.

Tourism And Technology Drive Opportunities

A forthcoming agreement between Cyprus-based travel agency Top Kinisis and China’s Zhejiang Overseas (Ningbo) International Travel Service illustrates the potential for closer commercial cooperation.

Marios Tannousis, director of Invest Cyprus, identified information and communications technology as a key contributor to the Cypriot economy. The sector generates an estimated €4 billion annually, equivalent to around 15% of GDP.

Tannousis also highlighted Cyprus’ ability to attract foreign direct investment from multiple regions, noting that the country ranks among the world’s top 10 for FDI per capita.

Strengthening Business Connections

Theodoros Parperis, chairman of the Cyprus-China Business Association, called for further expansion of trade and investment. Established in 1995 under the auspices of KEVE and the Chinese embassy in Cyprus, the association now has more than 200 members.

The forum highlighted opportunities to deepen economic ties, with future growth depending on businesses turning market access and shared interests into practical partnerships across key sectors.

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